Freddy Cannon
Freddy Cannon was practically a regular on American Bandstand in the early '60s. He was signed to Swan Records, which was co-owned by Bandstand host Dick Clark. Any connection?
Cannon usually got lumped in with the teen-idols of the era despite the fact that he had a powerful voice, built for Rock n' Roll, and could kick it out. His most famous song "Palisades Park" came out in '62 and was written by Chuck Barris, future TV game show producer and "Gong Show" host. It's not Cannon's best. "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans" Rocks harder. But the all-time best Freddy Cannon song was "Tallahassee Lassie." It's a production masterpiece with Cannon's "woos" and screamin' vocals. It's got great guitar work and a thunderous beat. The lyrics are unintelligible. Something about a girl down in FLA. It stands with "Jailhouse Rock," "Whole Lotta Shakin'," and Good Golly Miss Molly" as one of the best Rock n' Roll songs ever.
"Action" was Cannon's last major hit. The uptempo Rocker was the theme for a mid-60s music program "Where The Action Is" produced by Dick Clark.
Like nearly all his Rock 'n' Roll contemporaries Freddy Cannon's career is measured in hit singles. He had a solid three-year run and recorded "Tallahassee Lassie," the rollicking "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" and the novelty song that he's probably best remembered for, "Palisades Park." Cannon also turns in a surprisingly good performance on "Action" (the theme song for the highly popular daytime teen music show). "The Big Blast From Boston: The Best of Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon" has the hits while "His Latest & His Greatest" features the major hits plus several lesser know but excellent Rockers.