Dion Returning to The Orleans Showroom, 3/25-26
By: Tyler Peterson Jan. 06, 2016
Known for incorporating elements of doo-wop, rhythm and blues, pop and rock into his music, Dion DiMucci, also known as Dion, returns to The Orleans Showroom Mar. 25 and 26.
One of the most popular American rock 'n' roll performers of the pre-British Invasion era, Dion charted more than a dozen top-40 hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Dion and The Belmonts formed in the late '50s and scored their first hit, "I Wonder Why," in 1958. Following up with two additional hits, "No One Knows" and "Don't Pity Me," the group became a national sensation and co-headlined "The Winter Dance Party" tour with Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper. It was during this tour that the plane carrying Holly, Valens and The Big Bopper crashed, claiming the lives of all aboard. Dion won a seat on the plane in a coin toss, but later declined the offer. The decision ultimately saved his life. Dion went solo in 1960 and racked up a string of #1 hits that many still consider to be some of the best of the rock 'n' roll era - "Runaround Sue," "Lovers Who Wander" and "The Wanderer." As the first rock 'n' roll artist signed to Columbia Records, he continued the hit streak with "Ruby Baby," "Donna the Prima Donna," "Drip Drop" and "Abraham, Martin and John." He was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.Videos
