Freddie Cannon, the rock ‘n’ roll singer whose best-known songs include “Palisades Park” and “Tallahassee Lassie,” has died. He was 89 years old.
His friend, Tom Cody of iHeart Radio, announced that Cannon died on Friday in a nursing home in California. Cannon was scheduled to interview DJ Cousin Brucie Morrow on July 11, but was taken to the hospital a day before the appearance, Cady said.
The rock singer, nicknamed Freddie “Boom Boom” Cannon, was born on December 4, 1936 in Lynn, Massachusetts, where he began his musical career. An early recording of the song “Tallahassee Lassie,” which would become a hit, sparked Dick Clark’s interest. He and his wife, Janet, then moved to Philadelphia in his late teens, thanks in part to Clark urging him to do so.
The track later appeared in 1959, peaking at number six on Billboard’s Hot 100; It became Cannon’s first song to top the Billboard charts. One year later, he appeared on Clark’s show American platform For this first time. Cannon continued to appear on the weekly dance show several times over the years, recording 110 appearances.
“Palisades Park” was released in 1962, becoming his highest-charting hit (it reached number three). Additional hits for Cannon included “Jump Over” in the 1960s, “Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy”, “Abigail Beecher” in 1964, “Action” in 1965, and “The Decision Song” in 1966, among many others.
Cannon releases his memoirs Where is the work!in 2011, a TV series in which he also appeared. His screen credits are also included No time for censors, village of giants, they’re never young and Svengool.
He is survived by his children, Connie Weber and Billy Cannon. his sister, Mary Lou; brother-in-law Jim; daughter-in-law Beth; Five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Cannon was predeceased by his son John, who died in April, and his wife Janet, who died in 2024.
