Bobby Rydell

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One of the most sought-after nightclub and concert acts in the country, Bobby Rydell’s interest in show business began at the ripe age of four. His performance in Bye Bye Birdie and his recordings “Wild One” and “Volare” made him a famous show business performer of the ’60s. Rydell used his talents as an impersonator and drummer mostly in pursuing a musical career rather than an acting career.

Bobby Rydell was born Robert Ridarelli in Philadelphia. It was his father who encouraged him to pursue a career in show business. At the age of four, Rydell would sit in front of the TV and impersonate such performers as Milton Berle, Louis Prima and Johnny Ray. He also admired drummer Gene Krupa and began playing the drums at the age of six. At the age of seven and with his father’s encouragement, Rydell began performing in nightclubs in Philadelphia.

In 1950, Bobby Rydell entered the amateur show of Paul Whiteman; his first-place win gained him a regular part on the show. He stayed with the Whiteman show for three years and then went to join several local bands in Philadelphia. It was here too that Bobby Ridarelli became the easier-to-pronounce Bobby Rydell. At 16 he began playing with local groups, landing a spot as a drummer for Rocco and the Saints. (Frankie Avalon, another Philadelphia-born musician, played trumpet for the group.) While with the band, Rydell signed a recording contract with Cameo/Parkway Records in Philadelphia.
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  • vanjohnsonnow

    van johnson - reverbnation

    last month

  • LPaone

    This era was the very best.... Most singers were very good and one enjoyed listening and dancing to their songs. Not like today, when its hard to even know what their saying,,, and everything is about the sex look.... I feel very fortunate growing up when I did.

    January 2012

  • LPaone

    This era was the very best.... Most singers were very good and one enjoyed listening and dancing to their songs. Not like today, when its hard to even know what their saying,,, and everything is about the sex look.... I feel very fortunate growing up when I did.

    January 2012

  • temp_sis

    so awesome

    January 2012

  • kaylakaulitz

    Such a great voice :) and a cutie ;)

    August 2011

  • Lowbacca

    http://www.lastfm.de/music/Bobby+Rydell/+images/66241974

    July 2011

  • marcy50

    Love his music..he put out alot of great ones~

    April 2011

  • McCoyMcFlyer

    Kinda sucks that the British invasion sucked his fame away from him.

    January 2011
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