Dion DiMucci
Background information
Birth name	Dion Francis DiMucci
Also known as	Dion
Born	July 18, 1939 (1939-07-18) (age 68) Bronx, New York, United States
Genre(s)	Rock, pop, doowop
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)	Vocals, guitar
Years active	1957 to date
Associated acts	Dion and the Belmonts
Website	http://www.diondimucci.com/

Dion DiMucci (born Dion Francis DiMucci, 18 July 1939), better known as Dion, is an American singer-songwriter, now widely recognized as one of the top singers of his era, blending the best elements of doo-wop, pop, and R&B styles. is the 199th day of the year (200th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... For other uses, see Bronx (disambiguation). ... NY redirects here. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified with the purpose of making music. ... The Belmonts, later known as Dion and the Belmonts, are a doo wop group that originated in the mod 1950s. ... is the 199th day of the year (200th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The term singer-songwriter refers to performers who both write and sing their own material. ... Doo-wop is a style of vocal-based rhythm and blues music popular in the mid-1950s to the early 1960s in America. ... For popular forms of music in general, see Popular music. ... Rhythm and blues (also known as R&B or RnB) is a popular music genre combining jazz, gospel, and blues influences, first performed by African American artists. ...

Early years

Dion was born to an Italian-American family in the Bronx borough of New York City. As a child, he used to accompany his father, a vaudeville entertainer, on tour, and developed a love of country music – particularly Hank Williams – and the blues and doo-wop stars he heard in local bars and on the radio. His singing abilities were honed on the street corners of Crotona Avenue, where he rounded up other local singers inventing acapella licks, and in local clubs. For other uses, see Bronx (disambiguation). ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... It has been suggested that Audrey Williams be merged into this article or section. ... Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of music based on the use of the blue notes and a repetitive pattern that most often follows a twelve-bar structure. ...

In early 1957 he auditioned for Bob and Gene Schwartz, who had just formed Mohawk Records. They recorded him with a vocal group, The Timberlanes, and released a single "The Chosen Few", arranged by Hugo Montenegro, which became a minor regional hit. Hugo Montenegro (September 2, 1925 - February 6, 1981) was an American composer of film soundtracks. ...

With the Belmonts, 1957-1960

See main article Dion and the Belmonts The Belmonts, later known as Dion and the Belmonts, are a doo wop group that originated in the mod 1950s. ...

Schwartz also signed up Dion's friends, The Belmonts, named after nearby Belmont Avenue. Their breakthrough together came in early 1958, when "I Wonder Why" made # 22 on the national US charts, followed up with "No One Knows" and "Don’t Pity Me" which were also chart hits. The Belmonts are a doo wop group that originated in the 1950s. ...

This success won Dion and the Belmonts a place on the "Winter Dance Party" tour with Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. On 2 February 1959, after playing at Clear Lake, Iowa, Dion decided that he could not afford the $36 cost of a flight to the next venue ^[1]. The plane crashed, and Holly and the other stars were killed. Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), better known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer, songwriter, and a pioneer of rock and roll. ... Richard Steven Valenzuela (May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959) was a pioneer of rock and roll. ... Jiles Perry (J.P.) Richardson, Jr. ... Clear Lake is a city located in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. ... Monument at Crash Site, September 16, 2003. ...

In March 1959, Dion and the Belmonts’ next single, "A Teenager In Love", was released, making # 5 in the US pop charts and # 28 in the UK. Their biggest hit, "Where or When", was released in November 1959, and reached #3 on the US charts. However, in early 1960, Dion checked in to hospital for heroin addiction, a problem he had had since his mid-teens. Further single releases for the group that year were less successful, there were musical and financial differences between Dion and members of the Belmonts, and in October 1960 Dion decided to quit for a solo career. Where or When is a song that was written by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes In Arms. ... Heroin (INN: diacetylmorphine, BAN: diamorphine) is an opioid synthesized directly from the extracts of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. ...

Solo stardom, 1960-1964

1961 album cover

an issue of his 1962 solo hit

By the end of 1960, Dion had recorded and released his first solo album, Alone With Dion, and the single "Lonely Teenager", which rose to # 12 in the US charts. The performer name on his solo releases was denoted simply as "Dion" without the last name. Follow-ups "Havin’ Fun" and "Kissin’ Game" had less success, and the signs were that Dion would drift onto the cabaret circuit. However, he then recorded, with new vocal group the Del-Satins, an up-tempo number co-written with Ernie Maresca. The record, "Runaround Sue", stormed up the charts, reaching # 1 in the US charts in September 1961, and # 11 in the UK, where he also toured. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The Del-Satins were an American vocal group in the 1960s who recorded on their own but are best remembered for their harmonies on hit records for Dion and others. ... Ernie Maresca (b August 21 1938, The Bronx, New York City), is an American songwriter, singer, and record company executive, best known for writing or co-writing some of Dions biggest hits. ...

For the next single, the record company promoted the A-side, "The Majestic", but it was the B-side, Maresca’s song "The Wanderer", which received the radio plays and again rose swiftly up the charts, reaching # 2 in the US charts in December 1961 and # 10 in the UK. As a classic oldie, it made the UK top twenty again in 1976. ...

By the end of 1961, Dion was a major star, with a worldwide touring schedule, and he followed up with a string of hit singles – "Lovers Who Wander" (# 3), "Little Diane" (# 8), "Love Came To Me" (# 10) and "Ruby Baby" (# 2) all making the top ten in 1962. Several of these were written or co-written by Dion. He also had successful albums with Runaround Sue and Lovers Who Wander.

At the end of 1962, Dion moved from Laurie to Columbia Records, the first rock and roll artist ever signed to that label. Although the first single, Leiber and Stoller’s "Ruby Baby", was a big hit, reaching # 2, several follow-ups were less so, although "Donna the Prima Donna" and "Drip Drop" both reached # 6 in the charts in late 1963. Nevertheless, problems with his addiction and changing public tastes did cause him to enter a period of commercial decline. Columbia Records is the oldest brand name in recorded sound, dating back to 1888, and was the first record company to produce pre-recorded records as opposed to blank cylinders. ... Jerry Leiber (born April 25, 1933) and Mike Stoller (born March 13, 1933) are among the most important songwriters and music producers in post-World War II popular music. ...

Changing fortunes, 1964-1968

Following a European tour, Dion returned to the USA and was introduced to classic blues music by Columbia’s John Hammond. To the consternation of his management, he began recording more blues-oriented material, including Willie Dixon’s "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Spoonful", but these releases – some produced by Tom Wilson, with Al Kooper on keyboards - were not commercially successful. John Henry Hammond (December 15, 1910–July 10, 1987) was a record producer, musician and music critic from the 1930s to the early 1980s. ... Willie Dixons style of blues was one of the inspirations for a new generation of music, rock and roll. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

In 1966, Dion briefly reunited with the Belmonts for the album Together Again on ABC Records. Again, this bombed, despite one classic self-penned song, "My Girl The Month Of May". Although by this stage Dion’s career appeared to be nearing an end, he retained enough credibility to be, along with Bob Dylan, the only pop artist featured on the album cover of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967. ABC Records started in 1955 as ABC-Paramount Records, the recording arm of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres. ... The White Album, see The Beatles (album). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

In April 1968, Dion had a powerful religious experience. After getting clean from drug use, he approached Laurie Records for a new contract, and they agreed on condition that he record the song "Abraham, Martin and John", written by Dick Holler (also the writer of The Royal Guardsmen’s "Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron") in response to the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy during the summer of 1968. The success of this song – later recorded by many others including Marvin Gaye – which reached # 4 in the US charts, resuscitated Dion’s career. Abraham, Martin & John is a 1968 song written by Dick Holler. ... The Royal Guardsmen were a rock band from Ocala, Florida, a sextet composed of Bill Balough (bass), John Burdette (drums), Chris Nunley (vocals), Tom Richards (guitar), Billy Taylor (organ), and Barry Winslow (vocals/guitar). ... “Martin Luther King” redirects here. ... Robert Kennedy Robert Francis Bobby Kennedy, also called RFK (November 20, 1925–June 6, 1968) was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, and was appointed by his brother as Attorney General for his administration. ... Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. ...

The mature period, 1968-1986

Born To Be With You, 1975

For the next few years, Dion’s music became radically different, moving to more contemplative and mature material. He released several albums essentially as a singer-songwriter, to critical acclaim but moderate sales, moving to the Warner Brothers label in 1969. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Warner Bros. ...

There followed a one-off live reunion show with the Belmonts at Madison Square Garden in 1972, released on album. This was followed in 1975 by the album Born To Be With You, eccentrically produced by Phil Spector. The album was a commercial failure, but has been subsequently praised by such artists as Jason Pierce of Spiritualized and Pete Townshend of The Who. Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG, known colloquially simply as The Garden, has been the name of four arenas in New York City, United States. ... Harvey Philip Spector (born December 26, 1939) is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. ... Jason pierce(born 19 November 1965 Rugby, England, UK ) the band member of spaceman 3 and spiritualized. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend (born May 19, 1945 in Chiswick, London), is an award-winning English rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, and composer. ... The Who are an English rock band that first formed in 1964 and grew to be considered one of the greatest[1] and most influential[2] bands in the world. ...

In 1978 Dion released an album drawing on many of his teenage influences, Return of the Wanderer, another critical success and commercial failure. In December 1979 he experienced a life-changing religious experience^[2]. Thereafter, his recordings for several years were in a contemporary Christian music vein, in which he released a number of albums on the Dayspring label reflecting his religious convictions. Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM; also by its religious neutral term Inspirational music) is a genre of popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith. ...

Recent work

Cover of Bronx In Blue, 2006

In 1987 Dion agreed to do a concert of his old hits at Radio City Music Hall in New York. This helped free him to celebrate both his past and his future, and led to a series of special appearances, including a fundraiser for homeless medical relief. There he shared the stage with fans such as Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon and Lou Reed, all of whom cited Dion as one of their prime influences. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Radio City Music Hall at Christmas 2005 Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue located in New York Citys Rockefeller Center. ... Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an influential American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. ... Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, half of the folk-singing duo Simon and Garfunkel who continues a successful solo career. ... Lewis Allan Lou Reed[1] (born March 2, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. ...

In 1988 Dion's autobiography (co-authored by Davin Seay) titled The Wanderer: Dion's Story was published. In the following year, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the induction speech being given by Lou Reed. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at sunset. ...

In 1989 he returned to secular rock music with the album Yo Frankie, and since then has released several albums with contemporary rock artists. His Déjà Nu album in 2000 found him covering Bruce Springsteen, a major follower over the years.

He joined Scott Kempner of the Del-Lords and Mike Mesaros of The Smithereens in a short-lived band called Little Kings. A live album was later released, but not widely circulated or promoted. The Smithereens are a rock band from Carteret, New Jersey. ...

In January 2006 he released Bronx in Blue, an album of blues and country standards, which was critically acclaimed and nominated for a Grammy. As a practicing Catholic, Dion pursues prison ministry and reaches out to men going through addiction recovery. Grammy Award statuette The Grammy Awards, presented by the Recording Academy (an association of Americans professionally involved in the recorded music industry) for outstanding achievements in the recording industry, is one of four major music awards shows held annually in the United States (the Billboard Music Awards, the American Music...

Albums (non-compilation) ^[3]

• 1959: Presenting Dion & The Belmonts
• 1960: Wish Upon A Star With Dion & The Belmonts
• 1961: Alone With Dion
• 1961: Runaround Sue
• 1962: Lovers Who Wander
• 1962: Love Came To Me
• 1963: Ruby Baby
• 1963: Dion Sings To Sandy
• 1963: Donna The Prima Donna
• 1967: Dion & The Belmonts - Together Again
• 1968: Dion
• 1969: Wonder Where I'm Bound
• 1970: Sit Down Old Friend
• 1971: You're Not Alone
• 1971: Sanctuary
• 1972: Suite For Late Summer
• 1973: Dion & The Belmonts - Reunion, Live At Madison Square Garden
• 1975: Born To Be With You
• 1976: Streetheart
• 1978: Return Of The Wanderer
• 1980: Inside Job
• 1981: Only Jesus
• 1984: I Put Away My Idols
• 1984: Seasons
• 1985: Kingdom In The Streets
• 1986: Velvet & Steel
• 1989: Yo Frankie
• 1990: Fire In The Night (recorded 1979)
• 1992: Dream On Fire
• 1993: Rock'n'Roll Christmas
• 2000: Déjà Nu
• 2003: New Masters
• 2005: Live New York City
• 2006: Bronx In Blue

Chart singles ^[4]

The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. ... The UK Singles Chart is currently compiled by The Official UK Charts Company (OCC) on behalf of the British record industry. ... Runaround Sue is a song famed mainly by Dion and the Belmonts, but also by Leif Garrett and The Alley Cats. ... ...

References

External links

• Official Dion Website
• Dion "time line" – masses of information
• Comprehensive Rolling Stone profile
• Dion (German)
• The Spiritual Journey of the Wanderer Who Came Home By Dion Dimucci
• Dion the Wanderer, Back In Blue (an article at NPR.com)
• The Wanderer Settles Down With The Blues (an article at Perfect Sound Forever)