On
April 26th, 1942 one of the world's most talented and sincere
entertainers was born. From humble beginnings in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, a young boy named Robert Ridarelli showed an uncanny
inclination toward music and showmanship. Such obvious abilities
were fostered by young Robert's father, Adrio Ridarelli, who
took time to introduce his son to some of the best music ever
made. Father and son would frequent Philadelphia's big band
hot spots to take in the lively postwar sounds of legendary
acts. The songs, performances, arrangements, and characters
of the scene were nourishing to the soul, but not the passion.
It was not until one fateful trip to the Earle Theater, when
young Robert answered passions call. Amid the genius of Gene
Krupa with Benny Goodman's Orchestra, young Robert said, "Daddy,
I want to be him... I want to be a drummer." Although not
officially, this was the moment when Robert Ridarelli became
Bobby Rydell.
With support and encouragement from his family, young Robert
learned to play drums extremely well and had natural command
of timing. This gift of rhythm made it easy for Robert to pick
up other instruments such as guitar and piano. He was a true
musician. However, it didn't take long for people to realize
he had great timing in another area - comedic timing. He loved
to make people happy and had a knack of performing.
At the tender age of 10, Robert was the complete package - an
ideal entertainer who was bound to be noticed. Within the same
year, his presence and talent earned him a momentous win on
Paul Whiteman's TV Teen Club. The boy who would later be known
throughout the world as Bobby Rydell was airborne.
However, it was not an auspicious start. The beginning of his
career was riddled with creative obstacles, fruitless alliances,
and soft record sales. Nevertheless, his talent and passion
prevailed and the song "Kissin' Time" was released
on Cameo Records. It was a hit. After that, he pretty much couldn't
miss; "We Got Love", "Wild One", "Swingin'
School", and 30 records on the charts with 15 in the top
20. Amazingly, Bobby Rydell was just getting started.
He took his new celebrity status and went on to record more
great music, including two hit covers, "Volare" and
"Sway", and introduced the world to Bobby Rydell the
actor in Bye Bye Birdie and other TV and film projects. Another
highlight of this era was his standing room only performance
at New York's legendary Copacobana.
It was a busy time for Rydell - touring with his band, acting,
making appearances, and keeping up with friends such as Bobby
Darin, Frankie Avalon, and Fabian. However, amid the fast pace
of fame, he always had time for his family and fans - and understandably
in that order.
Today, Bobby Rydell is still using his talent and charm to please
audiences all over the world. In fact, he can't help it - he
was, is, and always will be a brilliant entertainer. However,
more remarkable then his talent and charisma, is the loving,
compassionate, and gracious nature of the man, Bobby Rydell.
