Freddy 'Boom Boom' Cannon, Rock and Roll Pioneer, Dies at 89

Freddy Cannon, the energetic rock and roller known for hits like 'Palisades Park' and 'Tallahassee Lassie,' has died at age 89. He passed away on July 17 at a hospice facility in California after a brief battle with cancer, according to a family representative and a longtime friend. Born Freddy Picariello, Cannon earned the nickname 'Boom Boom' for his explosive sound and energetic performances. He burst onto the music scene in the late 1950s with his first hit, 'Tallahassee Lassie,' which reached the top 10 in 1959. He followed with other chart-toppers including 'Way Down Yonder in New Orleans' and his biggest hit, 'Palisades Park,' in 1962. Cannon's music was known for its upbeat, joyful style and helped define the early rock and roll era. Cannon lived in Oxnard, California. His death was announced by Tom Cuddy, a longtime friend and music industry figure. He is remembered as a pioneer who brought energy and fun to rock music, influencing many artists who came after him.