Candy Johnson was an American singer and dancer who became famous for her energetic performances in several beach party films in the 1960s. She was known as the perpetual motion dancer, a girl who could dance so hard that it would literally knock the guys off their feet. She also recorded some songs with her band, the Exciters, and inspired a hit single by the Strangeloves, “I Want Candy”. But what happened to this vibrant and talented star? How did she die and when? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Candy Johnson, the perpetual motion dancer.
Early Life and Career
Candy Johnson was born on February 8, 1944, in San Gabriel, California. She started dancing at a young age and trained for many years with professional instructors. She also sang in church choirs and school musicals. She was discovered by a talent agent, Red Gilson, who became her manager and later her husband. He partnered her with a band he managed, the Exciters, and created a stage act for her that showcased her dancing skills.
Candy Johnson and the Exciters performed at various nightclubs and venues across the country, attracting attention for their lively and upbeat shows. They also recorded some songs under their own label, Canjo Records, which they launched in 1964. Some of their songs include “The Shotgun”, “Do the Twist”, and “How Sweet It Is”.
Beach Party Films
Candy Johnson’s big break came when she was cast in a series of beach party films produced by American International Pictures. These films were popular among teenagers in the 1960s and featured young stars like Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, and Bobbi Shaw. Candy Johnson played a character named Candy, who was always dancing and shaking her hips. She was credited as the perpetual motion dancer in the first film, Beach Party (1963), and remained a part of the series for the next three films: Muscle Beach Party (1964), Bikini Beach (1964), and Pajama Party (1964). She also had a cameo role in Ski Party (1965).
Candy Johnson’s dancing was so impressive that it inspired a hit song by the New York rock group, the Strangeloves. They saw her perform at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York and wrote “I Want Candy” based on her name and style. The song reached #11 on the Billboard charts and was later covered by many artists, such as The Tremeloes, Bow Wow Wow, and Aaron Carter.
Retirement and Death
Candy Johnson retired from show business in 1968 and lived a private life with her husband, Red Gilson. They settled in Corona, California, where they raised their son, Mark. Candy Johnson rarely made public appearances or gave interviews after her retirement. She did attend a special screening of Beach Party at a Los Angeles theater in 2006, where she received a standing ovation from the audience.
In May 2012, Candy Johnson was diagnosed with brain cancer. She remained in a convalescent hospital in Corona until she died peacefully in her sleep on October 20, 2012. She was 68 years old. She was cremated and her ashes were sent to outer space by Celestis , a company that offers extraterrestrial burials.
Conclusion
Candy Johnson was a talented and energetic performer who entertained millions of people with her dancing and singing. She was a part of the beach party craze of the 1960s and left a lasting impression on pop culture. She also inspired a classic song that is still loved by many today. She died of brain cancer in 2012, but her legacy lives on through her films and music. Candy Johnson was truly the perpetual motion dancer.
