Hot Cherie

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the sultry sounds of Hot Cherie by Danny Spanos from his 1983 EP Passion In The Dark. This track, a Mainstream Rock hit, was originally penned by members of the Canadian band Streetheart, who didn’t release their own version until 1984. The song’s steamy lyrics paint a vivid picture of desire under a sizzling summer sky, with lines like “Been too long since the last rain / Still the stars sizzle hot in the sky.” It’s a perfect fit for those late-night vibes the Zoo Crew loves to amplify. Fun fact: the song also caught the ear of Hollywood, landing on the soundtrack of the 1984 comedy Up the Creek, alongside another Spanos track, Passion In The Dark. The music video for Hot Cherie even made it into MTV’s early rotation in 1983, giving it that extra dose of ‘80s rock flair.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: Hot Cherie has been covered by several artists, including Hardline, Streetheart, Steve Thomson, and Bonfire. A 2012 discussion on the Classic Rock Forum saw fans debating which version reigned supreme, with Hardline’s early ‘90s take often stealing the spotlight, though Spanos’ original holds its own for its raw, passionate delivery. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in fan posts, like one from @Littleelvis40 on X in April 2025, hyping it up for a “Ladies’ Night” on DeepDives. It’s a track that keeps the fire burning for rock fans everywhere.

Danny Spanos, born George Spannos in South Lyon, Michigan, kicked off his musical journey behind the drum kit. His early career saw him pounding the skins for the funk-rock band Redbone, famous for their 1970s hit Come and Get Your Love. Spanos’ versatility shone through as he also laid down beats for the iconic theme of the ‘70s TV series Starsky and Hutch. By the early ‘80s, he stepped out as a solo artist, trading drums for vocals and unleashing his rock ‘n’ roll energy on Passion In The Dark. Produced by Spencer Proffer, the EP showcased Spanos’ gritty voice and knack for catchy hooks, with Hot Cherie peaking on the Mainstream Rock charts. His follow-up album, Looks Like Trouble (1984), didn’t quite match the EP’s success, but Spanos left his mark with contributions to soundtracks like All the Right Moves, featuring his song This Could Be Our Last Chance.

While Danny Spanos doesn’t appear to have an official website or active social media presence today, fans can still connect with his legacy. Check out his music and discography on platforms like Discogs, where collectors share details on rare vinyls and CDs. For fan communities, the Classic Rock Forum remains a lively spot for discussions about Spanos and his work, with threads diving into tracks like Hot Cherie. You can also find fan-driven content on Last.fm, where listeners share photos, stats, and tracklists. Unfortunately, no official Facebook, Instagram, or X accounts for Spanos are currently active, but Zoo Freaks can keep the spirit alive by spinning his records and sharing the love for his ‘80s rock sound.