FAVORITES BY BOBBY RYDELL AND THE GOLDEN BOYS OF BANDSTAND
By: Sandy Posnack
Bobby Rydell is part of the South Philadelphia music scene that spawned
teen idols Frankie Avalon and Fabian.
"We were all born and raised no more than two blocks away from one
another in South Philadelphia. We've known each other for years and
it's just a ball working on stage with the the other two guys, Frankie
and Fabe."
"The Golden Boys of Bandstand" will perform a special holiday show at
Trump Marina, Dec 19, 20 and 21.
The idea of putting together the three original teen idols from
Bandstand emanated from Rydell's manager, Dick Fox.
"It's been 12 years since we've been doing the show; we started this
back in 1985. The first year we did maybe 50-60 one-nighters; the
second year we did maybe 80-100, and in the third year it was in the
hundreds," Rydell said. At age 55, Rydell still travels extensively.
When the group isn't on tour he continues to make solo appearances.
Rydell, best known for his vocal expertise, took voice training at an
early age. He admits that he smokes, but said that because he learned
how to breathe properly on, smoking does not affect his singing.
"To this day I could probably sing everything that I've recorded in its
original key. And my range is very broad. I could go from a low C if I
really wanted to, up to an A flat. That's a flat above the scale."
The Philadelphia vocalist recorded 34 to 40 hits, placing him among the
top five artist of his era. He has sold more than 25 million discs. In
addition to "Volare," which he considers his signature song, other
Rydell hits include "Wild One," "We Got Love," "Swinging School,"
"Kissin Time," and "Forget Him." Multi-talented Rydell starred on stage
in "West Side Story" and in the motion picture, "Bye Bye Birdie."
Although he never appeared in the musical "Grease," it's rumored that
the show's Rydell High School was named in his honor.
"I haven't a clue why they named it Rydell High. It could have been
Fabian High, Avalon High, it could have been anybody; but for whatever
reason they named it Rydell High. Someone sent me a banner from the
movie that says "Rydell High" and I have it hanging in my house"
Rydell, born Robert Ridarelli, spoke from his home in suburban
Philadelphia where he resides with Camille, his wife of 29 years. The
couple has two children and a grandchild.
Rydell reminisced about appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand.
"He's still a very, very dear friend," he said of Clark. He also
vividly recalled his friendship with Vineland's La Torre family, who
were his neighbors when both families vacationed in WIldwood.
The Golden Boys Holiday Show will include their hits and holiday
features.
"We're opening with "Rock Around the Christmas Tree" and then each of us
will sing some Christmas songs. Then we'll go into the audience and
have people sing along to familiar songs like "Jingle Bells," "Silent
Night" and "White Christmas." I don't want to give away too much about
the songs that the three of us are singing, but there will be some brand
new arrangements of great songs. It's going to be a lot of fun."
"The Daily Journal"
December 18, 1997