Freddy Cannon

The Spindrifts (Lynn, Massachusetts)

Personnel :

Frederick A. Picariello (Freddy Cannon) (Lead)

John Falzone

David Sugarman

Discography :

1958- Cha Cha Doo / Belinda (Hot 1000 / ABC 9904)

Biography :

Freddy 'Boom Boom' Cannon was pretty much the last of the 50s rockers.  His records were wild, raucous affairs, propelled by loud whoops, a booming backing and a thumping beat - all of which invariably made them sound dated. Indeed, his breakthrough hit, the brash "Tallahassee Lassie", heralded a booting, big band style which, by 1959, already sounded anachronistic.  Yet it has served him well and with a couple of dozen major hit records under his belt, a half-dozen of which were million-sellers, Freddy continues to tour and record to this very day. He was born Frederick Anthony Piciarello Jr, on December 4th, 1939, in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and was raised in the neighbouring town of Lynn. Freddy grew up in a musical environment- his father played trumpet in local bands and he was encouraged to listen to singers like Big Joe Turner on the radio. When R&R came along he was quickly seduced by it, his earliest heroes being Chuck Berry and Elvis.

(Original Majestics 1956) John Falzone second from right.

As a 16-year old he (allegedly) played guitar on The G-Clefs' Doo-Wop classic "Ka-Ding-Doug" and the following year Freddy Cannon recorded with two Boston buddies: John Falzone (who was part of the original Majestics before they recorded for 20th Fox) and David Sugarman who wrote with him the two songs. The single will be released  by Hot Records (Boston). "Cha Cha Doo" b/w "Belinda"  will be picked up by ABC-Paramount for distribution.. With The Spindrifts, he writing, singing and playing guitar on 'Cha Cha Doo', which became a significant local success. However, he wanted to get into more mainstream R'N'R to which end he formed his one band, Freddy Karmon & the Hurricanes, who very quickly became popular in and around Boston, managed by local deejay Jack McDermott.

Songs :

  
   Belinda                                           Cha Cha Doo


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