I was fortunate enough to see Del perform circa 1983 in a relatively small club. It was a way cool show, start to finish full throttle. He was, and remains, a very underrated star in rock history.
Del Shannon was an upright, honest man. His answers to Bob's questions could have been phrased in a way to make him look differently - he could have claimed to be a good friend to Elvis, because that was Bob's lead-in to him, but instead he calmly described the facts of their limited relationship. Same with the Beatles - just the facts, told simply and honestly, never trying to make more of their encounters than the truth. I never knew Del Shannon, but I would have loved to be around the guy, because there is something about simple honesty that warms my heart. Del's comment about the Beatles was spot on, but no one recognized it at the time of the British Invasion. Del said they had a sort of battle plan: first Liverpool, then England, then the rest of the world - and they made it happen. That was an insightful comment. The world is a smaller place without Del Shannon. His sad demise came way too young.
I'll ever forget Del Shannon. I was a little boy five years old, he was our neighbor in Northridge, ca. His family was so nice. I'll ever forget when he went to Las Vegas in a limo filled with recording equipment. Again what a nice man.
I agree, like many rock n roll guys who were very talented in this Era got steam rolled by the Beatles. I liked 50's-60's rock music never cared much for the Beatles. So sad he didn't want to live, all of that talent he had, writing his own stuff, great voice. Sad.
What a great guy! I so wish he was still here. The power, timbre and resonance of his voice is truly awesome. I just got his 'Live In England' album on vinyl. So good!
Another wonderful interview with an original Rock n Roll legend, and one of the most singular down-to-earth guys to represent Rock n Roll so grandly. I never saw an interview with him throughout the 60s, or appear in Rolling Stone or Cream magazine, never saw him tour with American bands as if he dropped off the planet. Yet, here are these interviews close to his death. He followed his bliss, took control of his talent, never destroying his vocals and his health, leaving him with his extraordinary youthful range to the end of his days. A truly immortal teenager in voice. A great rock vocalist, humble, modest who never lost his way.
I am from a little town in Michigan that is just down the road from Coopersville where Del Shannon is from. I was 14 years old in 1961 when 'Runaway' was #1 on the charts, I never knew Del Shannon though because he was alot older than I was. But I went to high school with a boy who claimed to knew him and even told me about the Hi-Lo Club in Battle Creek where he had gone and heard Del sing. I was very impressed and never forgot that story.. 'Runaway' was huge in our area and so was Del Shannon, being a local kid. Many years later I had the wonderful opportunity to see Del perform in person at the Allegan County Fair; held in my home town and not far from Coopersville. That is an amazing Fair because the performers at the Grandstand shows during Fair week that year were Del Shannon, the Shirelles, Fabian, Tommy Roe, The Statler Bros., George Jones and Ricky Van Shelton! Not all in the same show and I honestly don't remember who performed the same night that Del did as he is the only one I remember seeing! Yes I was still in awe of him and his music and it was more than 25 years since Runaway had been #1. I looked his performance at the Fair up online just now and it was in the early fall of 1989 so not long after that we lost him. I was heartbroken and still am. But just always thankful for that one night that I got to see him sing and play his guitar in person at the local Fair. There is a memorial monument stone for Del in Coopersville next to the historical society building. They also have the 'Del Shannon archives' there. On youtube there is a video of the memorial monument dedication ceremony in which his high school principal speaks and tells some cute and also touching stories about Del in high school. He described Del as 'mischievous', and always singing and playing his guitar for the student body. It's worth viewing.
Another quality post, Don, thanks. And while I’m here...his ‘87 Letterman Runaway is beautifully punchy. Paul’s as happy as you’ll ever see him, just floating during that keyboard solo. (Randomly, I’m working through Del’s singles this week and found this clip two years to the date of its posting.) What a voice. RIP, Del/Charles.
I was 13 in 1961. I absolutely LOVED this song. The other two great ones that I remember around that time were The Wanderer (Dion) and Runaround Sue (Dion).
Del rocked. Del said "Elvis was the best looking guy, he'd ever seen in his life. He'd never seen a guy look so good". Bob said "Elvis had an animal magnetism". Del and Elvis both did, they were two Greats!
Well, he didn´t "had to leave", no one does. We don´t know the circumstances, but all the recognitions he got after passing, could have been presented earlier as well, when he was still here.
@@oldtimer7635 The only thing we know for sure about this life is that we have to leave. Don't know how, don't know when, but we're all equal in that the only thing we know for sure is we're leaving.
It's hard to believe that his life would end by his own hand in under a year. After giving so much pleasure to millions. Just listening to his songs transports me back to when I was carefree and 14 years old.
Del Shannon would visit Australia regularly, and on his last visit I was contemplating going to see Del sing at the Sawtell RSL at Coffs Harbour. In the end I didn't go culminating in one of my biggest regrets. Del was much loved in Australia and on Australian TV, particularly Ray Martin's Midday Show. I have seen on TH-cam, videos of Del Shannon as a younger teenager, singing and yodelling in country music competitions. This must be how he was able to achieve his remarkable high range and falsetto. A Great Talent sadly missed but who left us with some Great Music. Thanks Del.
Del was an extremely down to earth, fairly shy person who was truly modest. For example. Costas: "Did you know Elvis?" Del: " No. I didn't really know him." Costas: " Didn't he cover 'Runaway'? Del: "Yeah". Costas: " How was that?" Del: "That was fine. .. One time he did it in a show and I got word he wanted me to come up to see him." I got there and he introduced me in the audience. Then I went backstage later and we talked for 2 hours." If anyone else had talked to Elvis for 2 hours backstage, they would have claimed he was their best friend. Same story with the Beatles. " No, I didn't know the Beatles." Then, he gets drawn into telling some intimate stories about his relationship with John. Amazing person. So sad he killed himself.
Everybody love the song Runaway, l love Dels song Stranger In Town. When he hits that high note at the end...wow ! I like all of his songs, that's just a personal favorite. In this video interview you'd never know that he was suffering from depression, You'd never know .
The house where nobody lives, stand up, break up, for a little while, and show me are all fantastic early songs too if you dont know them already. Most of them have his other worldly falsetto as well. Fantastic artist!
I remember “Runaway” In 1961. We were on our way to the movies to see “The 3 Stooges Meet Snow White” in early spring and the song was on the radio. (I was 6 at the time).
What a nice guy, he was due to visit the uk in the year that he died and we had tickets and never got to see him live. Tragic end, he was very well liked in the UK
Charles Westover was more than Del Shannon. When rock music was starting to become mundane, Shannon revived the whole business with one of the greatest rock songs ever written or recorded. RUNAWAY was an absolutely humongous hit. Shannon's musical style paved the way for the coming British invasion and, in fact, he was the first American artist to introduce the Beatles' FROM ME TO YOU and the ROLLING Stones' UNDER MY THUMB, after touring with both groups in England. To lose Del Shannon, who had been projected to join George Harrison's Traveling Wilburys, was to lose one of the greatest stars in rock history.
Runaway is one of my favorite songs of all time. The best rendition of that song was from the TV show, "Crime Story" in 1986-87. The DJ at 'The Hop" in Fountain Valley Ca. used to play this song every Friday night. "The Hop" was a Nightclub owned by "The Righteous Brothers."
He said he was 'about 21' then laughed and said 'sometimes I lie about my age' and added that he was 'maybe a bit older'. All with his wry smile and a laugh. What a good guy. He knew he wasn't 21 when Runaway was recorded, and that there had been years of mundane occupations behind the hit song, but made a little joke of his age.
@@calvinjackson8110 -Actually it is "Keep Searching"(Follow The Sun)"which he recorded in 1964. My favorite Del Shannon song is "Little Town Flirt". Did you know he wrote "I Go To Pieces" for Peter & Gordon. In 1963 he helped introduce a new up and coming songwriting team to U.S. audiences named John Lennon & Paul McCartney by recording their composition "From Me To You". It didn't chart very well.
Wow, Del Shannon, what a great songwriter & singer!! My little runaway, little town flirt, all these songs brings back memories of my childhood, loved him, I didn’t know he killed himself!!! RIP 😢😢😢
SUSAN MAHR just find it hard to watch Del now , im a grown Man and even after all this time I still get a lump in my throat , it seems I love Del more than he did , so devastaing
Msg read where someone said I didn’t like Del. No I LOVÈ THE GUY. ANY ONE WHO SONGS. IN A NORMAL RANGE AND THEN SINGS IIN A. FAIRLY HIGH RANGE SO COOL! I I’m so sorry we. Lost him!
SUSAN MAHR my Dad went to see him back in 75 , I cried my eyes out as I was allowed to go as it was at a venue in Hull where they served alcohol , that has tormented me to this day , and I was only 11 back then , I was brought up on him , my Dad told me he got over excited at gig , so much that my Dad jumped on stage and shook his hand very briefly as the bouncers jumped on him , I cried when Del died , my Dad was different he said he felt angry more than anything , never did know what he meant ??
Exactly what I was thinking. Real sad to look at this and realize that he would be in this world for just one more year and would be gone. I can only look at it for about a minute looking at his face and listening to his voice. I cant take it. Hurts... really hurts.
Del Shannon was scheduled to be Roy Orbison's replacement in The Traveling Wilbury's. He was the only singer who had that kind of diversity; ability to high clear notes and could write songs. Some people said he was no Roy Orbison and would have never worked out in The Wilbury's. Well, his last solo album Rock On was produced by Jeff Lynne and had songs that featured Tom Petty playing along with other Wilbury musicians. The first track "Walk Away," (written by Shannon, Lynne, and Petty) was actually the song they did that convinced The Wilbury's Del was their man. The entire solo album sounds like a Wilbury album. Unfortunately, depression led to suicide and took Shannon before he could lay down any other tracks with the Wilbury's or record with them. It's a shame because the potential was there.
@@stevestroh2267 - The second Wilbury album may not have been as good as the first but Del Shannon added to the lineup on the third album (that never was, except for his solo album) would have been interesting since he would have brought some new songs, and new sound. I am being optimistic -- but I always liked Del Shannon and believe he would have made a great contribution. I think Roy would have approved too.
John LaStrada they have a new oldies station here in the Portland area that plays a lot of side cuts and minor hits. A few weeks ago they played "Handy Man", but not the original and not the James Taylor one. I recognized Del Shannon's signature voice right away. I was a little blown away by it, I think it is better than the original. So that kind of put me on a Del Shannon kick lately. I didn't even know he wrote his own stuff. Talented guy, too bad the demons got the best of him.
@@stevestroh2267 - Yes...you're right Steve. In the above interview, he sounded happy and it was almost exactly one year later that he went for the final exit. He couldn't believe his career was on the downswing -- not after making an album with those musicians and the prospects of being a Wilbury. So that wasn't it. Everything must have been a lot deeper and troubling. Even Ernest Hemingway seemed to be recovering from his issues when his suicide -- quite opportunistic -- allowed him to end it all.
The entire album sounds like a Jeff Lynne production, which it was, and Del's album had Tom Petty and the Heartbreaks as the backing band. Lynne was producing Petty's albums at the time too. Lynne's produced albums for Petty, Orbison, Harrison and Shannon all had a similar sound to them and a heavy influence of Lynne. Even The Beatles reunion songs Free As a Bird and Real Love sound very much like Lynne. Petty's Full Moon Fever was released a few months after the first Wilburys album and you can really hear a ton of similarities on those two albums. Lynne had such an amazing streak of hit produced albums in the late 80s/early 90s. All of the albums he produced just have that Jeff Lynne sound to them which is great. Such an underrated producer.
I think Runaway is THE definitive Rock n' Roll standard. If I were choosing a genre-defining example of Rock n' Roll to include in a space capsule for aliens to find, I'd go with Runaway. I hate that this singular accomplishment, aside from his other hits and accolades, was not enough to keep Mr. Shannon from jumping off this planet into eternity.
Del's "From Me to You" was released before the Beatles'. When I heard the Beatles' version, I thought they were covering a song Del wrote:^) Del later said: "Why didn't I do "I want to Hold Your hand?!"
Went to del,s home in northridge i was a friend of dels and his lovely wife Shirley they lived in Melvin Avenue they took me to mexico san diago las vegas Disneyland farmers market every where miss him rip del plus jody a daughter from del also rip ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
They say that Del Shannon could not live with not being a star anymore...but I heard it was really deep depression & a lot of bad medication that took him from us! Sad.
I doubt if his depression was because he was not a star anymore. Even in this interview he acknowledges that American music artists' opportunities had changed with the British invasion, and as he said, it was time to get into something else. So he began producing, and at one time had his own record label, though it did not last long. Depression can be a tough nut to crack, and leads to many people into taking a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Alcohol, his drug of choice, only drives depression deeper.
10 of his original singles, £20ebay!! And I know the b sides will be great too. His later 60's stuff, so consistant...a special voice, ballsy r&r pop. No rubbish, just so strong and a tragedy. I didn't realise Del was only 55. Depression be damned.
I’ve always been a big fan of his and have a lot of his beautiful songs and I know all the words to them. It broke my heart when he died and the way he died. He was still incredibly handsome and so talented 😔
I really like Del's music. His style is awesome. He's pretty humble and down to Earth. Del Shannon was one of the early users of Prozac, by prescription, for depression. Because these type of drugs can often have the opposite effect then intended, Del Shannon got deeper in depression, and sadly took his own life in 1990. Doctor now make it very clear to closely monitor the effects. His legacy will remain, and delight future generations.
🔴🦅🇺🇸🦅♥️ I grew up listening to del Shannon, on my 8 track tape deck @ The starlight Drive-In theater on Chicago South side, Looking 4 ♥️ in the back seat of my 57 Heavy Chevy Bel-Air coupe, 283 dual quads , tuck and roll leather interior, two-tone , jacked up with torsion bars, and Air shocks ,🇺🇸♥️🇺🇸👍👍‼️
wow! del's attitude is TOTALLY great one year and one month before his end. he is truly one who never lost a bit of his voice in his later career. RIP, of course.
It seems to me that many of the early American rock 'n rollers came from a musical background that was influenced by country music, and that that's what gave their music a fullness and their voices a range that is missing in both later US rock and British pop/rock. Those later composers and singers may have had a heavier bass and stronger, more driving music -- an edgier, more aggressive sound -- but they'd lost a dimension or two. I'm not putting any of it down, as I like most of it. This is just a thought I had, a few pieces clicking together as I watched this video. Does this makes sense to anyone else?
Del Shannon did some country covers that are outstanding. In most cases his version is much better than the artist that had a hit with the song. I didn't know until recently, when I discovered the country songs that he released them under the name of R.D. Shannon. If you use spotify look these up by R.D. Shannon you'll like Del Shannon even more.
One of the first great rock n roll stars who wrote his own hit songs, played guitar and performed so well on stage...he influenced all the others ... he set the stage for The Beatles and Elvis. He was a producer and manager which I didn’t know...I Go to Pieces is up there with Wilson’s God Only Knows... as one of greatest rock songs ever
This is a great document. I'm ever awed by Del Shannon's ability to nail a falsetto jump. I wouldn't be surprised if prescribed medications did a number on Mr. Westover/Shannon.
Only 15 days after this interview Del was gone, it breaks my heart! Del was a naturally talented man, love his music, he would have been 85 this year 2019, bless you Del, RIP...
Hey Del, LOVE YA MAN. BTW we all lie about our age!! haha. But why DEL!!!!!Why?? I have lots of bad days, Miss ya Del. And...what a great interview. Bob Costas has a way of just asking all the right stuff. He brought out the real Del. He seemed so comfortable. It seemed like they were just sitting right here in my living room. A mention should be made of that falsetto thing, ITS not that easy, and then to return to your regular voice.
In just a little over a year, Del would take his own life- February 1990. He seemed so down to earth and happy. But between that show and the time he died, something went terribly wrong. So sad! RIP Dell. By the way, that jukebox scene was not at American Bandstand.
A class act; Regretfully, he didn't realize how much he was loved by so many. RIP Del.
P
So true
I love him From Brazil❤❤❤
Had a doctor who put him on Prozac without warning about the possible side effects of making it worse
I was fortunate enough to see Del perform circa 1983 in a relatively small club. It was a way cool show, start to finish full throttle. He was, and remains, a very underrated star in rock history.
Del Shannon was an upright, honest man. His answers to Bob's questions could have been phrased in a way to make him look differently - he could have claimed to be a good friend to Elvis, because that was Bob's lead-in to him, but instead he calmly described the facts of their limited relationship. Same with the Beatles - just the facts, told simply and honestly, never trying to make more of their encounters than the truth. I never knew Del Shannon, but I would have loved to be around the guy, because there is something about simple honesty that warms my heart.
Del's comment about the Beatles was spot on, but no one recognized it at the time of the British Invasion. Del said they had a sort of battle plan: first Liverpool, then England, then the rest of the world - and they made it happen. That was an insightful comment.
The world is a smaller place without Del Shannon. His sad demise came way too young.
Good observations, thnx for posting.
Except he was actually 26, not 21 when Runaway came out.
@@gotham61 yeah, but after that he said he sometimes lied about his age)
I'll ever forget Del Shannon. I was a little boy five years old, he was our neighbor in Northridge, ca. His family was so nice. I'll ever forget when he went to Las Vegas in a limo filled with recording equipment. Again what a nice man.
That's such a heartwarming story. Also breaks my heart that he left us so soon.
Cool story
I met Dell during this period. A year after this interview Del took his own life. Depression destroys millions of Americans every year.
Not only Americans
@@sirandrelefaedelinoge ...Touche! I lost my brother to the "Darkness" called "Depression", and I've suffered from the darkness since childhood.
Man, this guy's music really touched my generation. I don't think there was another artist I liked better. Great interview! Really miss him.
Really enjoyed that. Del comes across as a warm and intelligent bloke. Good interviewer in Bob Costas, ask the right questions let the guest open up.
What a good man........... never knew he was in so much emotional pain. He is missed incredibly by sooooooo many!!!!
Yes depression is such a silent killer
I really liked Del in this interview. Very "down to earth", very candid. The more I learn about Del the more I like him...
Wow, I never heard Del in an interview before, what a wonderful, warm gentleman he was!!
He really was. I saw several of those Dick Clark Cavalcade of Stars. Saw Sonny and Cher, The Searchers,Zombies, The Hermits
My favorite song that he wrote is "I go to pieces". But peter and gordon recorded it.
I can’t believe he shot himself. Shame shame ... RIP Man
I agree, like many rock n roll guys who were very talented in this Era got steam rolled by the Beatles. I liked 50's-60's rock music never cared much for the Beatles. So sad he didn't want to live, all of that talent he had, writing his own stuff, great voice. Sad.
My dad loved Del...we played Del at his funeral.
Beloved and underrated singer/songwriter.
What a great guy! I so wish he was still here. The power, timbre and resonance of his voice is truly awesome. I just got his 'Live In England' album on vinyl. So good!
Del Shannon
was incredible in the "60"s!! Grew up with this kind of music. !!! RIP Del, one of a kind!!
Another wonderful interview with an original Rock n Roll legend, and one of the most singular down-to-earth guys to represent Rock n Roll so grandly. I never saw an interview with him throughout the 60s, or appear in Rolling Stone or Cream magazine, never saw him tour with American bands as if he dropped off the planet. Yet, here are these interviews close to his death. He followed his bliss, took control of his talent, never destroying his vocals and his health, leaving him with his extraordinary youthful range to the end of his days. A truly immortal teenager in voice. A great rock vocalist, humble, modest who never lost his way.
absolutely love Del Shannon true legend his music will live on
He was the first artist to record a Beatles song in the U.S...a cover of "From Me to You".
Great song(s) & a very down-to-earth & humble person. RIP.
I am from a little town in Michigan that is just down the road from Coopersville where Del Shannon is from. I was 14 years old in 1961 when 'Runaway' was #1 on the charts, I never knew Del Shannon though because he was alot older than I was. But I went to high school with a boy who claimed to knew him and even told me about the Hi-Lo Club in Battle Creek where he had gone and heard Del sing. I was very impressed and never forgot that story.. 'Runaway' was huge in our area and so was Del Shannon, being a local kid. Many years later I had the wonderful opportunity to see Del perform in person at the Allegan County Fair; held in my home town and not far from Coopersville. That is an amazing Fair because the performers at the Grandstand shows during Fair week that year were Del Shannon, the Shirelles, Fabian, Tommy Roe, The Statler Bros., George Jones and Ricky Van Shelton! Not all in the same show and I honestly don't remember who performed the same night that Del did as he is the only one I remember seeing! Yes I was still in awe of him and his music and it was more than 25 years since Runaway had been #1. I looked his performance at the Fair up online just now and it was in the early fall of 1989 so not long after that we lost him. I was heartbroken and still am. But just always thankful for that one night that I got to see him sing and play his guitar in person at the local Fair. There is a memorial monument stone for Del in Coopersville next to the historical society building. They also have the 'Del Shannon archives' there. On youtube there is a video of the memorial monument dedication ceremony in which his high school principal speaks and tells some cute and also touching stories about Del in high school. He described Del as 'mischievous', and always singing and playing his guitar for the student body. It's worth viewing.
Another quality post, Don, thanks. And while I’m here...his ‘87 Letterman Runaway is beautifully punchy. Paul’s as happy as you’ll ever see him, just floating during that keyboard solo. (Randomly, I’m working through Del’s singles this week and found this clip two years to the date of its posting.)
What a voice. RIP, Del/Charles.
I think an argument could be made that this was Paul’s crowning moment on the letterman show.
@@patrickdowling529 Paul had the best job in the world. Not only getting to meet his idols but to perform their greatest hits with them !
Great interview - from this I'm getting that Del Shannon was a classy, down-to-earth guy. Thanks for posting it!
I was 13 in 1961. I absolutely LOVED this song. The other two great ones that I remember around that time were The Wanderer (Dion) and Runaround Sue (Dion).
Thank you for posting this gem, I am a huge Del Shannon fan
Del rocked. Del said "Elvis was the best looking guy, he'd ever seen in his life. He'd never seen a guy look so good". Bob said "Elvis had an animal magnetism". Del and Elvis both did, they were two Greats!
Great interview with Charles Westover, aka Del Shannon. He lived right next door to my friends' parents house.
Was Del Shannon from West Michigan?
God bless him. RIP
Tim Fronimos Coopersville, near Grand Rapids
Carlos Carpinteyro he was one of my grandpas friends as a boy and my grandpa always tells me stories about him
Such a talented man. It feels so bad that he had to leave so soon.
Well, he didn´t "had to leave", no one does. We don´t know the circumstances, but all the recognitions he got after passing, could have been presented earlier as well, when he was still here.
@@oldtimer7635 The only thing we know for sure about this life is that we have to leave. Don't know how, don't know when, but we're all equal in that the only thing we know for sure is we're leaving.
It's hard to believe that his life would end by his own hand in under a year. After giving so much pleasure to millions. Just listening to his songs transports me back to when I was carefree and 14 years old.
Del Shannon would visit Australia regularly, and on his last visit I was contemplating going to see Del sing at the Sawtell RSL at Coffs Harbour. In the end I didn't go culminating in one of my biggest regrets. Del was much loved in Australia and on Australian TV, particularly Ray Martin's Midday Show. I have seen on TH-cam, videos of Del Shannon as a younger teenager, singing and yodelling in country music competitions. This must be how he was able to achieve his remarkable high range and falsetto. A Great Talent sadly missed but who left us with some Great Music. Thanks Del.
Loved Del, remember being 10 and singing "Hats Off to Larry" asI walked home from summer playground.
Interesting interview - interspersed with a few musical clips - from one of the early legends of rock & roll. Thanks for posting.
Del was an extremely down to earth, fairly shy person who was truly modest. For example. Costas: "Did you know Elvis?" Del: " No. I didn't really know him." Costas: " Didn't he cover 'Runaway'? Del: "Yeah". Costas: " How was that?" Del: "That was fine. .. One time he did it in a show and I got word he wanted me to come up to see him." I got there and he introduced me in the audience. Then I went backstage later and we talked for 2 hours." If anyone else had talked to Elvis for 2 hours backstage, they would have claimed he was their best friend. Same story with the Beatles. " No, I didn't know the Beatles." Then, he gets drawn into telling some intimate stories about his relationship with John. Amazing person. So sad he killed himself.
Love this video and loved all his songs. Forever a fan
Wish he was still hear. What a talent.RIP Del.
planet earth misses good human beings like this. RIP Del
Thank you so much for posting this! This was included in his documentary back in 2011.
I didn't know that, thanks! Was the entire show included or excerpts only?
Don Giller I believe it was the whole show; or at least most of it. It's so hard to find interviews of Del.
Good to know. Thanks again!
Everybody love the song Runaway, l love Dels song Stranger In Town. When he hits that high note at the end...wow ! I like all of his songs, that's just a personal favorite. In this video interview you'd never know that he was suffering from depression, You'd never know .
The house where nobody lives, stand up, break up, for a little while, and show me are all fantastic early songs too if you dont know them already. Most of them have his other worldly falsetto as well. Fantastic artist!
1961 is closer to when this interview was conducted in 1989 than 89 is to now... let that sink in.
Also a very good producer. He put together big hits for Brian Hyland and Smith, using a slower, bluesier sound than his own trademark style.
I remember 1961, I remember the music. I remember Del Shannon very well. I will always remember the music
I remember “Runaway” In 1961. We were on our way to the movies to see “The 3 Stooges Meet Snow White” in early spring and the song was on the radio. (I was 6 at the time).
One of the first 45's I ever bought growing up in England
What a nice guy, he was due to visit the uk in the year that he died and we had tickets and never got to see him live. Tragic end, he was very well liked in the UK
Charles Westover was more than Del Shannon. When rock music was starting to become mundane, Shannon revived the whole business with one of the greatest rock songs ever written or recorded. RUNAWAY was an absolutely humongous hit. Shannon's musical style paved the way for the coming British invasion and, in fact, he was the first American artist to introduce the Beatles' FROM ME TO YOU and the ROLLING Stones' UNDER MY THUMB, after touring with both groups in England. To lose Del Shannon, who had been projected to join George Harrison's Traveling Wilburys, was to lose one of the greatest stars in rock history.
Great interview. Massively popular in Australia too. Toured 8 times. what a talent,
Runaway is one of my favorite songs of all time. The best rendition of that song was from the TV show, "Crime Story" in 1986-87. The DJ at 'The Hop" in Fountain Valley Ca. used to play this song every Friday night. "The Hop" was a Nightclub owned by "The Righteous Brothers."
Del gone 30 years and grateful I was able to see him live with Dick Biondi a local Chicago DJ legend, RIP
That was amazing to watch, I grew up singing Del's songs. Such a loss....
Del was born in 1934 so he was 27 when he recorded "Runaway".
He said he was 'about 21' then laughed and said 'sometimes I lie about my age' and added that he was 'maybe a bit older'. All with his wry smile and a laugh. What a good guy. He knew he wasn't 21 when Runaway was recorded, and that there had been years of mundane occupations behind the hit song, but made a little joke of his age.
And was 31 when he made Searching ( Follow the Sun), my favorite.
@@calvinjackson8110 -Actually it is "Keep Searching"(Follow The Sun)"which he recorded in 1964. My favorite Del Shannon song is "Little Town Flirt".
Did you know he wrote "I Go To Pieces" for Peter & Gordon. In 1963 he helped introduce a new up and coming songwriting team to U.S. audiences named John Lennon & Paul McCartney by recording their composition "From Me To You". It didn't chart very well.
I miss real interviews like this. Manners and all. Del is favorite of mine
Wow, Del Shannon, what a great songwriter & singer!! My little runaway, little town flirt, all these songs brings back memories of my childhood, loved him, I didn’t know he killed himself!!! RIP 😢😢😢
Great interview!!!! Del just says it as it truly is.........
If I had a brother couldn't do better than del, not just his songs but character and down to earth. Too bad. Yes very much RIP Charles...
Runaway is my favorite song of all time.
I very much enjoyed this interview! So so sad he’s gone. He died the year my son was born…❤❤❤❤❤Del Shannon.
What a superb interviewer ,, thankyou for this video , love Del so much ,,
Jodie by del Shannon
SUSAN MAHR just find it hard to watch Del now , im a grown Man and even after all this time I still get a lump in my throat , it seems I love Del more than he did , so devastaing
Msg read where someone said I didn’t like Del. No I LOVÈ THE GUY. ANY ONE WHO SONGS. IN A NORMAL RANGE AND THEN
SINGS IIN A. FAIRLY
HIGH RANGE SO COOL! I
I’m so sorry we. Lost him!
I
SUSAN MAHR my Dad went to see him back in 75 , I cried my eyes out as I was allowed to go as it was at a venue in Hull where they served alcohol , that has tormented me to this day , and I was only 11 back then , I was brought up on him , my Dad told me he got over excited at gig , so much that my Dad jumped on stage and shook his hand very briefly as the bouncers jumped on him , I cried when Del died , my Dad was different he said he felt angry more than anything , never did know what he meant ??
I've been listening to the " Further Adventures of Charles Westover" from Del. Excellent album.
so sad, what a great loss for everyone. loved anything he sang.-- runaway--
Still my all-time favorite Rock 'n' Roll song.
Del died on Feb 8 1990 just over one year later after this program. Fantastic artist
What a great guy RIP Buddy x
Sad to think that roughly 1 year after this, he took his own life. The first 30 seconds or so sounds like a eulogy.
Exactly what I was thinking. Real sad to look at this and realize that he would be in this world for just one more year and would be gone. I can only look at it for about a minute looking at his face and listening to his voice. I cant take it. Hurts... really hurts.
Beautiful man.
Del Shannon was scheduled to be Roy Orbison's replacement in The Traveling Wilbury's.
He was the only singer who had that kind of diversity; ability to high clear notes and could write songs. Some people said he was no Roy Orbison and would have never worked out in The Wilbury's.
Well, his last solo album Rock On was produced by Jeff Lynne and had songs that featured Tom Petty playing along with other Wilbury musicians.
The first track "Walk Away," (written by Shannon, Lynne, and Petty) was actually the song they did that convinced The Wilbury's Del was their man.
The entire solo album sounds like a Wilbury album. Unfortunately, depression led to suicide and took Shannon before he could lay down any other tracks with the Wilbury's or record with them. It's a shame because the potential was there.
John LaStrada never knew that, he would have been perfect, although the second Wilbury album wasn't near as good as the first. too bad.
@@stevestroh2267 - The second Wilbury album may not have been as good as the first but Del Shannon added to the lineup on the third album (that never was, except for his solo album) would have been interesting since he would have brought some new songs, and new sound. I am being optimistic -- but I always liked Del Shannon and believe he would have made a great contribution. I think Roy would have approved too.
John LaStrada they have a new oldies station here in the Portland area that plays a lot of side cuts and minor hits. A few weeks ago they played "Handy Man", but not the original and not the James Taylor one. I recognized Del Shannon's signature voice right away. I was a little blown away by it, I think it is better than the original. So that kind of put me on a Del Shannon kick lately. I didn't even know he wrote his own stuff. Talented guy, too bad the demons got the best of him.
@@stevestroh2267 - Yes...you're right Steve. In the above interview, he sounded happy and it was almost exactly one year later that he went for the final exit. He couldn't believe his career was on the downswing -- not after making an album with those musicians and the prospects of being a Wilbury. So that wasn't it. Everything must have been a lot deeper and troubling.
Even Ernest Hemingway seemed to be recovering from his issues when his suicide -- quite opportunistic -- allowed him to end it all.
The entire album sounds like a Jeff Lynne production, which it was, and Del's album had Tom Petty and the Heartbreaks as the backing band. Lynne was producing Petty's albums at the time too. Lynne's produced albums for Petty, Orbison, Harrison and Shannon all had a similar sound to them and a heavy influence of Lynne. Even The Beatles reunion songs Free As a Bird and Real Love sound very much like Lynne. Petty's Full Moon Fever was released a few months after the first Wilburys album and you can really hear a ton of similarities on those two albums. Lynne had such an amazing streak of hit produced albums in the late 80s/early 90s. All of the albums he produced just have that Jeff Lynne sound to them which is great. Such an underrated producer.
Great singer and personality
This is going to sound really odd, but I never had a grandfather growing up so I've "adopted" Del as mine, and this video meant a lot to me. Thank you
Great rocker love his songs
I saw him on ShaNaNa. He was awesome!
I think Runaway is THE definitive Rock n' Roll standard. If I were choosing a genre-defining example of Rock n' Roll to include in a space capsule for aliens to find, I'd go with Runaway. I hate that this singular accomplishment, aside from his other hits and accolades, was not enough to keep Mr. Shannon from jumping off this planet into eternity.
Great. Astounding. Original.
Dell Shannon was huge in the early 60sin LONDON UK he recorded some great songs...
Del's "From Me to You" was released before the Beatles'. When I heard the Beatles' version, I thought they were covering a song Del wrote:^) Del later said: "Why didn't I do "I want to Hold Your hand?!"
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 75yo Aussie fan.
Wonderful interview of a true musical superstar.
Got his albums sounds great.
Went to del,s home in northridge i was a friend of dels and his lovely wife Shirley they lived in Melvin Avenue they took me to mexico san diago las vegas Disneyland farmers market every where miss him rip del plus jody a daughter from del also rip ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
They say that Del Shannon could not live with not being a star anymore...but I heard it was really deep depression & a lot of bad medication that took him from us! Sad.
I doubt if his depression was because he was not a star anymore. Even in this interview he acknowledges that American music artists' opportunities had changed with the British invasion, and as he said, it was time to get into something else. So he began producing, and at one time had his own record label, though it did not last long. Depression can be a tough nut to crack, and leads to many people into taking a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Alcohol, his drug of choice, only drives depression deeper.
@@ammoalamo6485 very true!
Del Shannon live in sydney 1989 is a good watch .
10 of his original singles, £20ebay!! And I know the b sides will be great too. His later 60's stuff, so consistant...a special voice, ballsy r&r pop. No rubbish, just so strong and a tragedy. I didn't realise Del was only 55. Depression be damned.
ONE. OF. THE. BEST. MISS. YOU. DEL.
Within one year of that interview del Shannon was gone from us.
I’ve always been a big fan of his and have a lot of his beautiful songs and I know all the words to them. It broke my heart when he died and the way he died. He was still incredibly handsome and so talented 😔
So sad..
Howard Sambandi So Dam Sad !!!!!
one year to the day he took his first Prozac. the next month he took his life
I really like Del's music. His style is awesome. He's pretty humble and down to Earth. Del Shannon was one of the early users of Prozac, by prescription, for depression. Because these type of drugs can often have the opposite effect then intended, Del Shannon got deeper in depression, and sadly took his own life in 1990. Doctor now make it very clear to closely monitor the effects. His legacy will remain, and delight future generations.
He was actually 27 when he recorded Runaway in 1961. He wrote songs that were recorded by The Rolling Stones, the Everly Brothers and Peter & Gordon.
🔴🦅🇺🇸🦅♥️ I grew up listening to del Shannon, on my 8 track tape deck @ The starlight Drive-In theater on Chicago South side, Looking 4 ♥️ in the back seat of my 57 Heavy Chevy Bel-Air coupe, 283 dual quads , tuck and roll leather interior, two-tone , jacked up with torsion bars, and Air shocks ,🇺🇸♥️🇺🇸👍👍‼️
wow! del's attitude is TOTALLY great one year and one month before his end. he is truly one who never lost a bit of his voice in his later career. RIP, of course.
It seems to me that many of the early American rock 'n rollers came from a musical background that was influenced by country music, and that that's what gave their music a fullness and their voices a range that is missing in both later US rock and British pop/rock. Those later composers and singers may have had a heavier bass and stronger, more driving music -- an edgier, more aggressive sound -- but they'd lost a dimension or two. I'm not putting any of it down, as I like most of it. This is just a thought I had, a few pieces clicking together as I watched this video. Does this makes sense to anyone else?
Del Shannon did some country covers that are outstanding. In most cases his version is much better than the artist that had a hit with the song. I didn't know until recently, when I discovered the country songs that he released them under the name of R.D. Shannon. If you use spotify look these up by R.D. Shannon you'll like Del Shannon even more.
One of the first great rock n roll stars who wrote his own hit songs, played guitar and performed so well on stage...he influenced all the others ... he set the stage for The Beatles and Elvis. He was a producer and manager which I didn’t know...I Go to Pieces is up there with Wilson’s God Only Knows... as one of greatest rock songs ever
Don't forget Buddy Holly!
This man's proportions. Look at that upper body, then the big hips, then the skinny legs and the chin. The man is an enigma
This is a great document. I'm ever awed by Del Shannon's ability to nail a falsetto jump. I wouldn't be surprised if prescribed medications did a number on Mr. Westover/Shannon.
Bob Costas is a great interviewer, who knew.
A great talent, sadly gone too soon due to depression and suicide
Great guy.
Great to see what's behind it all 🎸🎼
Legend.
Only 15 days after this interview Del was gone, it breaks my heart! Del was a naturally talented man, love his music, he would have been 85 this year 2019, bless you Del, RIP...
He died on February 8, 1990. Over a year after this aired.
Bonnie Raitt did best cover of ''Run Away''. Interesting Shannon says the same in interview.
I remember seeing this. Love this show!
Hey Del, LOVE YA MAN. BTW we all lie about our age!! haha. But why DEL!!!!!Why?? I have lots of bad days, Miss ya Del. And...what a great interview. Bob Costas has a way of just asking all the right stuff. He brought out the real Del. He seemed so comfortable. It seemed like they were just sitting right here in my living room. A mention should be made of that falsetto thing, ITS not that easy, and then to return to your regular voice.
In just a little over a year, Del would take his own life- February 1990. He seemed so down to earth and happy. But between that show and the time he died, something went terribly wrong. So sad! RIP Dell.
By the way, that jukebox scene was not at American Bandstand.
W
Great song.
He sort of looks like John Fogerty.
To me he could pass as Robert Horton brother from the old Wagon Train series.
I agree with you.
Talks a little like him too!
Ben Stiller 😊
@Dr. Alfred Carroll- You have it backwards. Since Del is/was 11 years older John Fogerty looks like Del Shannon.
What a tremendous performer. There is no way this guy could have thought people did not like him. His death had to be an accident.
Legend!
A Good Man