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Legendary singer who inspired The Rolling Stones dies in hospice after cancer battle

Beloved singer Freddy Cannon was famed for hits like Palisades Park and Tallahassee Lassie, with the likes of Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones recording covers of his songs

[Freddy Cannon]

Freddy Cannon has passed away aged 89(Image: -)

Freddy Cannon, who shot to fame in the 1950s with hits like Palisades Park and Tallahassee Lassie, has died at the age of 89.

The iconic singer passed away on July 17 in a hospice facility in Oxnard, following a battle with cancer. Cannon inspired the likes of The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin with his music - with Stones frontman Mick Jagger crediting him for the groove of their track Brown Sugar.

Cannon was also a frequent guest on Dick Clark's American Bandstand, making a record number of appearances on the hit music program. His songs Way Down Yonder in New Orleans, Action and Abigail Beecher were also hits, although he stepped back from the spotlight in the mid-1960s.

[Freddy Cannon]

Tributes poured in for Freddy Cannon following his death(Image: -)

He frequently toured around the UK, among other countries, and regularly appeared at American Bandstand reunion events. He shared fond memories of legendary Bandstand host Dick Clark.

Speaking in a 2017 interview with the Ventura County Star, he said: "He was a giant on television, and if you were on his show, you sold a lot of records, and that's exactly what happened with me," Cannon said. "I owe a lot to him."

Cannon's influence on popular music is clear. He had bands such as The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones recording versions of his songs.

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Mick Jagger said Cannon inspired The Rolling Stones' hit Brown Sugar(Image: Getty Images)

Discussing his influence on other artists, he said: "I hope I fit in somewhere. I think I made a little dent in the music business by being a songwriter. There was a few songs I didnt write but a lot of them, I did.

"And all I gotta say is that I go back to Tallahassee all the time to that song only because the Rolling Stones covered it; Fleetwood Mac covered the song all these bands in England covered the song and put it on their albums and everything. It makes me feel a hundred feet tall, you know? I mustve influenced somebody with that song."

Tributes have poured in for the singer, as Rich Koz, otherwise known as Svengoolie, posted on Facebook: "This is a sad day. Our friend Freddy 'Boom Boom' Cannon has passed away.

"I am honored that it all began with him calling me, telling me he was a fan, and that he had actually written a song about me, and moved on to a great friendship. His enthusiasm, sense of humor, and countless stories of his rock and roll world made knowing him a wonderful experience. I will miss him."

Cannon is survived by his children Conny and Billy, his sister Mary Lou, son-in-law Jim, daughter-in-law Beth, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Hid daugther Conny said: "We would like to thank everyone for their love and support throughout our dads life. He will be remembered as a rock and roll icon. His music will live forever in our hearts."

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