WHATEVER HAPPENED TO
BOBBY RYDELL
By Terri Marquis
Staff Writer
What ever happened to Bobby Rydell? Bobby Rydell, kicked is still performing and he enjoys a full career, and recently kicked off his 2014 Concert on January 3 — Fantasy Springs Casino — Indio, CA — Golden Boys , followed by his January 4 — Edgewater Hotel & Casino — Laughlin, NV — The Golden Boys, and a show on Jan. 25 — The Kimmel Center — BOBBY RYDELL, Jay Black, The Tokens (Jay Seigel’s), Gary U.S. Bonds in Philadelhia, PA. He then takes his show down under to Australia from February 7–22, before heading back to the states from March to October of this year.
For the past 25 years he has performed in over 700 shows called The Golden Boys, about his childhood pals Frankie Avalon and Fabiain. The 50th anniversary of Bye Bye Birdie occured in 2013, and he along with stars Ann Margert, and Jesse Pearson were featured in the marketing campagin. Rydell, played the role of Hugo Peabody.
However, in July 2012 as Bobby’s life was ending he received the Gift of Life from an organ donor. He made a remarkable recovery & dedicates shows today to his angel donor Julia. He underwent a double organ transplant, where he received 75% of a liver and one kidney. He returned to the Las Vegas stage within six months, and is dedicated to public awareness of the Gift of Life through organ donation.
Bobby Rydell’s career spans six decades and encompasses every area of the entertainment world. His debut in the late 50’s as a rock & roll teen idol lead to starring roles in such hit films as “Bye Bye Birdie” and plays such as “West Side Story.” Bobby has made countless network TV appearances throughout the world on shows like Ed Sullivan, Jack Benny, George Burns, Milton Berle, Perry Como and American Bandstand.In 1995, his hometown of Philadelphia, name a street after him Bobby Rydell Blvd, and a sponsored block party followed the dedication ceremony.
Today Bobby enjoys a career that is full. He has a busy schedule throughout the world as a headline solo act. Australia has welcomed him for 20 tours down under, where he continues to be a favorite performer. Bobby also performs regularly in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. For the past 25 years Bobby has also performed in over 700 shows in the must-see production called “The Golden Boys.” This is a happy, fun filled look back at a simpler time in music history with his childhood pals, Frankie Avalon and Fabian.
Bobby Rydell’s influence on popular music has been profound. When the producers of “Grease” wanted to pay tribute to the era in which the popular musical was set, they named the high school where most of the action took place “Rydell High” in his honor. Recently, Bobby appeared with Ann-Margret at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences premiere of “Bye Bye Birdie’s” digital restoration at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills.The one time teen idol, now a seasoned performer and continues to perform throughout the world. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 26, 1942 . For more the latest on Bobby Rydell, you can like his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBobbyRydell
Or by visiting his website at http://www.bobbyrydell.com/