Dion Francis DiMucci (born July 18, 1939), better known simply as Dion, is an American singer and songwriter. His music blends doo-wop, pop, rock, R&B, folk, and blues.
Initially the lead singer of Dion and the Belmonts, Dion launched a solo career, becoming one of the most prominent rock and roll performers of the pre-British Invasion era. He achieved 39 Top 40 hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a solo artist.
RELATED: Sister Wives’ Gwendlyn Brown Addresses ‘Horrifying’ Rumor About Dad Kody
Table of Contents
Dion DiMucci Net Worth
Dion DiMucci has a net worth of $5 million. He was born in The Bronx, New York, in July 1939. Dion has released several albums with contemporary rock artists.
His Déjà Nu album in 2000 featured covers of Bruce Springsteen, a lifelong fan of Dion. In 2002, he joined Springsteen onstage in Miami for a performance of “If I Should Fall Behind” from Dream on Fire.
Early Life
Dion was born to an Italian-American family in The Bronx, New York. As a child, he accompanied his father, Pasquale DiMucci, a vaudeville entertainer, on tour.
He developed a love for country music, particularly the work of Hank Williams, and was also fond of blues and doo-wop musicians he heard in local bars and on the radio. His singing was honed on street corners and in local clubs in the Bronx, where he and other neighborhood singers created a cappella riffs.
Career
In early 1957, Dion auditioned for Bob and Gene Schwartz of their short-lived Mohawk Records label. They asked Dion to sing a song arranged by Hugo Montenegro and originally recorded with Vic Damone on vocals. Initially, Dion refused, saying the song sounded like something his old-fashioned parents would enjoy, but the Schwartzes convinced him to try.
The backing vocals were provided by a group called “the Timberlanes,” whom Dion had never met. The resulting single, “The Chosen Few,” was released as “Dion and the Timberlanes” and became a minor regional hit.
Personal Life
Dion has been married to Susan Butterfield since March 25, 1963. Their first daughter, Tane DiMucci, was born in 1966. Originally from New York City, the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida, in 1968. Their second daughter, Lark, was born around 1969, and their youngest daughter, August, was born around 1974. Dion is also a grandfather and a great-grandfather.
In the late 1990s, Dion visited his old Bronx parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and returned to Catholicism. His reversion was sparked by “a chance viewing of The Journey Home program” on EWTN. As a practicing Roman Catholic, he has continued to incorporate his faith into his life.
Why did Dion leave the Belmonts?
Dion left The Belmonts due to musical differences. DiMucci explained, “They wanted to focus on their harmony thing, and I wanted to rock and roll.” He also noted that the label wanted him performing standards, which he quickly grew bored of.
Conclusion
Dion DiMucci stands as a monumental figure in the annals of rock ‘n’ roll history. His journey from a Bronx boy to a music legend encapsulates the spirit of an era and the essence of the American dream. Dion’s net worth, while a measure of his success, barely scratches the surface of his profound impact on music and the lives of those he has touched with his timeless tunes.
RELATED: Pro Wrestler Jay Briscoe Dies at 38 – Know the Cause of his Death
FAQs about Dion DiMucci
- What contributed to Dion DiMucci’s net worth? Dion DiMucci’s net worth of $5 million stems from his successful music career, including album sales, royalties, and live performances.
- What are some of Dion’s most iconic songs? Dion’s discography boasts classics like “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer,” songs that have become anthems of the rock ‘n’ roll era.
- How has Dion DiMucci influenced music? Dion’s unique blend of rock, doo-wop, blues, and R&B has influenced countless artists and shaped the genre’s evolution.
- What personal challenges has Dion overcome? Dion’s triumph over addiction and his enduring sobriety since 1968 highlight his resilience and personal strength.
- What honors has Dion DiMucci received? Dion’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 is among the numerous accolades that celebrate his contributions to music and culture.
