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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.

Tagged as:

rock and roll, 60s, oldies, pop, male vocalists
See more…

1	Jingle Bell Rock full track	152
2	Wild One full track	91
3	Volare full track	62
4	Forget Him full track	35
5	Swingin' School full track	25
6	Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree	16
6	Sway full track	16
8	Jingle Bell Rock (Original Hit Recordings)	14
9	Little Bitty Girl full track	11
9	Kissin' Time full track	11
11	Good Time Baby full track	10
11	Wildwood Days full track	10
13	We Got Love full track	9
14	Please Don't Be Mad full track	7
14	The Cha-Cha-Cha full track	7

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bobbysgirl39 wrote:
November 2008

awesome guy

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Yannis30 wrote:
October 2007

Best similar artists ever!

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hisownparade wrote:
October 2007

I can't believe Bobby Rydell doesn't have a shout yet. This guy is amazing.

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