Late singer and 1960s icon Bobby Rydell will get a new statue in Wildwood, New Jersey. Rydell, a South Philadelphia native, died last year at age 79. His wife announced the creation of the Bobby Rydell Foundation to honor his life and musical legacy, which includes the 1963 hit "Wildwood Days." The location of the bronze statue will be announced in the months ahead.
From musicians and actors to the Queen herself, the world lost a number of beloved and influential figures this past year who made their mark in the worlds of film, music, sports and politics.
Bobby Rydell, a heartthrob of early rock 'n' roll who was a star of radio, television, and the movie musical Bye Bye Birdie , died Tuesday. Rydell died of complications.
Along with James Darren, Fabian and Frankie Avalon, Rydell was among a wave of wholesome teen idols who emerged after Elvis Presley and before the rise of the Beatles.