Bobby Rydell

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South Philly is so proud of Rydell that the 2400 block of South 11th Street where he grew up was named after him (Bobby Rydell Boulevard). The Lower Moyamensing product, who was born Robert Ridarelli, continues to maintain his strong local fan base as a multi-time Readers’ Choice winner as most beloved South Philly Celebrity. Only Rocky, who is a fictional character, has what it takes to contend with the legend.

But Rydell also developed quite the national following for his voice in which several of his records went gold, including his 1959 hit “Kissin’ Time” that transformed him into a teen heartthrob. “We’ve Got Love,” “Volare,” “Wildwood Days” and “That’s All” are just some of the others that followed. On the big screen, he appeared in the ’62 Oscar-nominated movie “Bye Bye Birdie” as Hugo Peabody. Rydell still performs on stage several times a year, including a November Malt Shop Memories cruise.

Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.

The South Philadelphia Walk of Fame 2013 inductees

/ Marian Anderson  / Paul Arizin / Frankie Avalon / Joey Bishop / John Chaney /

/ James Darren / Angelo Dundee / Fabian / Larry Fine / Eddie Fisher /

/ Kenny Gamble / Frank Gasparro / Joey Giardello / Stephen Girard / Sherman Hemsley /

/ Irvin Kershner / Jack Klugman / Eddie Lang / Mario Lanza / Rob McElhenney /

/ Joe Medeiros / Earl "The Pearl" Monroe / Nathan Morris / Michelle Nader / Gene Perret /

/ Frank Rizzo / Bobby Rydell / Lisa Scottoline / Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter / Anna Verna /

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