Teenage Idol Bobby Rydell Passes Away at Age 79 : Philadelphia-born singer Bobby Rydell has passed away at age 79. He achieved fame in the late 1950s as a teenage idol and maintained a loyal fan base even after his retirement age. His passing comes as a shock to fans as he was a proponent of organ donation awareness. However, it is important to remember that Bobby was just one of many people who contributed to a better world.
Great Teenage Idol Bobby Rydell Passes Away at Age 79
Bobby Rydell was a teen idol
The late Bobby Rydell was an American teen idol and songwriter. He began performing in his teens and soon signed with a Philadelphia record label, Cameo Records, which later became Cameo/Parkway.
In 1959, he went on to become one of the most popular singers on television, hitting the charts with “Kissin’ Time”. Later, he would record several million-selling singles and was even a part of the band ‘Bobby’s Boys’.
After years of alcohol abuse, Mr. Rydell wrote an autobiography called “Teen Idol on the Rocks”. In 2012, he underwent a liver and kidney transplant, and in December of that same year, he returned to touring.
He also continued to perform as part of the stage production The Golden Boys, though he canceled a tour in Australia in 2012 due to health problems. In July 2012, he had double organ transplants at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
He played Hugo Peabody in the movie Bye Bye Birdie
In 1963, Bobby made his film debut in “Bye Bye Birdie” opposite Ann-Margret. After his film career ended, he continued to appear on stage and in nightclubs. He also starred in the stage show “Golden Boys,” with Frankie Avalon and Fabian. In the musical “Grease,” Rydell’s character was named after him.
Von Lewis portrayed Rydell in the 2018 film Green Book. Bobby is survived by his wife, Linda J. Hoffman; son, Robert Ridarelli; daughter Jennifer Dulin; and five grandchildren.
Before launching his solo career, Bobby Rydell began as a cast member on Paul Whiteman’s hit television show Teen Club. He was signed to Cameo Records and was quickly successful, scoring 34 hits on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart.
His career spanned four decades and included many appearances in movies, such as “Bye Bye Birdie.”
He had 34 singles chart on the Billboard Hot 100
Rydell first began recording in the early 1960s. His career was quite successful, with over 34 singles charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
He also starred in a television pilot, Swingin’ Together, produced by Desilu Productions. In this film, Rydell was the lead singer of a four-piece rock band. He enjoyed some success, but his career eventually came to an abrupt end.
His success was so widespread that he was honored with a mural in his hometown of Wildwood, New Jersey. In 1963, he released the song “Wildwood Days,” which made the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song went on to reach the top spot for nine weeks and spawned a local beach town named for him. The artist’s popularity helped put Wildwood, New Jersey in the national spotlight.
He was an advocate for organ donation
The fictional school named after him in “Grease” is named after him, and his name lives on in the hearts and minds of many. Even though he is no longer in the spotlight, he was an advocate for organ donation, thanks to the life-saving transplant of his liver.
In fact, he was so moved by the experience that he became an advocate for organ donation after undergoing a double organ transplant, donating one kidney and 75% of his liver. The renowned entrepreneur and actor returned to the stage half a year later and has since been a strong advocate for organ donation.
After receiving his transplant, the singer wrote a book that details his life story. In his book, “Teen Idol on the Rocks: A Story of Second Chances,” Rydell opens up about his struggles with alcohol and depression following the death of his first wife. In 2012, he underwent a double liver transplant at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. He was also an advocate for organ donation, which he devoted his life to.