Photo: Andrews/Redferns/Retna

Born July 18th, 1939 Key Tracks "Teenager in Love," "The Wanderer," "Runaround Sue," "Abraham, Martin and John" Influenced Lou Reed, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen

Art Garfunkel describes Dion as "a bold extrovert of a singer," and Steve Van Zandt hears "the sneer of punk" in his late-Fifties and early-Sixties hits such as "The Wanderer" and "Runaround Sue." A key figure in doo-wop's transition to rock & roll, the Bronx-born singer defined an attitude of white-boy rebellion — and delivered his lyrics with a casual, swinging phrasing that rivals Sinatra. Heavyweights such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon were all on record as fans of his rowdy vocals. But Dion's favorite compliment came from an even more unimpeachable source. Once, at a television taping, Little Richard's mother, Leva Mae, took Dion aside and asked him, "You the boy that sings 'Ruby Baby'? Son, you got soul."

1. Teenager in Love
2. The Wanderer
3. Runaround Sue
4. Abraham, Martin and John

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