Bobby Rydell, Pop Singer and Star of ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ Dies at 79
confirmed to Philadelphia’s WPVI-TV. He was 79.According to a statement posted to Rydell’s official Facebook page, the Philadelphia native died at Jefferson Hospital in his hometown from pneumonia complications unrelated to COVID. He was days away from celebrating his 80th birthday and was scheduled to perform at The Golden Nugget in Atlantic City in June.Typifying the “teen idol” sensation of the 1950s and pre-British invasion the early ’60s, Rydell made a name for himself with his first hit song, 1959’s “Kissin’ Time.” That year, he signed with Cameo/Parkway Records.