Bobby Rydell, the 1960s music and Hollywood legend, has just passed away. He was 79.
Known for famous tracks like “Volare” and “Wild One,” the heartthrob was fighting health issues over the last few months. A close source revealed that pneumonia ended up being the ultimate cause of his death.
“Out of all the kids,” radio legend Jerry Blavat said of Rydell as he announced his death just days before the pop idol’s 80th birthday, “he had the best pipes and was the greatest entertainer. He told the best stories, did the best impersonations, and was the nicest guy.”
Rydell was a multi-talented icon, leading successful careers both in music and acting, as he was notably the star of the 1963 musical film Bye Bye Birdie.
Paul McCartney famously said that Rydell’s song, “Swinging School,” was the inspiration behind The Beatles’ own “She Loves You.”
Rydell sold over 25 million records throughout his career.
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