The Wildwoods, NJ, known for Bobby Rydell's theme song "Wildwood Days," releases statement regarding his passing

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) released the below statement regarding the passing of American musical icon, Bobby Rydell:

The Wildwoods, NJ is mourning the passing of musical legend Bobby Rydell. Bobby's significant contributions to the American music scene are timeless. His toe-tapping 1963 hit song "Wildwood Days" is an indelible example of how Bobby's music has stood the test of time and is still relevant today, nearly 60 years later. We are so proud that "Wildwood Days" serves as the theme song of the Wildwoods and the song's music bed for the Wildwoods, NJ's 2022 tourism advertising campaign. We will miss you, Bobby, and we will never stop singing "heading down the shore (Wildwood Days) to have a ball once more!"

"Famous for creating the Wildwoods, NJ anthem - 'Wildwood Days' - which is used in GWTIDA's 2022 marketing and public relations campaign, Bobby Rydell clearly expresses the many aspects of the Wildwoods that make the five-mile shore resort a great family vacation destination," said GWTIDA Executive Director/CFO John Siciliano. "He will be missed."

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Rydell spent his early summers in Wildwood, where his family owned a house on Montgomery Avenue. Even as his career exploded after starring in "Bye Bye Birdie," Rydell returned to the Wildwoods as a visitor and a performer. He performed extensively in the Wildwoods over the last 60 years at special island-wide events including the Fabulious '50s & Beyond Weekend, and most recently serving as Grand Marshal of the Original Olde Time Italian Festival, and performing a free concert for over 3,000 avid fans in the Fox Park Outdoor Amphitheater.

"Wildwood Days" has enjoyed a renewed wave of popularity since GWTIDA incorporated the song in its advertising campaigns featuring the resort since 2005. The song's catchy beat and happy-go-lucky lyrics where "every day is a holiday and every night is a Saturday night" have helped to describe what makes the Wildwoods, NJ a favorite seaside vacation destination to over nine million visitors each year.