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

From the beginning I thought that Bobby Rydell was by far the most talented of his generation of South Philadelphia singers. I collected his records and played them frequently. Then with college and life, I lost track of him. It was a delight to learn that he, along with Fabian and Avalon, had formed a trio and were touring. I never got to see their show, only brief appearances on TV. So, I was happy to see this book and ordered it. I enjoyed reading it and learning about his career, but more importantly his personality and character--the kind of person he was and is.The book was reasonably written, as far as style goes, not what you'd expect from a professional writer, but fluent and fluid enough for a person who is telling his own life story. There are also lots of photographs from different years and events of his life. The photos are not glossy reproductions, but printed on the same paper as the text is. Consequently the contrast is low and the quality is not high--good enough, though for the book's and most readers' needs.Rydell is thorough and honest about the successes and disappointments of his life and career. He also is forthright with his substance abuse problem and his nearly too late surgery to save his life.He tells a pretty straightforward story, and hints at foibles and escapades common to celebrities who tour and are away from home for extended periods of time. i felt deeply sorry to learn of his wife's illness and death, as well as the difficulties of growing up with a disturbed an abusive mother. He described her, though, without self-pity; i admire his reticence there, for a person could really unload once writing about abuse while growing up.The only problem I had with his storytelling was a seeming desperate ego coming forth when relating his career ups and downs after the initial teenage successes. He describes himself as always the best, always bringing down the house, always the favorite, no matter whom he's performing with, frequently name-dropping. (That, I suppose, is unavoidable and honest, considering his career.) I understand the need for that, yet I need to comment on it. Overall,I am not disappointed in the book, and not at all disappointed in him, as a person, againconsidering his choice of career and resulting lifestyle.It's a readable and interesting book, about a very talented and likable young man who went through and survived so many of the challenges facing those in the entertainment business.

This book makes me feel like I met Bobby Rydell. I feel like I shared a Starbucks coffee with him. We talked. He shared his story. He was more than a Golden Boy. He was a dream boy. He’s the one I thought about when Annette sang, “Dream Boy, Dream Boy, where’s the boy for me?” In the early 1960’s I didn’t care about number one hit songs. I had my favorite singers and I’d buy their records. Bobby Rydell was the singer I loved most of all. It’s surprising that it took me this long to find his memoir. I lived for the moments he was guest starring on a television program. I knew little about him. The fan magazines at the time gave us preteen girls very little truth. The writers claimed our favorite singers were too busy making records and personal experiences to have a steady girl friend. How I wanted to be Bobby’s girlfriend when he got around to having one. Here is the true story of Bobby’s rocky relationship with his psycho, control freak mother. I can relate because my own mother was bipolar and a control freak. She was a lot like Bobby’s mother. I loved meeting his family even the mother. It helps to know other people had difficult nightmarish moms. I knew multi-generational families like his. I knew some old-country Italian cooks. I enjoyed meeting his wives Camille and Linda and seeing pictures of his son and daughter. I enjoyed reading about the making of “Bye Bye Birdie” and his tours with Frankie Avalon and Fabian, the Golden Boys. Reading this book brought back memories of the songs, the fashions, the movies, the innocence. Yet he doesn’t belong exclusively to that other time of Leave-It-To-Beaver television families and the Kennedy White House. He belongs in the now just like the rest of us. It was nice to finally meet you, Bobby.

I will admit I prefer biographies and acknowledge bios are the only alternative to an intimate conversation over a hot cup of coffee or an icy cocktail. Pick up the book, enjoy life stories of ups and downs. Every now and then there's the feeling you're sitting next to the author having a tête-à-tête.That's exactly how I felt reading Bobby Rydell's "Teen Idol On The Rocks."It's a conversation with Rydell, not mincing any words. He speaks from the heart, beginning with humble beginnings in Philadelphia and playing with friends who, incidentally, also became teen heart throbs. The sequence of events is an open dialogue from a man, always in the spotlight who shares his professional and personal triumphs and disappointments.Watching him perform in person as a teenager when he appeared in Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars, I was not only enamored with his classic pompadour, but awe-struck hearing his amazingly mature voice.So began Rydell's journey to stardom.Born April 26, 1941, Robert Louis Ridarelli was tucked into bed in a modest red brick South Philly row house. He was raised in a home where grandma Lena prepared Italian fare. Grandfather, Tony and father Adrio worked to suppport the extended family. As Rydell remembers, his mother wrote his father, who was drafted in 1945, "The baby's always singing." Tony wrote back "Who knows? Maybe we'll have a star in the family one day." A rather prophetic statement. Additionally, he recalls a mother not capable of cooking pasta in the predominantly Italian family and neighborhood. Throughout the dialogue the reader follows the poignantly dark relationship Rydell shared with his mother.In his conversational memories, Rydell doesn't hold back punches, literally or figuratively. He directs them at others or shamelessly tosses them at himself. He's not embarrassed to admit his mistakes and he graciously acknowledges those persons who made his life fulfilling and rewarding. There were frustrations and minor hiccups along the road, but overall, his life was touched with honest dedication to his craft and those around him who stood beside him through every personal and performing challenge.The author walks you through childhood, teen years and his management of private and public adversities. Rydell's smooth voice brought him national attention as the face of American Bandstand. He was charming throughout, whether singing, dancing or acting with Ann-Margaret in the classic musical comedy, Bye Bye Birdie. A friendship he still shares with the actress he fondly calls "Kim" along with good buddies Frankie and Fabian.It's a charming narrative by a grown-up teen idol. Grab a cup of Java or a nice glass of Chianti and enjoy!

Reading between the lines of this well documented and researched book, you realise when a pop career falters, the hits dry up, many succumb to the obvious drink/drug decline, the fans grow up, move on to other music favourites, not an easy life being a 'pop star', the trappings of wealth and fame for many don't last that long, some wisely move on to other areas, perhaps within the business, or mistakenly try to relive old glories with varying degrees of success and/or failure. Some are lucky to have good family, friends and management who don't lie to them about how they are doing. Nostalgia comes around again and boom, there you are, you have been through the mill and re-invented, your life and career are maturely re-assessed and the stupidity of excesses is put behind you. This book has charm, honesty, clarity and if you've ever been a 'teen idol' READ IT!

Very frank and entertaining biography of this underrated teen idol from the Golden Age of American Pop music

bought as Christmas present

I have always enjoyed the music and personality of Bobby Rydell. I looked forward to reading his autobiography . He is in his 70's now and has been in the music business for over 50 years. However , his autobiography is only 244 pages and over 70 of those pages are pictures and lists of recorded songs. I enjoyed the book but feel there must have countless stories about his life and the music business he chose to omit for whatever reason. Disappointing so buyer beware!

Was a gift and exactly what they wanted