Bobby Freeman (January Tribute Singer)
Bobby Freeman, ‘Do You Want to Dance’ Singer.
Best known for his two Top Ten hits, the first in 1958 "Do You Want to Dance" and the second in 1964 "C'mon and Swim".
Mr. Freeman’s version of “Do You Want to Dance” embodied the spirit of early rock ’n’ roll, but the secret to the song’s longevity was that artists interpreted it in myriad ways.
The Ramones ramped up Mr. Freeman’s energy to punk-rock levels. The Beach Boys reached No. 12 on the Billboard chart in 1965 with a typically up-tempo close-harmony interpretation.
John Lennon recorded a dreamy reggae version. Both the Mamas and the Papas and Ms. Midler slowed the song down; Ms. Midler’s version, a sensual ballad, reached No. 17 on the Billboard chart in 1973. She told CBS News in 2006 that “Do You Want to Dance” was her favorite song.
The Ramones ramped up Mr. Freeman’s energy to punk-rock levels. The Beach Boys reached No. 12 on the Billboard chart in 1965 with a typically up-tempo close-harmony interpretation.
John Lennon recorded a dreamy reggae version. Both the Mamas and the Papas and Ms. Midler slowed the song down; Ms. Midler’s version, a sensual ballad, reached No. 17 on the Billboard chart in 1973. She told CBS News in 2006 that “Do You Want to Dance” was her favorite song.
