I received an email from Danny Cannon's (Lenny's real name) neighbour and helper who I had been corresponding with to tell me that he passed away peacefully in hospital on September 27th.
His record 'Across The Street' was one of the foundation stones of the first 6TS nights championed by Randy Cozens who had first heard it in London's mod clubs in the mid 60s. He included it in his Mod Top 100 and it became a soul anthem for the early 80s mods. It still exemplifies the "Cool" of soul in the 60s for me. It was also a massive record on the Popcorn scene.
Sadly Danny's manager and producer Bob Crewe had died only a fortnight before. Danny worked with the highly talented producer throughout his solo career which lasted from his first of two ABC releases in 1961, to his second Atco release in 1964. He also recorded a 45 for Smash 'Mr Moonlight' which has Northern Soul devotees.
He had previously been with the vocal group the Vibraharps who recorded on Beech and Atco.
I got to speak with Danny once and he was a friendly, charming man, though suffering from the late stages of cancer. he was so pleased that 'Across The Street' was still alive in Europe.
Click to view in full
Recommended Comments