Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr., known professionally as Freddy Cannon, was
born on 4 December 1936 in Revere, Massachusetts. He grew up in Lynn,
Massachusetts, and developed an early interest in rhythm and blues music,
learning to play the guitar. He made his recording debut after graduating from
high school in 1958 with "Cha-Cha-Do" by the Spindrifts, which became a local
hit. His breakthrough came with "Tallahassee Lassie", released under the stage
name Freddy Cannon. The song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in
1959 and sold over one million copies, earning a go...