Singing Heartthrob Bobby Rydell Dead at 79

Music legend Bobby Rydellone of the first teen idols in the 1960s, has died.

Bobby, whose famous songs are “Volare” and “Wild One,” died Tuesday. A person close to Bobby tells us that he has had some health problems in recent months and was recently diagnosed with pneumonia … which is believed to be the cause of death. We were told it was not related to COVID.

Bobby was a central part of the Philadelphia dynasty in music … so big streets were named after him. Paul McCartney the well-known Bobby hit “Swinging School” served as the inspiration for The Beatles’ early mega-hit “She Loves You.”

Bobby toured as part of The Golden Boys ’stage production Frankie Avalon and Fabianand she was easily the most talented singer among the trio of teen idols.

Although Bobby is mostly known for his music, he was also a talented actor … starring on television, on stage and in movies, especially in the Bye Bye Birdie version. Ann-Margret and Dick Van Dyke.

There’s even a nod to Bobby on Broadway and the movie version of “Greasen” … high school “Rydell High” was named after him.

Bobby has sold over 25 million records … and his other hits include “Kissin ‘Time,” “Sway,” “I’ve Got Bonnie,” “The Cha-Cha-Cha,” and “Forget Him.”

He was 79.