Happy Birthday Dion! Where is the 1950s Doo-Wop Singer Now at Age 86?
Life begins at … what age? If you’re Dion DiMucci, it’s difficult to settle on a number. Sure, he’s most ardently remembered for his teen idol days in the late 1950s and beyond, both fronting the Belmonts and on his own, with that unmistakable doo-wop growl still often heard on the radio through hits such as “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer.” But while many other stars become cautionary tales when their popularity wanes, Dion kept at it, shifting his singing focus to more mature fare. He overcame some demons, had hits making Christian music and then blues music — all with signature authenticity — and earned continued acclaim along the way.
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And now? As the jukebox musical The Wanderer makes its way toward more prominent stages, additional honors pour in and performances continue, he credits Susan — his wife of 62 years — and his faith for keeping him on the straight and narrow. This year, Dion shared a candid photo of the two of them and wrote on Instagram, “I’ve accomplished a great many things, but getting Susan to put up with me for 62 years tops them all!🤪Happy Anniversary! to us❤️❤️❤️”
Now at age 86 (his birthday is July 18, 1939), he wakes each day with a morning prayer: “I put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, fit my feet with the gospel of peace, shield of faith, the word of God and I’m off.”
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He’s written a book, Dion: The Rock and Roll Philosopher, which details his career starting in the ’50s and rolling through the ’70s, ’80s and beyond, is out now. It reflects on his addiction struggles, his longtime marriage and the influences that shaped his career, as well as noting conversations with friends. The book features a prologue by Eric Clapton and a foreword by Paul Simon. He said in an interview that he plans to release an album to accompany the book and is helping out with a new Broadway show called The Wanderer, a musical based loosely on his early career. It has already been in smaller New Jersey theaters but is heading to Broadway soon.
Dion shared with OSV News about the musical, “But it’s in a very beautiful, good and true way, using the language of the heart in song and lyrics.” When he is not in New York keeping up with Broadway and music, he lives a quieter life in Boca Raton, Florida.
The Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter also just released a new blues album called Girl Friends. He isn’t currently touring, but you can keep up with any news on him here.
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