Bobby Rydell

Bobby Rydell was an American singer and actor who became a teen idol in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Born Robert Louis Ridarelli on April 26, 1942, in Philadelphia, Rydell rose to fame with a string of pop hits including “Wild One,” “Volare,” and “Forget Him.” He was known for his smooth vocals and boy-next-door appeal, and he was a regular on shows like “American Bandstand.”

Rydell also appeared in films, most notably playing Hugo Peabody in the 1963 movie version of “Bye Bye Birdie.” His music helped shape the early rock and roll era, and he maintained a devoted fan base throughout his life. Bobby Rydell passed away in 2022 at the age of 79.