The Untold Story of Bobby Rydell’s Hit Song ‘Wild One’

Have you ever heard the iconic song “Wild One” by Bobby Rydell? It’s a classic tune that has stood the test of time, but did you know there’s an untold story behind its creation? Join us as we delve into the fascinating backstory of how this hit song came to be and discover some surprising facts about one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most beloved tracks. Get ready to tap your toes and sing along as we uncover the secrets behind “Wild One.”

Introduction to Bobby Rydell and His Music

Bobby Rydell was one of the most popular teen idols of the early 1960s. He had a string of hits that included “Wild One,” “Volare,” and “Kissin’ Time.” Rydell also appeared in a number of films, including Bye Bye Birdie and Guns of Diablo.

Rydell was born Robert Louis Ridarelli in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 26, 1942. His parents were Italian immigrants who ran a tavern. Rydell began taking tap dance lessons at an early age and went on to study ballet. He started his professional career as a drummer with Frankie Avalon’s band at the age of 14.

Rydell’s breakout single was “Wild One,” which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1959. The song was written by Johnny O’Keefe and Dave Burgess and originally recorded by O’Keefe in 1958. Rydell’s version featured a more uptempo arrangement and became a signature song for him.

“Volare” was another big hit for Rydell, reaching number six on the Hot 100 chart in 1960. The song was written by Domenico Modugno and Franco Migliacci and originally recorded by Modugno in 1958. Rydell’s version was adapted into English by Norman Gimbel and featured an arrangement by Ernie Freeman.

Rydell continued to have success with songs like “The Cha-Cha-Cha”

The Inspiration Behind

In the early 1960s, rock and roll was still in its infancy and Bobby Rydell was one of its biggest stars. His string of hits included “Wild One,” which he co-wrote with his friend, Chubby Checker. The song was inspired by a real-life incident that occurred while Rydell was on tour.

One night after a show, Rydell and Checker were riding in a car with some girls when they were pulled over by the police. The officer asked Checker to step out of the vehicle, and when he did, the girls in the car started giggling. The officer then asked Rydell to step out of the car as well. When Rydell did, the girls in the car screamed. The officer told Rydell to calm down the girls or he would arrest him for disorderly conduct.

Rydell and Checker managed to calm the girls down and they were let go with a warning. As they drove away, they started making up a song about the incident. They finished writing it when they got back to their hotel room and “Wild One” was born.

The Making of

Bobby Rydell’s 1963 hit song “Wild One” is one of the most iconic songs of the 1960s. The song was written by Chubby Checker and Bobby Darin, and it was inspired by a real-life incident at a New York City nightclub.

The making of “Wild One” began one night at the Peppermint Lounge, a popular club in NYC. Chubby Checker was performing on stage when a fight broke out in the audience. A woman in the crowd started screaming, and her date, Bobby Darin, came to her rescue. As he escorted her out of the club, he passed by Checker and told him that he should write a song about what had just happened.

Checker took Darin’s advice and wrote “Wild One.” He originally intended for it to be a serious ballad, but Darin convinced him to make it into more of a party anthem. The result was one of the most timeless songs of the 20th century.

The Song’s Impact on Pop Culture

Bobby Rydell’s “Wild One” was a massive hit when it was released in 1960, and it has since become one of the most iconic pop songs of all time. The song has been covered by countless artists, and it has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. “Wild One” is a true pop culture classic, and its impact on popular music is undeniable.

Bobby Rydell’s Other Popular Hits

In addition to “Wild One,” Bobby Rydell had several other popular hits during his career. These include “Volare,” “Sway,” and “Kissin’ Time.”

“Volare” was a cover of the Italian song of the same name. It was a top ten hit for Rydell in 1960.

“Sway” was originally recorded by Dean Martin, but Rydell’s version became more popular. It reached number two on the Billboard charts in 1963.

“Kissin’ Time” was Rydell’s first single and it reached number five on the Billboard charts in 1959.

Conclusion

Bobby Rydell’s ‘Wild One’ is a classic hit song that has been loved by generations. It’s an example of how music can truly transcend time, as it continues to be enjoyed even today. Its success was due in part to the catchy tune and the way it captured the teenage spirit of freedom and rebellion so perfectly at the height of rock n’ roll culture. While many stories have been told about this song, this article highlighted some of its more interesting untold facts that will hopefully add an extra layer to your appreciation for one of America’s most beloved songs.