Wednesday, April 06, 2022

RIP Bobby Rydell: A Great Singapore Music Impact With 60s Youth


One of the first songs I learnt together with those by Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson and Paul Anka was one particular piece by BOBBY RYDELL called, FORGET HIM. The time was beginning 60's. And Rydell was impactful with our youth then, even in Singapore.  Like those singers who came at the tail-end of the 50s and into the 60s, Rydell was also a crooner.

His lyrics were simple, precise and concise, especially those years when girls go for their guys heart and soul, Forget Him seemed appropriate and truthful. Singing it on D or C was easy enough. And many of those who play simple guitar knew the chords. 

He had many other hits like, Dream Lover, Wild One, Go Away Little Girl, Bobby's Girl and with two of Dino's hits, Sway and Volare including those performed in the musical, Bye Bye Birdie. His first hit was Kissin' Time from 1959. He had 34 Top 40 Hits and received 5 Gold Disc Awards.

Now another love of the bobbysoxer, Bobby Rydell had passed away in the US yesterday [Tuesday 5th April, 2022] of pneumonia. Deep hearted condolences to his family.

He used to tour the country with two other famous singers, Frankie Avalon and Fabian from about 1985. They called themselves, The Golden Boys. 

Mr. Rydell was also one of the famous six Bobbys that Michael Bangar, a contributing author on this blog, wrote about. Connect below:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2016/10/look-alike-us-60s-teen-idols-called.html

R.I.P. BOBBY RYDELL.

Bobby Rydell with Volare: 
YouTube Video by solacepro

            Bobby Rydell with Forget Him YouTube Video by: solacepro.

9 comments:

OLIVER B. [DRUMMER/FORMER SEC SCHOOL PRINCIPAL said...

He inspired the Beatles classic, "She Loves You".

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Yes he did.
Thanks Oliver.

STEPHEN HAN said...

Bobby Rydell was my fav.

IRENE HOE [FORMER JOURNALIST] said...

Will FRANKIE AVALON be next?

JIMMY PRESLEE [ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTISTE] said...

Sad

STEVE HO [of STEVE N THE HEARTBREAKERS] said...

I've not heard of him.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks guys for the immediate response.
And then there were two left where the GOLDEN BOYS are concerned.

FL said...

So sad to hear Bobby Rydell has passed away due to health reasons. His song, Forget Him, was an icon in the early sixties here. His said song was one of the favourites amongst us teenagers then. Heard it over Redifusion and Radio Singapore many times, thru record companies, and request programs then. Right now, I will "remember him" instead of "forget him" ! RIP, Mr Rydell.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Hi FL,
Thanks so much for the tribute.
Yes, he's one of the best reminders of the popular crooner those years brought us.

A friend took away my only copy of FORGET HIM.
It's gone forever, like BOBBY RYDELL.

You have kept in touch for so long FL, one of the best supporters of this blog.
Blessings, and write more often, an article for the blog perhaps?

THANKS TO ALL THE OTHERS FOR COMMENTS.