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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZFREEMAN, Bobby(b 13 June 1940 in California, grew up in San Francisco; d 23 January 2017, Daly City CA) USA R&B singer who played piano and sang with Romancers on Dootone label at age 14. He wrote the classic 'Do You Wanna Dance' for a no. 5 hit on Josie '58, followed with less successful "Betty Lou Got A New Pair Of Shoes', 'Need Your Love', 'Shame On You Miss Johnson'. At his best live, with dancing skills and rousing act. He persevered and returned to top 40 '60 with dance number '(I Do The) Shimmy Shimmy' on King. Signed by Sly Stone to disc jockey Tom Donahue's Autumn label which recorded the Stone-produced 'C'mon And Swim' as his second release on that label for his second dance number and last big hit at no. 5 '64. He recorded soul for the Double-Shot and Touch labels in '70s, but revivals of 'Do You Wanna Dance' by Beach Boys, Bette Midler, the Ramones etc kept him busy in cabaret. The song lent itself to interpretation: there were reggae, punk rock and sultry versions; Midler said it was her favourite song. It was featured in the classic rock'n'roll movie American Graffiti '73. |