Han’s Worst Hits of the 70’s today visits 1973 and The DeFranco Family- “Heartbeat- It’s A Lovebeat.” The first single from their debut album was released in September 1973 and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The good news for music listeners- is by the time The DeFranco Family came along the family group craze was dying down. Of course that was bad news for the DeFranco’s and teenyboppers. The only reason I can think anyone bought this album is teenage girls and their crushes on Tony DeFranco. I am sure he also sold a lot of issues of Tiger Beat- that iconic piece of music journalism. The DeFranco’s went full court press in promoting this junk. They appeared on Dinah! The Mike Douglas Show, Sonny and Cher, Jack Benny and American Bandstand. The thing that sticks out to me in listening to the song is how weak a voice Tony DeFranco had. Donny Osmond was Frank Sinatra in comparison. I never understood the buying an album or single due to what the singer or band looked like. The DeFranco’s had a couple hits and then thankfully went back to their homeland- Canada.
Watch them below lip sync on The Jack Benny Special.
slicethelife 
I have heard this song before, but I never watched the video.
This is horrid – the song, the lead vocals, the backing group the dance moves the set. Thankfully I don’t remember this. Is it just me or does it seem that most of the worst on your worst list are from the early part of the 70s? Wonder why that is?
The 1974 and surrounding years seem to be especially poor- i am not sure why that is? But it is.
This could make it in my top ten worst of the seventies…
I agree- terribly weak song-a contender for #1 worst song of the decade…
I had never heard this song. I have now listened to 20 seconds of it. That’s enough.
As an aside, have you ever seen the Eurovision Song Contest? We watch it because it is so bad.
One of my wife’s American cousins was over here for the last one. She was initially scornful, but by the end was with us, fascinated by a) the truly appalling songs and especially b) the hilariously political scoring.
“Royaume uni, nil point”
20 seconds surely enough – and the video it is like they took rejected Osmond brothers moves..
How much you want to bet Tony is a plumber in Jersey these days?
He should call up Leif Garrett- Shawn Cassidy etc and try to get a former idols tour going- but would anyone go?
I looked Tony up and I was wrong. He has his own production company in CA to make “wholesome” movies. He drives a fast car and owns horses.
Well good for him.. I have nothing against him personally- just his singing! Glad he had other abilities- because singing wasn’t his thing. Thanks for your- In Search Of…
God I hated this song from the moment I heard it. Such crap!
At least they didn’t stick around long. The girls must have moved on from him pretty quickly.