Rydell's performance in Bye Bye Birdie, and his recordings "Wild One" and "Volare", made him a famous show business performer of the '60s. Rydell used his talents as an impersonator and drummer mostly in pursuing a musical career rather than an acting career.
Born in Philadelphia, it was his father who encouraged him to pursue a career in show business. At the age of four, Rydell would sit in front of the TV and impersonate such performers as Milton Berle, Louis Prima and Johnny Ray. He also admired drummer Gene Krupa and began playing the drums at the age of six. At the age of seven and with his father's encouragement, Rydell began performing in nightclubs in Philadelphia.
In 1950, Rydell entered the amateur show of Paul Whiteman; his first-place win gained him a regular part on the show. He stayed with the Whiteman show for three years and then went to join several local bands in Philadelphia. It was here too that Bobby Ridarelli became the easier-to-pronounce Bobby Rydell. At 16 he began playing with local groups, landing a spot as a drummer for Rocco and the Saints. (Frankie Avalon, another Philadelphia-born musician, played trumpet for the group.) While with the band, Rydell signed a recording contract with Cameo/Parkway Records in Philadelphia. His hit "Kissin' Time," recorded in the summer of 1959, launched his musical career and made him a teen idol at the age of 17.
After making his first hit recording, he pursued a solo career, performing at the Copacabana in New York in 1961, where he was an instant hit. Rydell made his acting debut in 1962 on the television show Combat! One year later, he starred as Hugh Peabody in the famous musical Bye Bye Birdie. It was only after his acting debut that he fervently began playing the nightclub circuit.
With records like We Got Love, Wildwood Days and Sway, Rydell made himself a hit. Along with Frankie Avalon and Fabian, Bobby Rydell is known as a Philadelphia-born teen idol, known not only for his musical genius but also his handsome looks.
Kissin' Time
Bobby Rydell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're wailin' in Wildwood, back at Waterloo
They're smoochin' all over, even in St.Loo
Ah so uh-baby get ready, I'm a-kissin' you
Oh, baby 'cause summertime is kissin' time USA
Ah so treat me right, a-don't-a make-a me fight
The Battle of New Orleans tonight
They're kissin' on beaches, sea to shining sea
Smoochin' on benches, near the Christmas tree
Lipstick on collars down in Tennessee
Ah so a-baby, come on now, start by kissin' me
Oh, oh 'cause summertime is kissin' time USA
Ah so press your tasty lips to mine
Sweeter than wine and feels so fine, wa-hoo!
Mmm, 'cause summertime is kissin' time USA
Ah so treat me right, a-don't-a make-a me fight
The Battle of New Orleans tonight
They're kissin' in drive-ins, you too, Baltimore
Rockin' at dances, land and sea and shore
Then it's off to Dee-troit, they all know the score
Ah so, a-baby, oh baby, what are we waitin' for?
Oh 'cause summertime is kissin' time USA
Ah so press your tasty lips to mine
The song "Kissin' Time" by Bobby Rydell is an upbeat and exuberant celebration of summertime romance across America. The lyrics describe couples of all ages and backgrounds kissing in various locations throughout the country, from Cleveland to Kansas City, Wildwood to Waterloo, and from the beaches to drive-ins, land, sea and shore. The chorus repeats the song's theme, that summertime is the prime time for kissing in the USA, and the singer implores his lover to join in the fun by treating him right and kissing him.
The song's optimistic and energetic tone accurately represents the optimism and hopefulness of the early 1960s, a time of great social change and artistic expression. The song was released in July 1959, just as the new decade was beginning. It quickly became a hit, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and cementing Bobby Rydell's status as a popular teen idol of the era.
Overall, the song represents the carefree and whimsical nature of summer romance, and captures the feeling of youth, innocence, and fun that is often associated with young love. The song has remained popular over the years, and has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beach Boys and The Four Seasons.
Line by Line Meaning
They're kissin' in Cleveland, Kansas City, too
People are kissing in Cleveland and Kansas City.
They're wailin' in Wildwood, back at Waterloo
People are kissing passionately in Wildwood and Waterloo.
They're smoochin' all over, even in St.Loo
People are kissing everywhere, even in St. Louis.
Ah so uh-baby get ready, I'm a-kissin' you
Get ready, baby, because I'm going to kiss you.
Oh, baby 'cause summertime is kissin' time USA
People kiss a lot during summer in the USA.
Ah so treat me right, a-don't-a make-a me fight
Treat me well so we don't argue.
The Battle of New Orleans tonight
Let's not fight like in the Battle of New Orleans.
They're kissin' on beaches, sea to shining sea
People are kissing on beaches across the USA.
Smoochin' on benches, near the Christmas tree
Couples are kissing on benches by the Christmas tree.
Lipstick on collars down in Tennessee
People are getting caught with lipstick on their collars in Tennessee.
Ah so a-baby, come on now, start by kissin' me
Baby, let's start by kissing each other.
Ah so press your tasty lips to mine
Put your delicious lips on mine.
Sweeter than wine and feels so fine, wa-hoo!
Kissing is better than wine and feels amazing!
Mmm, 'cause summertime is kissin' time USA
People kiss a lot in the USA during summer.
Ah so treat me right, a-don't-a make-a me fight
Be good to me so we don't fight.
The Battle of New Orleans tonight
Let's not argue tonight like in the Battle of New Orleans.
They're kissin' in drive-ins, you too, Baltimore
People are kissing in drive-ins, even in Baltimore.
Rockin' at dances, land and sea and shore
Couples are kissing while dancing everywhere.
Then it's off to Dee-troit, they all know the score
After that, let's go to Detroit, and people already know what's going to happen.
Ah so, a-baby, oh baby, what are we waitin' for?
Baby, why are we waiting? Let's start kissing now!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bernie Bernard Lowe, Kal Mann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rosecitystud1908
KISS ARMY! Great cover but what a great original!
@AnthonysDen
RIP, Bobby Rydell (April 26, 1942 - April 5, 2022): you were a terrific talent with a unique style all your own. You will be greatly missed.
@ronalcorn5073
RIP Bobby...one of South Philly's finest.
@bebbenviklund9469
Great SONG with Bobby and he is one of The best rocksinger and this recording is my favorit. Great Bobby
@ronaldacarlson211
Rest in peace Bobby!
@robertborie8479
Awesome dance moves
@glenndesouza5457
Fabulous memories
@wellsy1954
Bobby released an Australian version of this song in 1961.
@piperly1
Makes me want to dance!
@johnvance3011
Rip. Bobby