RYDELL WAS A BELOVED TEEN IDOL

Bobby Rydell, the epitome of the early '60s “teen idol,” who parlayed that fame into a starring role opposite Ann-margret in the 1963 film Bye Bye Birdie, died Tuesday of pneumonia at age 79.

His death was confirmed by radio personality Jerry Blavat, Rydell's friend from the singer's south Philadelphia stomping grounds. “Out of all the kids” from that era, Blavat said, “he had the best pipes and was the greatest entertainer.”

Rydell's fame as the epitome of an American teen pop star was such that Rydell High School in the Broadway musical and subsequent film Grease was named after him.

The singer had 34 singles chart on the Billboard Hot 100, including Wild One, which reached No. 2, and Volare, a No. 4 hit. Other top 10 songs included Swingin' School, The Cha-cha-cha, We Got Love and Forget Him.