Bobby Rydell: Teen Idol On The Rocks: A Tale of Second Chances

At seventeen, Bobby Rydell was the face of American Bandstand — the kid from Italian South Philly with the smoothest voice, the highest pompadour, and the sweetest smile. And there were those hits: “Wild One,” “Volare,” and “Forget Him,” to name a few. He was far more than just a teen idol. Bobby’s voice and boy next door charm earned him a spot singing, acting, and dancing with Ann-Margret in the film adaptation of the hit musical comedy, Bye Bye Birdie. His comedic talents made him a nighttime fixture during the golden age of TV variety shows, and his phrasing and musicianship led to dozens of headlining gigs in the casino showrooms of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Frank Sinatra anointed him as his favorite pop singer of the early ‘60s. But early success took a toll on his life. Bobby Rydell’s brutally honest street corner narrative evolved during an eighteen-month collaboration with Allan Slutsky, the award-winning author and producer of the widely acclaimed book and documentary film, Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Inspiring, gut-busting, and, at times, heartbreaking, Teen Idol On The Rocks gives you a front row seat to the turbulent, six decade journey of one of rock and roll’s earliest, and most celebrated teen idols.

Bobby Rydell was the Justin Beiber of the early '60s. Following his debut 1959 hit "Kissin' Time," Bobby sold over 25,000,000 records with recordings like "Volare," "Forget Him," "Wildwood Days," "Sway," and "Wild One."  But he was no one trick pony. His acting and comedic skills made him a fixture on dozens of TV variety shows (Red Skelton, Danny Thomas, Jack Benny, Perry Como, Ed Sullivan, etc.) and landed him the co-starring role with Ann-Margret in the smash film version of the Broadway musical, Bye Bye Birdie. At the age of 74, Bobby continues to perform around the world as a solo act and with Frankie Avalon and Fabian in the Golden Boys.