Dick Fox's The Golden Boys to perform
MORRISTOWN — An evening of musical memories featuring three original American idols — Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell — in Dick Fox's The Golden Boys returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $69 to $99.
One of America's most popular entertainers, Frankie Avalon went from 50's teen idol to a national and international star. Born in Philadelphia, Frankie had his early trumpet playing career end abruptly when a family friend Bob Marcucci heard him sing and signed him to a recording contract. His first song "De De Dinah" became a smash hit and his recording of "Venus" was one of the biggest selling hits of the era. He had many follow up hits such as "Bobbysocks to Stockings," "Gingerbread," "Just Ask Your Heart," and "A Boy Without A Girl."
He is also credited with having the last number one record of the 50's with "Why" reaching that status in December 1959. In addition to his popularity as a top recording artist, Frankie became a motion picture star, appearing in more than 30 movies, starring with such luminaries as Alan Ladd in "Guns Of Timberland," and John Wayne in "The Alamo." Other film credits include "Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea," and the hit musical "Grease." His biggest popularity in movies came when he starred in the classic Beach movies. "Beach Party," "Muscle Beach Party," "Beach Blanket Bingo," and "Bikini Beach" among others.
An overnight singing sensation, a film star with more than 30 films to his credit and the producer of his own concert series, Fabian continues to expand his ever growing career. Fabian was discovered at the age of 14 sitting on his front steps in Philadelphia. Capitalizing at 15, he won the Silver Award as "The Most Promising Male Vocalist of 1958."
By the time he was 18, he had recorded dozens of hit singles, eight albums, and earned gold records for "Turn Me Loose" and "Tiger" and a gold album for "The Fabulous Fabian". His acting credits include featured roles with John Wayne, James Stewart, Jack Palance, Tuesday Weld, George Segal and Karen Black.
Bobby Rydell's career spans six decades and encompasses every area of the entertainment world. His debut in the late 50's as a rock & roll teen idol lead to starring roles in such hit films as "Bye Bye Birdie" and plays such as "West Side Story." Bobby has made countless network TV appearances throughout the world on shows like Ed Sullivan, Jack Benny, George Burns, Milton Berle, Perry Como and of course American Bandstand. He was also a semi regular on the Red Skelton Hour for many years. Working with the "greats" of comedy Bobby was able to develop an uncanny gift for comedy. A performer at the age of 19, he was the youngest person ever to headline the famous Copacabana in New York.
Bobby's recording career earned him 34 Top 40 hits, placing him in the Top 5 artists of his era (Billboard Magazine). Bobby's hits include million selling singles "Volare," "Wild One," "We Got Love," "Kissin' Time," Swingin' School" and "Forget Him," selling a combined total of more than 25 million records.
Bobby Rydell's influence on popular music has been profound. When the producers of Grease wanted to pay tribute to the era in which the popular musical was set, they named the high school where most of the action took place "Rydell High" in his honor. The teen idol, now a seasoned performer, continues to perform to sell out audiences throughout the world. As a review of a recent performance put it, "Bobby Rydell is a true American music treasure."
The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For more information or tickets contact the box office at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.