Bobby Rydell death: Fifties teen idol and Grease inspiration dies, aged 79
msn.comBobby Rydell died from non-Covid related pneumonia complications on Tuesday (5 April) at Philadelphia’s Jefferson Hospital, his spokesperson confirmed.
The “Wildwood Days” singer was 79. File photo: Bobby Rydell at a press reception in London on 17 February 1961Remembered for hits including “Volare” and “Swinging School”, Rydell also appeared in the 1963 movie Bye Bye Birdie with Dick Van Dyke and Ann-Margret.
In a tribute to his friend, fellow Philadelphia native and legendary radio performer Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Blavat remembered Rydell as someone who “told the best stories, did the best impersonations, and was the nicest guy”. “Out of all the kids [from that era], [Rydell] had the best pipes and was the greatest entertainer,” Blavat added.
Rydell High School in the Broadway musical and subsequent Seventies film adaptation was named after the singer as a tribute to his era-defining star power.
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