Palisades Park - Freddie Cannon 1962

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"Palisades Park" became the inspirational title as a tribute to New Jersey's Palisades Amusement Park. Penned by Chuck Barris (later to become The Gong Show host) and recorded by Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon in 1962, the song reflected the love affair and energy between Rock & Roll and amusement parks during the 1960s across the U.S. One of the most visited amusement parks in the country, the facility closed its doors in 1971. Others of its stature are gone as well.

Freddy Cannon grew up listening to the rhythm and blues music in the 1950s. He learned how to play the guitar, and after High School, started playing with local groups, joined the Massachusetts National Guard, and eventually got married. His inspiration for music came from Chuck Berry and Little Richard which led Cannon to develop his trademark singing style. After being played by mistake by a Michigan DJ, "Palisades Park" took off and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his biggest career hit. Dick Clark was responsible for bringing Cannon to national exposure and suggested that he add more "boom boom" power to his songs.