Annette Funicello’s mark in classic alternative music history

While many are mourning the loss of one of America’s sweethearts, Annette Funicello, today. We will fondly remember her for several things: her brave battle with Multiple Sclerosis, repeats of her 60s beach movies with Frankie Avalon and her energetic Skippy peanut butter commercials, the Mickey Mouse Club among them. Still, it was this special duet with Fishbone for her and Avalon’s Back to the Beach Movie, “Jamaica Ska” that will always come to mind whenever I think of her:

This well-performed duet forever enshrined Funicello, a well-loved actress and singer,  into classic alternative music history  –  and all of music history  —   as part of one of the oddest pairings of performers to record a song together.

Annette Funicello passed away this morning at age 70. We will miss you, but watching this video and hearing you sing will always make us smile. Rest in peace, from us at Revenge of the 80s Radio.