On April 26th, 1942 one of the world's most talented and sincere entertainers was born. From humble beginnings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a young boy named Robert Ridarelli showed an uncanny inclination toward music and showmanship. Such obvious abilities were fostered by young Robert's father, Adrio Ridarelli, who took time to introduce his son to some of the best music ever made. Father and son would frequent Philadelphia's big band hot spots to take in the lively postwar sounds of legendary acts. The songs, performances, arrangements, and characters of the scene were nourishing to the soul, but not the passion. It was not until one fateful trip to the Earle Theater, when young Robert answered passions call. Amid the genius of Gene Krupa with Benny Goodman's Orchestra, young Robert said, "Daddy, I want to be him... I want to be a drummer." Although not officially, this was the moment when Robert Ridarelli became Bobby Rydell.

With support and encouragement from his family, young Robert learned to play drums extremely well and had natural command of timing. This gift of rhythm made it easy for Robert to pick up other instruments such as guitar and piano. He was a true musician. However, it didn't take long for people to realize he had great timing in another area - comedic timing. He loved to make people happy and had a knack of performing. At the tender age of 10, Robert was the complete package - an ideal entertainer who was bound to be noticed. Within the same year, his presence and talent earned him a momentous win on Paul Whiteman's TV Teen Club. The boy who would later be known throughout the world as Bobby Rydell was airborne.

However, it was not an auspicious start. The beginning of his career was riddled with creative obstacles, fruitless alliances, and soft record sales. Nevertheless, his talent and passion prevailed and the song "Kissin' Time" was released on Cameo Records. It was a hit. After that, he pretty much couldn't miss; "We Got Love", "Wild One", "Swingin' School", and 30 records on the charts with 15 in the top 20. Amazingly, Bobby Rydell was just getting started. He took his new celebrity status and went on to record more great music, including two hit covers, "Volare" and "Sway", and introduced the world to Bobby Rydell the actor in Bye Bye Birdie and other TV and film projects. Another highlight of this era was his standing room only performance at New York's legendary Copacobana. It was a busy time for Rydell - touring with his band, acting, making appearances, and keeping up with friends such as Bobby Darin, Frankie Avalon, and Fabian. However, amid the fast pace of fame, he always had time for his family and fans - and understandably in that order.