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

Bobbymy dear friend. A man for all seasons who shares his gifts with us, and we are all so grateful.
Ann-Margret

From Philly to Vegas, from Wildwood to Hollywood, and from Cameo to the Copa, the Bobby Rydell story reads like an Academy Award-winning movie. Both Sinatras, Sr. and Jr., recognized Robert as the best of the boy singers of his day. Hes been up and down over and out, but still remains today at the top of his profession. You can call him a STAR. I call him my friend.
Sid Mark
(Host/producer of nationally syndicated Sounds of Sinatra)

Bobby and I have been friends forever, and I thought I knew everything there was to know about himuntil I read this wonderful book. Great insight into my friends life. Love the book and love you Bobby.
James Darren

A true life story about the ups and downs of one of the most talented people Ive known. His tell-all story is honest and revealing to his many fans around the world. As your friend for 60 years plus, I congratulate you youre one hell of a man. Thanks for sharing your captivating life experiences. Your true friend and fan.
Frankie (Cheech) Avalon

Teen Idol On The Rocks is a must read for anybody who loves music. Bobby shows us that we can all come through adversity when you allow love, friendship, and music into your life. Its a wonderful book, written by a wonderful singer.
Steve Lawrence

The first troubadour/singer to gain true fame was a guy named Al Jolson, nearly 100 years ago. Since then, they have come by the decade: Vallee, Columbo, Crosby, Sinatra, Como, Damone, Boone, Lawrence, Darin, andin a different idiomFrankie Laine, Johnnie Ray, and even Elvis Presley. To be such an artist takes more sweat, strain, intense devotion, and dedication than most people can conceive of. But Bobby Rydell is that type of artist. His name holds an honored place on the list. Ive had the privilege of knowing Bob for many decades, so Id like to say a few facts about Bob as I see him today: His voice is pure because his heart is pure; he has dedicated himself to a lifetime of developing, honing, refining, and sharpening his craft to a total state of excellence that is unparalleled in the music industry; and at the same time, he isand always has beena good and gentle man. I am pleased to call him friend. Hang in there Bobby!
Frank Sinatra, Jr.

Ive known Bobby Ridarelli forever, going back to the Paul Whiteman show, long before he became a superstar. There was no doubt in my mind back then that it would happen. He had that rare talent, not only as a singer and musician, but also in his natural flair for comedy. It would be just a matter of time. Ive seen him go through the good years, the rough years, the healthy years, and there is one thing you can say about Bobby: He is truly a survivor. In this book youll hear firsthand about how it all happened. Bobby knows that what keeps us going in show business is the audience, and his ability to connect with his audience is second to none.
Jerry Blavat (The Geator with the Heator)

Its like Bobby is sitting next to you telling his story. Inspirational, vivid, spirited, and as we all expected, heartwarming. He was, and will always be, family. Read it and smile.
Cousin Brucie Morrow (Broadcaster, Sirius XM)

The talent of Bobby Darin and Bobby Rydell are absolute equals in my mind, with an edge toward Rydell. Ive worked with a lot of comedic talent throughout my career, and theres no one funnier than Bobby. His staying power is incredible! When I watch him on stage, Im in awe. I tried singing like him once and I was in traction for two months. It is always an honor to be on the same stage with him.
Fabian Forte

For the past six decades, Bobby has continued to perform his great hits with the same energy and youthful sounding voice. But at this stage of his life, the love of his craft becomes more apparent as he displays his interpretive skills singing the Great American Songbook. His musicality has always been evident, but now a sense of wisdom and zest for life shines through, whether hes swinging a standard or caressing the lyrics of a ballad. Ive always been a fan, but more importantly, Im proud to have him as a pal.
Dennis Bono
(The Dennis Bono Show, Live from South Point Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada)

I remember first meeting Bobby Rydell on the Caravan of Stars tourupbeat guy, electrifying, uplifting, filled the room with energy and joy. Then I heard him sing!!! Crazy good. Man, this guys in the pocket like nobody elsedefinitely a great rhythm singer. I said I could be this guys friend for sure. Well, six decades later, I can say we have never had an argument. I attribute that to him. I still love his company; hes still got it.
Dion DiMucci

I first met Bobby back in 1960 and I was taken by his kindness and talent. His new book tells you who he really is and covers his personal trials and triumphs, his ups and downs, and his victories and failures. Its a great read!
Little Anthony Gourdine
(of Little Anthony and the Imperials)

Copyright 2016 by Bobby Rydell and Allan Slutsky

Published by
Doctor Licks Publishing
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

ISBN: 978-0-9973851-0-6
eISBN: 978-0-9973851-1-3

Printed in the United States of America

Cover and Interior Design: GKS Creative

Back Cover Photo: Clay Hereth

Back Cover Synopsis: Susan Whitall

Book Production and Project Management: The Cadence Group

Editing Credits: Ruth Fecych (principal editor) and Joanne Slutsky, Sue Whitall, Linda J. Hoffman (Ridarelli), Linda Ferrino (Hoffman), Jim Gorecki, Sam Slutsky, Rachel Slutsky, and Craig Weiland helped with additional editing.

All photos are from the private collections of Bobby Rydell and Linda Ferrino (Hoffman), except for the photo on page 153 which came from Joe Nero. Best efforts were made to find the original photographers on the remaining five-decades-old photos.

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information retrieval or storage system, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Library of Congress Information is on file with the Publisher.

In memory of:

Camille Ridarelli
Adrio Ott Ridarelli
and Julia

Dedicated to the two Lindas in my life:

Linda J. Hoffman (Ridarelli)
and Linda Ferrino (Hoffman)

We call them shade pullers. In the vernacular of musicians in the showroom-pit orchestra world, thats an apt description of the type of stars who draw a line of demarcationa no-go zonebetween themselves and the people who bring their musical acts to life.

Stories about them abound in the Philadelphia-Atlantic City musicians community. There was one singer, a real diva, who ordered her management to issue a behind-the-curtains edict that musicians and stage-hands were not permitted to make eye-contact with their artist in any backstage area of the theater. And you can just imagine the love we felt for a certain octogenarian comedian and star of film and TV who pulled this classy stunt: After a saxophonist in the house band had the audacity to say to him, Great show tonight, he quickly exited the stage, and while making his way to the safety and exclusivity of his dressing room, remarked to his manager, I thought I told you to keep those goddamn musicians away from me.