The contest was organized by Paul Whiteman, who also managed the TV Teen Club, and he extended an invitation to Bobby to perform on the show for several years. During this time, he opted to embrace the moniker Bobby Rydell. However, it wasn’t until his 1959 single, “Kissin’ Time,” reached the 83rd position on the pop charts that he gained real traction with his original songs.
Following this breakthrough, Rydell released several hit tracks, including “We Got Love” and “Swingin’ School,” solidifying his status as a local legend in his hometown of Philadelphia. Bobby ventured into acting with his portrayal of Hugo Peabody in the 1963 Broadway classic, “Bye Bye Birdie.” Initially, the character had limited lines and no singing parts, but the script was rewritten after witnessing Bobby’s on-screen chemistry with co-star Ann-Margret. It’s worth noting that Paul McCartney identified Rydell as one of the significant influences on The Beatles.