Some Facts
Bandleader Paul Whiteman, with whose band he worked, renamed him Rydell because he couldn't pronounce Ridarelli.
Unsold pilot: Starred with Dennis Crosby and Lindsay Crosby in "Swingin' Together", in which they played a struggling '60s rock group.
Since 1985, he has toured on-and-off in the "Now and Then" nostalgia show with fellow former Philly teen idols Fabian and Frankie Avalon.
In 2000, he put out his first album in over two decades, comprised of remakes of old hits.
Honored by the City of Philadelphia when the 2400 block of South 11th St. was named Bobby Rydell Boulevard. The event was celebrated with a parade, a string band and Bobby arriving in a 1950 pink Cadillac. The mayor attended along with thousands of people. A huge block party followed dedication ceremonies.