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 Posted By: Charlie Gracie on: 02/13/2008 13:35:13 ESTSubject: Freddie Bell of the Bellboys Passes |
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We were very sad to hear that our friend and former South Philadelphian, Freddie Bell passed away at the age of 76 this past Sunday. Freddie a forerunner to the 1950's rock 'n' roll era who carved out a name for himself with his signature "house rockin" style. He became a legendary lounge performer in Las Vegas and actually recorded a cover version of Big Mama Thorton's "Hound Dog" before Elvis hit with it. "Giddy-Up A Ding Dong" was probably Freddie's biggest record, but it was his hoppin' nightclub act that brought him (and the Bellboys) their greatest notoriety. We last saw Freddie perform at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City (2004) with two of the original Treniers and Sam Butera--a GREAT and truly ENTERTAINING show--the kind of talent and stage presence which has become almost extinct by today's "standards." "God Bless Freddie's soul and all the guys who originated that "house rockin" style: Louis Jordan, Louis Prima, Bill Haley, the Treniers, Mike Pedicine. When I was a kid, my head was so full of that stuff, I thought it might burst...and I still love it! I looked up to guys like Freddie who were a few years ahead of me." Charlie Gracie |
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