#79: Dion

Dion

Dick Clark loved to show Italians on the early days of Bandstand. Enter Dion. Dion came out of the Bronx and loved Hank Williams Sr. He combined several styles to create his own sound. Like Hank, he became an addict, but was able to kick the addiction. Dion began as leader of the Belmonts. Since he was the talent, he went solo. By the early 70s, his popularity had run his course. He still records and tries to help prison addicts through prison ministries.

Rock n Roll Moment: Dion was a heroin addict while in his teens. He may have been the first rock n roll heroin addict!

Essential Dion: The Essential Dion (2005)

Dion’s Top 10:
A Teenager In Love
Where or When
Lonely Teenager
Runaround Sue
The Wanderer
Little Diane
Ruby Baby
Lovers Who Wander
Abraham, Martin, and John
Donna the Prima Donna