South Philly Review.com
Reader's Choice '07
People & Places
By The Review Staff
March 15, 2007
Timeless classic
Something has to be said for a guy who
arrived on the music scene in the 1950s but continually strikes a chord with
local music lovers. South Philly boy Bobby Rydell, still on the touring
circuit at age 64, was again named best local celebrity.
This Golden Boy, born Robert Ridarelli, began his journey to stardom at a
young age, later securing more than 30 hits, including “Kissin’ Time,”
“Swingin’ School” and “Wild One.”
When the weather heats up and the Shore beckons, you can bet Rydell’s
quintessential summer staple “Wildwood Days” will bellow from both cars and
bars — quite possibly along South Philly’s Bobby Rydell Boulevard.
Sylvester Stallone pummeled the competition and placed a close second, and
Rydell buddy Frankie Avalon took third.
Harold Standard Article
Boys, Bobbysocks, and Bandstand
South Philly Review
Star-struck in South Philly
Philadelphia has produced some high-profile celebrities -Will Smith and Eve
to name a few. But only one real South Philadelphian can and has been named as
the Reader's Choice for most beloved South Philly celebrity - Bobby
Rydell.
At 63, Robert Ridarelli has been entertaining audiences for the past 50 years
as a musician and an actor. With more than 30 hits, not only has Philadelphia
named a street after him (Bobby Rydell Boulevard), but his face has been painted
along with other musicians, such as Chubby Checker and Al Martino, on the South
Philadelphians Musicians mural at 1231 E. Passyunk Ave.
Frankie Avalon placed second, while Mario Lanza and Sylvester Stallone tied
for third.
Atlantic City Weekly "Still Golden After All These Years" - January 5, 2006Atlantic City Weekly "At The Shore" - the week of Jan 6, 2006.
There is a recent article about Bobby in The Beat Magazine from the UK
