Born Robert Louis Ridarelli on April 26, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA, Bobby Rydell became a household name by the time he was 17 years old. His first hit was “Kissing Time”, but he’s probably best known for his song, “Volare” which rose to #11 on the Billboard charts in 1960.
Bobby Rydell paints a picture perfect version of his life up until about 2/3 of the way through this book. That’s when he hits his readers with the downside of what was going on behind the scenes. Still, he remains positive and grateful for all that has been given him throughout his time as a teen idol, recording star and world class performer. He talks of his desire to preserve his Philly roots, the ins and outs of being a south Philly family and his friendships with the likes of Frankie Avalon and Frank Sinatra.
There are two Beatles connections to Bobby Rydell. He tells of his surprise meeting with them while HE was on tour in the U.K. with Helen Shapiro and of Paul McCartney on the Beatles’ Anthology album giving him credit for influencing their early music. And for that reason…
I rate this book, 4 out of 4 Beetles!
Bobby Rydell is on tour right now and is throwing in a couple local/Philly area book-signings along the way! Here’s where he’ll be signing books:
6:30-8:30pm
3-5pm
2-4pm
1-3pm
1-3pm
Beatles-Freak's Reviews 