Best remembered for his enduring rock & roll hit "Runaway," which topped both
the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in 1961, Del Shannon was born in
Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 30, 1934. Originally named "Charles Weedon
Westover," he launched his musical career in the mid-1950s and rechristened
himself "Del Shannon" after signing with Bigtop Records in 1960. "Runaway" was
released one year later and became one of the biggest hits of the 1960s,
appearing on Del Shannon's debut album, Runaway with Del Shannon, in July 1961.
His follow-up single, "Hats Off to Larry,...