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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCANNON, Freddy(b Frederick Anthony Picariello, 4 Dec. '40, Lynn MA) Singer; Philadelphia teen star. Played solo guitar on a G-Clefs Hot 100 entry '56; under stage name Freddy Karmon made demo for disc jockey Jack McDermott of 'Rock'n'Roll Baby' (written by Cannon and his mother); remade as 'Tallahassee Lassie' with prod. Frank Slay and Bob Crewe (latter the force behind the Four Seasons) and name change for Cannon, went top ten '59. Cannon quit truckdriving, appeared on American Bandstand; though covered by local hero Tommy Steele, Cannon's record made no. 15 UK. Throaty, rasping vocals with horns, Bo Diddley-style guitar from Kenny Paulson, roaring sax section had more hits: second single 'Okefenoke' made top 50 USA but update of '22 hit 'Way Down Yonder In New Orleans' was no. 3 USA/4 UK, led to an album written around place names; The Explosive Freddy Cannon topped LP chart UK '60 (he toured there). Revival of '50 Red Foley hit 'Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy', 'Jump Over', 'Transistor Sister' made top 40 USA '60--61; next hit 'Palisades Park' had an organ sound, no. 3 USA/20 UK; LP Freddy Cannon At Palisades Park charted in USA; he appeared in British film Just For Fun '63; switched from Swan to WB for two more top 20 hits. Was promo man for Buddah; joined oldies revival circuit; had minor comeback '81 with 'Let's Put The Fun Back In Rock'n'Roll'. |