Del Shannon Biography, Photos and Posters

Del Shannon

Biography

Born: December 30, 1934
City and Country of Origin: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Music Training:
Awards:
Top Recordings: "Runaway," "Hats Off to Larry," "So Long Baby," "Hey! Little Girl," "The Swiss Maid," "Little Town Flirt," "Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow the Sun)"
Del Shannon Biography: Charles Weedon Westover was an American rock and roller who came to fame with the, 1961, number 1 hit single "Runaway." The song introduced an early form of synthesizer the musitron. Shannon followed up his first hit with "Hats Off to Larry", which peaked at number 5 (Billboard) and number 1,on Cashbox, and the less popular "So Long, Baby."

In 1963 he became the first American artist to hit the charts with a Beatle's cover recording of "From Me to You." Shannon returned to the charts, in 1964, with the 1960 hit by Jimmy Jones "Handy Man." "Do You Wanna Dance," a 1958 hit by Bobby Freeman, and "Keep Searchin'" which became Shannon's final top 10 hit in both countries in 1965. "Stranger in Town" would also be a lesser hit for him in 1965. After this Shannon was unable to match his earlier music success in the states, but was able to continue his career in England.

In 1966 he released a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb" and Peter and Gordon released the Shannon composition, "I Go To Pieces." After a dry spell recording he turned to producing, with releases like The Shirelles' "Baby, It's You," recorde by a group called Smith, Brian Hyland's million seller "Gypsy Woman," a cover of Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions' original, in 1970. "Crocodile Rock" 1973 by Elton John was an update of the Runaway sound.

In June of 1963 he released the album Live in England to favorable reviews. In April of 1975 he signed with Island Records. During the 70s his career was hampered by his growing reliance on alcohol. After he got off the bottle in the late 70s he returned to the mainstream with Phil Phillips "Sea Of Love," from his album Drop Down And Get Me which was produced by Tom Petty.

During the 1980s Shannon continued to perform competent country rock. His career enjoyed a resurgence when his song "Runaway" (with new lyrics), was used as the theme song for the television show Crime Story.

In 1990 Shannon recorded a comeback album with Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra and there were unconfirmed rumors he would join The Traveling Wilburys after Roy Orbison's death. On February 8, 1990, Shannon committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a .22 caliber rifle. Shannon's wife, Bonnie, found his body at 11:25 P.M. in their Santa Clarita, California home, 35 miles north of Los Angeles. His final album was released after his death, titled Rock On!.
Died: February 8, 1990

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