A great moment in my life was the day when Del Shannon came to perform Runaway at of all places, a swim club right outside of Philly. I was a nine year old little chubby thing standing in a big circle of kids surrounding him as he sang, and as he wrapped up the song he came over to me and actually kissed my cheek. I was stunned and elated for hours and didn’t want to ever wash my face again. He and this song were at the height of radio play at the time and this felt like being kissed real live famous person!! An aside to this…my dad loved to try and imitate Del singing the chorus..I wah wah wah wah wonder and he made us all laugh each time. 1961 ! Thanks Fil, for bringing back this happy memory!
Now people would totally freak out and tell the cops that a grown man had kissed a nine year old on the forehead or cheek. Now 76, I am SO careful because so many parents are so paranoid. It's very sad.
I love that Tom Petty give a nod to Del Shannon and his song "Runaway" in his 1989 song "Runnin' Down a Dream" in the opening lines. It was a beautiful day, sun beat down I had the radio on, I was driving Trees went by, me and Del were singing Little runaway, I was flying Such a tragic end to a one of Rock N' Roll legendary singer song writer musician.
Del also performed "Runaway" live with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on December 31 1978 in Santa Monica CA. A video of the performance can be found here on CZcams. Furthermore, Tom produced Del's album "Drop Down and Get Me" in 1981. And Tom wound up taking Del's touring bassist Howie Epstein for the Heartbreakers, when original bass player Ron Blair quit the band.
Not my favorite Del hit (that would be "Little Town Flirt"), but this is RIPPING. And Paul Shaeffer was positively brilliant on keyboards. Hey, the Letterman show was new every night with new guest performers, so Paul couldn't have more than hour or two of rehearsal to replicate the original sound for the TV show. Just wonderful, including Paul and his whole band. I've heard that Del used an alternate tuning on his guitar for this song ... to make it easier to play, I guess (I'm not a guitarist beyond my three chords that I can nail). Would you say that there's something not standard with the way he tuned? What a tragedy Del had. If only the Traveling Wilburys had asked him to join before his despair took him.
Bad to be old enough to remember when this was a hit (61) as a young grasshopper running around trying to sing this tune. Paul Shaffer deserves some kudos on the keyboard for his enthusiasm. Fun listening to these male performers who could hit those mountain high notes. Ian Whitcomb and Lou Christie come to mind. He was a clean cut class act taken too soon. Good review.
So sorry that instead of joining the Travelling Wilburys or looking for other avenues, Del took his own life. Fil, your detailed and appreciative look at his voice, decidedly not from a fanboy perspective, gives all of us Del admirers even more understanding of what we admire. Thanks.
I did not know he took his own life! Very, very tragic…do you know why? and when? And was he really set to join the Wilburys’? I hope you don’t mind the questions but I’m shocked and saddened?
Hey! Del Shannon died from a self inflected gun shot wound on Feb 8 , 1990. He was depressed, and he had other issues, I heard he was going to join the T.W.s that would have been amazing. @@katherinebosse5706
Fil many, many thanks for this balanced analysis where technical and artistic merits blend so well. I remember that this was the VERY FIRST CD record I bought, even though I had not a CD player yet 😁
I saw del lots of times at different clubs around Manchester in the 70s ,he always gave a first class performance every single time.i saw him stood at the bar one night and I. asked him if I could talk to him ,he shook my hand and asked my name and we talked for a while a very nice man and we had a good laugh , I'm 74 now and I rarely go out these days ,but if he was still alive performing I would Def go out to see him ,great man and great performer top class entertainer
This was a great live performance by Del Shannon. After all those years he still had the ability to hit those notes! Paul Shaffer was just as entertaining to watch. Great analysis Fil and I enjoyed your vocals as well! 😊🎸🎵
Paul Shaffer was a terrific showman and performer - the more so because he wasn't just reacting to the music, but because he was obviously having one heck of a great time doing so.
This song barely kept rock alive in the early 60s in the U.S. after the passing of Cochrane, Holly, and Valens, until the Beatles resurrected it in the UK in '62 and we got it in early '64. Thank you Del!
Everyone underestimate Paul Shaffer as a both a musician and. Producer. He is one of top producers in the 0:54 NYC scene. Not bad for a kid from Thunder Bay
Paul Shaffer is a talented musician in every way. Like Elvis, Del’s voice is more in a nasal tone when he was younger than in 1987. These visits into history have been so much fun. From the Andrews Sisters, Lennon Sisters, to the BeeGees, Little Eva and Del Shannon without any auto tune has been great. ❤ Thanks Fil!
Sadly, Tony Bennett, died today at age 96 August 3, 1926 - July 21, 2023 what a long and successful career Mr. Bennett had! Rest in Peace Tony Bennett and thanks for the music.
Thanks for the obit. Was just thinking about Tony Bennett today n his duet with Lady Gaga. He lived a very blessed life. And gave a lot to American culture. Sigh. 8.4.2023.
Last weekend I was at a gig where a local band did this as their last song. Everyone in the place sang along. The whole world knows this song! And it's from 60+ years ago!
Thanks for doing a lot of these great classics! Del Shannon had a lot of hit songs especially in the 60's such as "Hats Off To Larry", "Little Town Flirt", "From Me To You", "Two Kinds Of Teardrops", "Keep Searchin'", "Stranger In Town" etc.
Not sure I'd call his cover of "From Me To You" a hit. It performed pretty poorly, never got higher than 77 on the charts. I never heard it on radio back then and wouldn't have known he even covered it if it wasn't for the fact that a girl I knew bought it from the local record store without having heard it because his name and picture were on it. Of course I didn't know it was a cover until about a year later! Despite that, I liked it very much, and he deserves credit for getting it on the charts at all, because the first Beatles release of the song didn't chart at all. It wasn't until the following year that they re-released it and it hit #2 on the chart. That also made Del the first person to put a Beatles song on the U.S. charts, even before the Beatles themselves! 😊
Del left us all too soon. "Runaway" was a "runaway" hit - then as now. This tune figures in my memoirs. This tune was used for the opening theme on an American TV show, "Crime Story." Del Shannon (RIP) Thanks, FIL! Tony Bennett (RIP)
Del is one of my favorite musician of all time. He got me to fall in love with Rock and Roll with Runaway. I still remember where I was when he passed away. When I found out what happened, I had to stop my car and I started to cry. I just could not believe was gone. Everytime I talk about him, I start to cry. I miss him so much.
100% agree. I saw him live a number of times and met him personally. A very humble guy with enormous talent. Check out country star Gary Allen’s version of Runaway.
I think the older version of him has a bit more of a gravel rasp in his voice but it's still great. Such a classic tune because of the mix of rasp and clean and minor and major sounds. Love how he smiles as he brings it out of falsetto into his head/chest voice, he knew he had a technique that few could match!!
This song was so massive in 1961 people would drive off the road to listen to it. Along with Keep Searchin(Follow the sun). He was a huge singer. Look up the original single of this song just for the pure enjoyment of what we heard way back then.
Luckily I got to see Del in concert a year before his death . He was the closing act in a 1950’s -60’s show in Connecticut … he just about brought the entire building down closing the show singing his hit “Keep Searching” we’ll follow the sun !!!! OMG …. Absolutely incredible !!
Oh, I enjoy you for seeing Del Shannon was my favorite when I was growing up back in the early 60s. What a show he must have put on. Thanks for your comment.
The band on Letterman were top talents, starting with Paul Shaffer. Hiram Bullock was there in the early years, David Sanborn often sat in on Friday nights. Warren Zevon was on more than most, he would sit in for Paul all week and played his best material. His last performance when Dave asked him on was amazing. Stevie Ray Vaughan was another highlight.
1961! I was 10! I still remember hearing it and loving immediately. He still sounded good to me on Letterman. Still love that song. It’s on my Oldies Playlist. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I was in a physio clinic a short while ago, ( I live in the Canary isles), and this song came on the music system. A middle aged Spanish guy, came over to ask the physio who the artist was. Never heard it before, obviously thought it was fantastic. How blessed we are, to have grown up and lived to consider this music was our world and birthright.
Del Shannon was from Coopersville, Michigan, a suburb of my city, Grand Rapids. There's a Del Shannon Car Show annually in Coopersville, now in its 27th year (on August 12 if you want to go 😊).
Actually the Coopersville car show isn’t considered the “Del Shannon” car show anymore. His car show was in Battle Creek, Michigan on June 24, 2023, and will be an annual event from now on.
Your analysis continues to open up the artistry and mechanics of music. I am continually amazed at how much you understand the elements of both vocal and instrumental performances. You respect the artist, the time period, and the creativity of the musician. Thank you, Fil!❤
Del re-wrote and re-recorded "Runaway" for the 1980's U.S. television series "Crime Story." It introduced this gem to a whole new generation. Thank you for this Fil!
loved Del when I was 14, here I am now aged 76 and still as keen as ever - saw him a few times and met him also - he was unique and I’m sure his many fans miss him - he never quite got the respect he deserved - thanks so much for reviewing Del twice 👍
The British Invasion sound, before the Brit’s invaded. I was only 10, but I immediately knew this was new, rock delivered straight ahead, and with attitude, cool leads (that organ lead… so great!), and falsetto! He laid the red carpet for the invasion that was brewing in England.
As a garage-band rocker from the late 1960’s, it’s interesting to hear you explain concepts that I’ve been doing for decades and never really knew why. We never analyzed anything back then. We just did what we did and enjoyed the experience. You have a great music site. Carry on.
One of the greatest rock tunes in history. What a Fantastic talent Del Shannon was and this classic shows it. Fil we sure do appreciate the profusion of amazing songs & artists you use throughout your history on the Channel & I find it amazing Fil how much you fill in the blanks of these iconic characters & Tunes..Ty Fil You have no idea how refreshing it's been on CZcams watching your Journey of being a professor of music & guitar, especially the analysis process you make ... Cheers our friend to Continued success! luv&peace Sean&Family. 🤝✌💫
This song is definitely an oldie, but a goodie. It was funny to see Paul cut up on the keyboard as he usually did on the David Letterman show. Your vocal and guitar demonstrations was fun to watch as well. Thanks for another great analysis!
My oldest brother used to hang out with Del, (Charlie Westover), in Coopersville, MI when they were in their early teens. Del always had a guitar with him. Later, when Runaway hit, my brother played that 45 over and over at our house. Great song, never gets old. RIP Del.
In 1986 the tv show Crime Story used his song for their theme, a new recording with slightly altered lyrics to fit the theme of the show. That led to a fresh popularity for Del, this appearance was part of that. It's obvious how much he enjoyed performing. It's so sad about his unhappy end of life a few years later
Del was one of my first singer heros since even though I was only 5, my older siblings loved this. And Del had a song Hats off to Larry" and they all looked at me. I really love watching these analysis videos, Fil. I hate analysis videos, but you've always been in a class by yourself. merci
Thank you for this wonderful analysis of Del. Not only was he a terrific singer and musician - he was a great man. His family were great friends of our family. Just reconnected with his ex-wife, Shirley and her two living children after 50 years! What a delight it has been these past few weeks. ❤
I was in US Navy basic training when this song was top of the charts in 1961. For me any song from that time is so emotional for me to hear. (Very homesick) The recording from ´61, to me, was so much better. As Fil states, it's not a fair comparison.
Runaway a classic Del Shannon song that never get old! he still had the voice in his later years! other Del's songs I like are "Hats off to Larry" "Little Town Flirt" "Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow the Sun)" thanks for the analysis on Del Shannon Fil,
Man, you are true classicist, and I'm glad. That's a real oldie from my younger years. I never would have thought that song would have come up on the radar of someone of your generation. I always get some kind of wistful feeling of melancholy whenever I hear it.
Del was one of my favorite singer/songwriters. I've performed this song many, times, and still do. It's always sounded like falsetto, and that's how I do it. Same key, and same notes, but a little of my style. Del sang with ease all his professional life. He is missed. Thanks.
My all time favorite song as a kid! My younger brother and I would play it on my oldest brother’s stereo and stand on the front steps playing our tennis racket guitars while we entertained the neighbor kids. Good memories!
Fil, your range of music appreciation of different artists is wonderful. I too, have a large range of music delights and it is wonderful to see a young man as yourself, truly loves all types of genre.
Awesome analysis.Runaway was one of the songs. That my cousins used to sing to me when I was a kid. Because I was always running😂 By the way Tony Bennett. The I left my heart in San Francisco. Just died today. From Alzheimer’s disease.Tony was 96.😢🎸❤️
@suzanneespinola6509...Oh...I hadn't heard that Tony Bennett died. If there were ever a singer that deserved the flags to be lowered to half staff...it's Tony Bennett.
Such a great song, Del Shannon was amazing, very underrated. I loved it when this was used for the theme to the Crime Story TV series. When the Traveling Wilburies picked him to replace Roy Orbison I was so happy but sadly :(
From Wikipedia, about “Running down a dream”: The song was co-written by Mike Campbell, along with Petty and Jeff Lynne. It was a nod to Petty's musical roots, with the lyric "me and Del were singin' 'Little Runaway'" making reference to Del Shannon and "Runaway".
Remember "Little Town Flirt" (#12), "Hats Off to Larry"*#5), Keep Searchin'"(#9)..Del Shannon was also the first American artist to record a song written by Lennon-McCartney, "From Me to You" which was released as the flip to "Hats Off...".He was asked to be a member of the Traveling Wilburys but, sadly, passed before it became a reality. A sad ending for a very talented guy. BTW, they did, indeed, 'nail it'!
I was 3 when this was released, but I remember it because of my teenage sister. Amazing that he could still perform it so well after that much time. Thanks Fil.
This was the first rock record I loved. Heard it when I was 12-13 and it was my gateway into rock, which not too much later was opened wide with the Beatles. It was so great to see him perform, looking so happy. Very tragic that he took his own life. Thanks for this!!
The Wilburys indicated later that they had no thoughts of replacing Orbison, because there obviously was no way to replace Roy. I think the stories of Del becoming a Wilbury, and I remember hearing that at the time, were maybe from a very speculative musical press. He was certainly friends with everyone in the band, but I don't believe the Wilburys ever really had any plan to bring him in. But it leaves one wondering what "Volume 3" would have been like with Del in the mix.
Wow, Paul Schaffer and Anton Figg (the drummer) still had hair back then.😁 Back in the early ‘60s my first band was strictly instrumental, ala The Ventures, and Runaway was one of the first songs we learned. The song worked well as an instrumental.
Today we take rock music for granted but back in 1961 when this song was released it was not at all clear that this musical genre would survive. The pioneers of rock had fate stacked against them Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochrane were dead, Little Richard had quit the scene for religion, Presley was in the army and Chuck Berry was in prison rock music hung by a thread. None of the radio stations were allowed to play the music and television broadcast of rock was none existent. It was only through word of mouth that such gems as Del Shannon's Runway spread like wildfire through the teenage community and kept the spark of rock and roll alive until the Beatles were able to rekindle the flame some three years later. Rock music went on to change the world and we owe a profound debt to artists like Del who,although not the initial vanguard of the movement, nursed it through its time of ailment until it was well enough to enhance all our lives.
At one point when "Runaway" was fresh on the radio in 1961, this single was selling 80,000 copies a week! I don't know how much money that put in Del's pocket but it must have been substantial for the early 1960s! 🎙🎸😉👌
@@KayEl58 Most of the cash always goes to the labels. Artists who can run their own show and stay away from them will be better off. I don't know how that could have been done 60 years ago. Radio play was everything. Now radio has become more or less irrelevant. People like Joe Bonamassa and Sohyang have managed to thrive by staying away from the labels and running their own careers. I don't know all the answers but it would be a good topic for Fil to cover in one of his upcoming shows.
@ToddSauve Yes, there are some sad stories and then some really sad stories of musicians who were making a fortune for their labels but who themselves were virtually penniless. Fil's gone into a few times when he's analysed various performers who were ripped off this way but a whole video on the subject and how things can be done differently these days would be interesting. I've never understood the whole idea of Internet music and how the artist makes money from it so I'd appreciate an explanation of that. Canned Heat had a carefully negotiated contract in the mid 1960's that gave them a good deal as songwriters and recording artists and everything was split equally no matter who wrote the songs. Their finances went rapidly downhill when they were forced to sell the rights to raise bail after their drug bust arrest.
I watched a documentary about him a while back and never knew what a huge influence he was to rock music and some very famous musicians. His childhood home is a couple of miles down the street from where my sister now lives.
Fil, you always amaze me how you can duplicate so many voice sounds of gifted, talented artists. Your analyses are spot on. Del sang effortlessly and so spot on. Sadly, as do many artists of his caliber, he committed suicide at the age of 55. 😢. I love your singing of these very gifted artists. You rock ❤ Can you analyze “Last Good Day of the Year” Liam McKahey’s voice from CousteauX
The way Del is holding and strumming his 335, along with the way he moves his head while singing, looks to be the model for animating Archie in the MV for SUGAR SUGAR, by The Archies.
Such a great song and probably one of my all time favorite songs. I remember hearing Runaway for the first time in the movie American Graffiti, which was one of me and my dad's favorites. After seeing the movie for umpteen times just to hear the song, I bought the 7" LP only to realize our old stereo no longer worked. Lucky my friend had an LP to cassette recorder and I was able to transfer it, still it wasn't easy having to filter out all the background pops and hisses of the LP. Del would have made a great addition to the Traveling Wilbury's. Lyrics from Running Down a Dream by Tom Petty: "... trees went by, me and Del were singin' little Runaway, I was flyin'"
I always listen for a singer's natural voice. Del Shannon had a unique natural voice. Besides Runaway, Del had a few other songs. I agree that this was a monster hit. Thanks so much for featuring such a wide range of artists.
Fil, what's cool is, at least for an old fogey like me, you are bringing back fond old memories and filling them with new, interesting information and perspective. Thank you!
My very favorite song in 7th Grade. So different from any other rock music. I was obsessed with hearing it every day, and it was heavily played on KEWB 91 (Oakland) in the Bay Area. It still sounds unique. Thanks, Fil, for analyzing it.
Hi Fil, This is such a classic song of this era. Love the things he was able to do with his voice in the 60s and then into the 80s. Liked your “Navigation” dance, Del definitely had a good vocal range and technique to pull off this song. Great job explaining it all, and demonstrating on guitar. This was another fun one to take a look at, thank you for all you do! Love Ya’ Debbie☮️
Seems so many of these legends give so much of themselves, their trials and sacrifices add up and it’s too hard for them to go on. Stilll, I’m happy to have the music he left for us, hope he’s experiencing rest and happiness somewhere, now. Thank you for the great analysis as well Fil
I've loved Del, and bought his records all through the years. Such a tragic way to leave the planet, but he knew what he had to do. I sang this song (playing the instrumental lead on my guitar) in every show my little (mostly cover) band did for about 9 years, and it was ALWAYS a sure dance floor filler. The last time I sang it, as a guest with a (much younger) friend's band, I introduced it with a cry for help from the audience on the highest bits. Everyone joined in. He recorded a much slower version in 1967 (uncharted in the US) with a few extra vocal inflections, which I added to my cover of his original hit. *sigh* I love your channel, Fil. It always lifts me a bit to see younger people appreciating the music of my life. Do you know his 'Keep Searchin' (Follow the Sun)? Another one that deserves some attention.
I really loved this when I was young. Actually, still love it. I had always thought that the keyboard (which I thought was fantastic) was a melotron, but it is actually a Musitron. It was a wonderful sound, and it really help make that song special. Later recordings, with some other keyboard, don't capture the magic of the Musitron at all well.
I think that's actually a D5 Fil. He slides up from C#5 to D5 on the first wuh. If you count the wuh-wuh-wuh-wuh-wonder against the notches in the run down you'll see if the C#5 were the first note it would be missing one. The pitch tracking software is reacting too slowly to bring the very top of the phrase into view. Anyway, another great video. Thanks for all the content!
I have concluded over the years that some musicians are just genetically gifted and you really can't figure out a lot of times how they do things. Especially when they can show up 30 or even 40 years later and still be great.
A great moment in my life was the day when Del Shannon came to perform Runaway at of all places, a swim club right outside of Philly. I was a nine year old little chubby thing standing in a big circle of kids surrounding him as he sang, and as he wrapped up the song he came over to me and actually kissed my cheek. I was stunned and elated for hours and didn’t want to ever wash my face again. He and this song were at the height of radio play at the time and this felt like being kissed real live famous person!! An aside to this…my dad loved to try and imitate Del singing the chorus..I wah wah wah wah wonder and he made us all laugh each time. 1961 ! Thanks Fil, for bringing back this happy memory!
Wow! What a wonderful memory to have. Thanks for sharing.
Love it!!!
I was in the 9th grade. The song was different from most.
It remains one of the special song memories.
That's such a "dad" thing to do. My dad did the same.
Now people would totally freak out and tell the cops that a grown man had kissed a nine year old on the forehead or cheek.
Now 76, I am SO careful because so many parents are so paranoid. It's very sad.
This song was a classic from day one! His voice is so smooth. He was an awesome singer. You could tell he put his heart into it❤
Del had such angst in his voice singing, "I'm a-walkin' in the rain..."
And he had a lot of heart. What a hometown hero, he gave Bob Seger a break in the business.
@@senryu93 Love them both!
Much of his phrasing is wrong.
His phrasing, so important to the success of the original, is not good here.
OH FIL, this was my favorite song when I was a kid. Oh my gosh, thank you so much for giving us this look into his song.
Me too!
I was 13 and was crazy about this hit!
Mine too.
I really liked it too. Especially the high notes! 😀
I love the entire performance. Love the beat too. @@JackFalltrades
I love that Tom Petty give a nod to Del Shannon
and his song "Runaway" in his 1989 song
"Runnin' Down a Dream" in the opening lines.
It was a beautiful day, sun beat down
I had the radio on, I was driving
Trees went by, me and Del were singing
Little runaway, I was flying
Such a tragic end to a one of Rock N' Roll
legendary singer song writer musician.
Tom Petty estate owns the Del Shannon catalog.
It was Del Shannon's song. I'm a Baby Boomer. Bandstand is in my blood, only from Only from Philly.
Del also performed "Runaway" live with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on December 31 1978 in Santa Monica CA. A video of the performance can be found here on CZcams. Furthermore, Tom produced Del's album "Drop Down and Get Me" in 1981. And Tom wound up taking Del's touring bassist Howie Epstein for the Heartbreakers, when original bass player Ron Blair quit the band.
@@andrewfurst5711 I heard Del turned down an offer to be a wilbury. Is that true?
@@patm5086 no he was never asked.
I’ve never seen Paul so animated 😂 that was so fun. I think it must continue to be so easy for Dell because he is having fun too
Yeahbutt his TONE though. That @$$ tone he chose for his keyboard was HATEful.
@@UberLummox Was pretty darned close to the original, ass-tone or no.
I agree.. Paul was having a blast!
@@UberLummox Huh? It's identical to original.
well...virtually identical.
Not my favorite Del hit (that would be "Little Town Flirt"), but this is RIPPING. And Paul Shaeffer was positively brilliant on keyboards. Hey, the Letterman show was new every night with new guest performers, so Paul couldn't have more than hour or two of rehearsal to replicate the original sound for the TV show. Just wonderful, including Paul and his whole band.
I've heard that Del used an alternate tuning on his guitar for this song ... to make it easier to play, I guess (I'm not a guitarist beyond my three chords that I can nail). Would you say that there's something not standard with the way he tuned?
What a tragedy Del had. If only the Traveling Wilburys had asked him to join before his despair took him.
Bad to be old enough to remember when this was a hit (61) as a young grasshopper running around trying to sing this tune. Paul Shaffer deserves some kudos on the keyboard for his enthusiasm. Fun listening to these male performers who could hit those mountain high notes. Ian Whitcomb and Lou Christie come to mind. He was a clean cut class act taken too soon. Good review.
"Bad to be OLD" sounds like the making of something great!
So sorry that instead of joining the Travelling Wilburys or looking for other avenues, Del took his own life. Fil, your detailed and appreciative look at his voice, decidedly not from a fanboy perspective, gives all of us Del admirers even more understanding of what we admire. Thanks.
I did not know he took his own life! Very, very tragic…do you know
why? and when? And was he really set to join the Wilburys’? I hope
you don’t mind the questions but I’m shocked and saddened?
Hey! Del Shannon died from a self inflected gun shot wound on Feb 8 , 1990. He was depressed, and he had other issues, I heard he was going to join the T.W.s that would have been amazing. @@katherinebosse5706
loved the Travelling Willburys! I can't believe they aren't as well known as others with half the talent
Fil many, many thanks for this balanced analysis where technical and artistic merits blend so well.
I remember that this was the VERY FIRST CD record I bought, even though I had not a CD player yet 😁
I saw del lots of times at different clubs around Manchester in the 70s ,he always gave a first class performance every single time.i saw him stood at the bar one night and I. asked him if I could talk to him ,he shook my hand and asked my name and we talked for a while a very nice man and we had a good laugh , I'm 74 now and I rarely go out these days ,but if he was still alive performing I would Def go out to see him ,great man and great performer top class entertainer
And a big tip of the hat to Paul and the band!👍
This was a great live performance by Del Shannon. After all those years he still had the ability to hit those notes! Paul Shaffer was just as entertaining to watch. Great analysis Fil and I enjoyed your vocals as well! 😊🎸🎵
Paul Shaffer was a terrific showman and performer - the more so because he wasn't just reacting to the music, but because he was obviously having one heck of a great time doing so.
This song barely kept rock alive in the early 60s in the U.S. after the passing of Cochrane, Holly, and Valens, until the Beatles resurrected it in the UK in '62 and we got it in early '64. Thank you Del!
Everyone underestimate Paul Shaffer as a both a musician and. Producer. He is one of top producers in the 0:54 NYC scene. Not bad for a kid from Thunder Bay
Paul Shaffer is a talented musician in every way. Like Elvis, Del’s voice is more in a nasal tone when he was younger than in 1987. These visits into history have been so much fun. From the Andrews Sisters, Lennon Sisters, to the BeeGees, Little Eva and Del Shannon without any auto tune has been great. ❤ Thanks Fil!
Sadly, Tony Bennett, died today at age 96 August 3, 1926 - July 21, 2023 what a long and successful career Mr. Bennett had! Rest in Peace Tony Bennett and thanks for the music.
Very sad news. Mr. Bennett had a long, enduring career over his many years. He will be missed. RIP Mr. Tony Bennett
I remember a sleeve note from a Tony Bennett LP. It said that Tony Bennett could hit a high note like a bird flying up to land on a leaf. Effortless.
He will be missed.
Thanks for the obit. Was just thinking about Tony Bennett today n his duet with Lady Gaga. He lived a very blessed life. And gave a lot to American culture. Sigh. 8.4.2023.
What has Tony Bennett got to do with del Shannon. 🤔
Letterman always had the best music. Thanks, Paul Shaffer!
(And thank you Fil!)
Letterman always had the best music. Always loved listening to Darlene Love sing Baby Please Come Home on the Christmas show.
Last weekend I was at a gig where a local band did this as their last song. Everyone in the place sang along. The whole world knows this song! And it's from 60+ years ago!
Thanks for doing a lot of these great classics! Del Shannon had a lot of hit songs especially in the 60's such as "Hats Off To Larry", "Little Town Flirt", "From Me To You", "Two Kinds Of Teardrops", "Keep Searchin'", "Stranger In Town" etc.
Haha, I forgot about my hat.
Little Town Flirt, That's How Love Goes, and I Can't Believe My Ears, were always favorites of mine from Del.
Not sure I'd call his cover of "From Me To You" a hit. It performed pretty poorly, never got higher than 77 on the charts. I never heard it on radio back then and wouldn't have known he even covered it if it wasn't for the fact that a girl I knew bought it from the local record store without having heard it because his name and picture were on it. Of course I didn't know it was a cover until about a year later!
Despite that, I liked it very much, and he deserves credit for getting it on the charts at all, because the first Beatles release of the song didn't chart at all. It wasn't until the following year that they re-released it and it hit #2 on the chart.
That also made Del the first person to put a Beatles song on the U.S. charts, even before the Beatles themselves! 😊
@@PaulWhitcomb-ty6md "The Wanderer" was a big hit for "Dion" in 1961 after he went solo.
@@JC-wr7mu INdeed Del!!! Also liked Lou Christie.
Del left us all too soon. "Runaway" was a "runaway" hit - then as now. This tune figures in my memoirs. This tune was used for the opening theme on an American TV show, "Crime Story." Del Shannon (RIP) Thanks, FIL! Tony Bennett (RIP)
Del is one of my favorite musician of all time. He got me to fall in love with Rock and Roll with Runaway. I still remember where I was when he passed away. When I found out what happened, I had to stop my car and I started to cry. I just could not believe was gone. Everytime I talk about him, I start to cry. I miss him so much.
100% agree. I saw him live a number of times and met him personally. A very humble guy with enormous talent.
Check out country star Gary Allen’s version of Runaway.
Gary Allen is a fantastic singer. Ill check that out. @@davidslater9713
I think the older version of him has a bit more of a gravel rasp in his voice but it's still great. Such a classic tune because of the mix of rasp and clean and minor and major sounds. Love how he smiles as he brings it out of falsetto into his head/chest voice, he knew he had a technique that few could match!!
When you look at John Fogerty, they looked alike, but no relation.
His voice reminds me of a lighter version of Roy Orbison’s. Great song. His falsetto is everything!
This song was so massive in 1961 people would drive off the road to listen to it. Along with Keep Searchin(Follow the sun). He was a huge singer. Look up the original single of this song just for the pure enjoyment of what we heard way back then.
Luckily I got to see Del in concert a year before his death . He was the closing act in a 1950’s -60’s show in Connecticut … he just about brought the entire building down closing the show singing his hit “Keep Searching” we’ll follow the sun !!!! OMG …. Absolutely incredible !!
Oh, I enjoy you for seeing Del Shannon was my favorite when I was growing up back in the early 60s. What a show he must have put on. Thanks for your comment.
The band on Letterman were top talents, starting with Paul Shaffer. Hiram Bullock was there in the early years, David Sanborn often sat in on Friday nights. Warren Zevon was on more than most, he would sit in for Paul all week and played his best material. His last performance when Dave asked him on was amazing. Stevie Ray Vaughan was another highlight.
One of those great early 60s pre Beatles classics. Run Around Sue was another. Great and spirited performance
1961! I was 10! I still remember hearing it and loving immediately. He still sounded good to me on Letterman. Still love that song. It’s on my Oldies Playlist. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I was in a physio clinic a short while ago, ( I live in the Canary isles), and this song came on the music system. A middle aged Spanish guy, came over to ask the physio who the artist was. Never heard it before, obviously thought it was fantastic.
How blessed we are, to have grown up and lived to consider this music was our world and birthright.
Del Shannon was from Coopersville, Michigan, a suburb of my city, Grand Rapids. There's a Del Shannon Car Show annually in Coopersville, now in its 27th year (on August 12 if you want to go 😊).
Actually the Coopersville car show isn’t considered the “Del Shannon” car show anymore. His car show was in Battle Creek, Michigan on June 24, 2023, and will be an annual event from now on.
Your analysis continues to open up the artistry and mechanics of music. I am continually amazed at how much you understand the elements of both vocal and instrumental performances. You respect the artist, the time period, and the creativity of the musician. Thank you, Fil!❤
Yes, WoP and The Charismatic Voice are showing how little I know about music. Always good to be humbled a bit.
Del re-wrote and re-recorded "Runaway" for the 1980's U.S. television series "Crime Story." It introduced this gem to a whole new generation. Thank you for this Fil!
loved Del when I was 14, here I am now aged 76 and still as keen as ever - saw him a few times and met him also - he was unique and I’m sure his many fans miss him - he never quite got the respect he deserved - thanks so much for reviewing Del twice 👍
The British Invasion sound, before the Brit’s invaded. I was only 10, but I immediately knew this was new, rock delivered straight ahead, and with attitude, cool leads (that organ lead… so great!), and falsetto! He laid the red carpet for the invasion that was brewing in England.
As a garage-band rocker from the late 1960’s, it’s interesting to hear you explain concepts that I’ve been doing for decades and never really knew why. We never analyzed anything back then. We just did what we did and enjoyed the experience. You have a great music site. Carry on.
One of the greatest rock tunes in history. What a Fantastic talent Del Shannon was and this classic shows it. Fil we sure do appreciate the profusion of amazing songs & artists you use throughout your history on the Channel & I find it amazing Fil how much you fill in the blanks of these iconic characters & Tunes..Ty
Fil You have no idea how refreshing it's been on CZcams watching your Journey of being a professor of music & guitar, especially the analysis process you make ...
Cheers our friend to Continued success! luv&peace Sean&Family. 🤝✌💫
It's hard to go wrong when the world's most dangerous band is playing behind you.
Paul Shaffer, Anton Fig, Sid McGinniss, & Will Lee
This song is definitely an oldie, but a goodie. It was funny to see Paul cut up on the keyboard as he usually did on the David Letterman show. Your vocal and guitar demonstrations was fun to watch as well. Thanks for another great analysis!
My oldest brother used to hang out with Del, (Charlie Westover), in Coopersville, MI when they were in their early teens. Del always had a guitar with him. Later, when Runaway hit, my brother played that 45 over and over at our house. Great song, never gets old. RIP Del.
In 1986 the tv show Crime Story used his song for their theme, a new recording with slightly altered lyrics to fit the theme of the show. That led to a fresh popularity for Del, this appearance was part of that. It's obvious how much he enjoyed performing. It's so sad about his unhappy end of life a few years later
Del was one of my first singer heros since even though I was only 5, my older siblings loved this. And Del had a song Hats off to Larry" and they all looked at me.
I really love watching these analysis videos, Fil. I hate analysis videos, but you've always been in a class by yourself. merci
Wow. Everyone smoked this. Paul Schaffer nailed the keyboard parts.
Thank you for this wonderful analysis of Del. Not only was he a terrific singer and musician - he was a great man. His family were great friends of our family. Just reconnected with his ex-wife, Shirley and her two living children after 50 years! What a delight it has been these past few weeks. ❤
Super to hear yet another Michigan artist! The home of Rock & Roll!
I was in US Navy basic training when this song was top of the charts in 1961. For me any song from that time is so emotional for me to hear. (Very homesick) The recording from ´61, to me, was so much better. As Fil states, it's not a fair comparison.
Del Shannon’s Runaway was and still is a Massive hit !!!!
Runaway a classic Del Shannon song that never get old! he still had the voice in his later years! other Del's songs I like are "Hats off to Larry" "Little Town Flirt" "Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow the Sun)" thanks for the analysis on Del Shannon Fil,
Thanks for being game to demonstrate the vocalizations for us, Fil! You're a superb teacher.
Thanks!
Man, you are true classicist, and I'm glad. That's a real oldie from my younger years. I never would have thought that song would have come up on the radar of someone of your generation. I always get some kind of wistful feeling of melancholy whenever I hear it.
Del was one of my favorite singer/songwriters. I've performed this song many, times, and still do. It's always sounded like falsetto, and that's how I do it. Same key, and same notes, but a little of my style. Del sang with ease all his professional life. He is missed. Thanks.
My all time favorite song as a kid! My younger brother and I would play it on my oldest brother’s stereo and stand on the front steps playing our tennis racket guitars while we entertained the neighbor kids. Good memories!
Fil, your range of music appreciation of different artists is wonderful. I too, have a large range of music delights and it is wonderful to see a young man as yourself, truly loves all types of genre.
Legend says that Lennon loved that song so much that he used that change from Am to A in “I’ll be back” as well as the whole progression Am-G-F-E
Am G F E. is centuries old, it's known as an ANDALUSIAN Cadence
Awesome analysis.Runaway was one of the songs. That my cousins used to sing to me when I was a kid. Because I was always running😂 By the way Tony Bennett. The I left my heart in San Francisco. Just died today. From Alzheimer’s disease.Tony was 96.😢🎸❤️
Aw… RIP, Tony.
@suzanneespinola6509...Oh...I hadn't heard that Tony Bennett died. If there were ever a singer that deserved the flags to be lowered to half staff...it's Tony Bennett.
Your smile while you listened to this showed how much you were enjoying the song and the appreciation for the song and the performer.
Such a great song, Del Shannon was amazing, very underrated. I loved it when this was used for the theme to the Crime Story TV series. When the Traveling Wilburies picked him to replace Roy Orbison I was so happy but sadly :(
1 of the first songs I remember hearing as a kid I was born in the late 80s and grew up on the golden oldies station
This song was immortalized in Tom Petty's song "Running Down a Dream". In fact, one follows the other on my Ipod.
Yes!
From Wikipedia, about “Running down a dream”:
The song was co-written by Mike Campbell, along with Petty and Jeff Lynne. It was a nod to Petty's musical roots, with the lyric "me and Del were singin' 'Little Runaway'" making reference to Del Shannon and "Runaway".
I still play this song, great video ❤😘
THEY NAILED IT ‼️
It’s sad that he really didn’t have more big hit songs.
Great analysis, and breakdown.
Fantastic song.
📻🙂
Remember "Little Town Flirt" (#12), "Hats Off to Larry"*#5), Keep Searchin'"(#9)..Del Shannon was also the first American artist to record a song written by Lennon-McCartney, "From Me to You" which was released as the flip to "Hats Off...".He was asked to be a member of the Traveling Wilburys but, sadly, passed before it became a reality. A sad ending for a very talented guy. BTW, they did, indeed, 'nail it'!
Thank you Fil .. your insight and experience in breaking down by the note is so wonderful .... Thank you! Bob Andrews in N. Carolina USA
I love this song! And it's always enjoyable to see the performers having a good time as well!
I was 11 when this song hit the charts, loved it then and love it now............Del is a super star for sure.
This is so great, Fil! What a great video of him being on Letterman.
Love both this and it's original black&white recording! 💞
I was 3 when this was released, but I remember it because of my teenage sister. Amazing that he could still perform it so well after that much time. Thanks Fil.
This was the first rock record I loved. Heard it when I was 12-13 and it was my gateway into rock, which not too much later was opened wide with the Beatles. It was so great to see him perform, looking so happy. Very tragic that he took his own life. Thanks for this!!
Del Shannon was my all time 60s musician. I learned this on guitar and sang it a while back too. Tried that solo. But it’s difficult. Great work Fil.
Del was in talks in taking Roy Orbison's spot in The Traveling Wilburys at the time of his unfortunate passing.
The Wilburys indicated later that they had no thoughts of replacing Orbison, because there obviously was no way to replace Roy. I think the stories of Del becoming a Wilbury, and I remember hearing that at the time, were maybe from a very speculative musical press. He was certainly friends with everyone in the band, but I don't believe the Wilburys ever really had any plan to bring him in. But it leaves one wondering what "Volume 3" would have been like with Del in the mix.
Unfortunately, wishful thinking and not true. But it would have been a lifesaver for Del.
Wow, Paul Schaffer and Anton Figg (the drummer) still had hair back then.😁
Back in the early ‘60s my first band was strictly instrumental, ala The Ventures, and Runaway was one of the first songs we learned. The song worked well as an instrumental.
I always loved his music. Thanks
Today we take rock music for granted but back in 1961 when this song was released it was not at all clear that this musical genre would survive. The pioneers of rock had fate stacked against them Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochrane were dead, Little Richard had quit the scene for religion, Presley was in the army and Chuck Berry was in prison rock music hung by a thread. None of the radio stations were allowed to play the music and television broadcast of rock was none existent. It was only through word of mouth that such gems as Del Shannon's Runway spread like wildfire through the teenage community and kept the spark of rock and roll alive until the Beatles were able to rekindle the flame some three years later. Rock music went on to change the world and we owe a profound debt to artists like Del who,although not the initial vanguard of the movement, nursed it through its time of ailment until it was well enough to enhance all our lives.
Great memory from my pre-teen youth!!
Loved Del Shannon ... and I loved another music lesson from you. I have a much better understanding of the way this song works now 😊
At one point when "Runaway" was fresh on the radio in 1961, this single was selling 80,000 copies a week! I don't know how much money that put in Del's pocket but it must have been substantial for the early 1960s! 🎙🎸😉👌
Hopefully. It's equally likely that most of the cash went to the record company and he got next to nothing.
@@KayEl58 Most of the cash always goes to the labels. Artists who can run their own show and stay away from them will be better off. I don't know how that could have been done 60 years ago. Radio play was everything. Now radio has become more or less irrelevant. People like Joe Bonamassa and Sohyang have managed to thrive by staying away from the labels and running their own careers. I don't know all the answers but it would be a good topic for Fil to cover in one of his upcoming shows.
@ToddSauve Yes, there are some sad stories and then some really sad stories of musicians who were making a fortune for their labels but who themselves were virtually penniless. Fil's gone into a few times when he's analysed various performers who were ripped off this way but a whole video on the subject and how things can be done differently these days would be interesting. I've never understood the whole idea of Internet music and how the artist makes money from it so I'd appreciate an explanation of that. Canned Heat had a carefully negotiated contract in the mid 1960's that gave them a good deal as songwriters and recording artists and everything was split equally no matter who wrote the songs. Their finances went rapidly downhill when they were forced to sell the rights to raise bail after their drug bust arrest.
Del has a huge recording catalog of albums and singles.
My favorite is his rendition of Burt Bacharach “The Answer to Everything”
I watched a documentary about him a while back and never knew what a huge influence he was to rock music and some very famous musicians. His childhood home is a couple of miles down the street from where my sister now lives.
I really enjoyed your analysis of Del Shannon!
Fil, you always amaze me how you can duplicate so many voice sounds of gifted, talented artists. Your analyses are spot on. Del sang effortlessly and so spot on. Sadly, as do many artists of his caliber, he committed suicide at the age of 55. 😢. I love your singing of these very gifted artists. You rock ❤
Can you analyze “Last Good Day of the Year” Liam
McKahey’s voice from CousteauX
The way Del is holding and strumming his 335, along with the way he moves his head while singing, looks to be the model for animating Archie in the MV for SUGAR SUGAR, by The Archies.
I met this wonderful man in 1973 in the Zetland Hotel in Saltburn...we went into the hotel lounge and he entertained me...very great man
Such a great song and probably one of my all time favorite songs. I remember hearing Runaway for the first time in the movie American Graffiti, which was one of me and my dad's favorites. After seeing the movie for umpteen times just to hear the song, I bought the 7" LP only to realize our old stereo no longer worked. Lucky my friend had an LP to cassette recorder and I was able to transfer it, still it wasn't easy having to filter out all the background pops and hisses of the LP. Del would have made a great addition to the Traveling Wilbury's. Lyrics from Running Down a Dream by Tom Petty: "... trees went by, me and Del were singin' little Runaway, I was flyin'"
I always listen for a singer's natural voice. Del Shannon had a unique natural voice. Besides Runaway, Del had a few other songs. I agree that this was a monster hit. Thanks so much for featuring such a wide range of artists.
Hats off to Larry was one of those other hits, played all the time on the old AM channels.
@@donaldivey7702 Back in the old days before FM radio.
And Fil says, "And there we have it!" I wait for that line, Fil. Keep it up.
Fil, what's cool is, at least for an old fogey like me, you are bringing back fond old memories and filling them with new, interesting information and perspective. Thank you!
PROZAC made him take his life..R.I.P....... great song great loss.......
Big tragedy, not far behind plandemic, vax overload, statins, opioids, AIDS etc etc 😢
My very favorite song in 7th Grade. So different from any other rock music. I was obsessed with hearing it every day, and it was heavily played on KEWB 91 (Oakland) in the Bay Area. It still sounds unique. Thanks, Fil, for analyzing it.
fantastic, and how great to see him having fun with it after all this time
Paul is ripping it up!
Hi Fil,
This is such a classic song of this era. Love the things he was able to do with his voice in the 60s and then into the 80s. Liked your “Navigation” dance, Del definitely had a good vocal range and technique to pull off this song. Great job explaining it all, and demonstrating on guitar. This was another fun one to take a look at, thank you for all you do! Love Ya’ Debbie☮️
Del nailed it and the band was great too.
another reason the 80s were so much fun is we got to enjoy acts from the 40s 50s 60s and 70s that were still performing ,,,,,,,,,,,,
Thanks Fil, That was great!
Seems so many of these legends give so much of themselves, their trials and sacrifices add up and it’s too hard for them to go on. Stilll, I’m happy to have the music he left for us, hope he’s experiencing rest and happiness somewhere, now. Thank you for the great analysis as well Fil
I've loved Del, and bought his records all through the years. Such a tragic way to leave the planet, but he knew what he had to do. I sang this song (playing the instrumental lead on my guitar) in every show my little (mostly cover) band did for about 9 years, and it was ALWAYS a sure dance floor filler. The last time I sang it, as a guest with a (much younger) friend's band, I introduced it with a cry for help from the audience on the highest bits. Everyone joined in. He recorded a much slower version in 1967 (uncharted in the US) with a few extra vocal inflections, which I added to my cover of his original hit. *sigh* I love your channel, Fil. It always lifts me a bit to see younger people appreciating the music of my life. Do you know his 'Keep Searchin' (Follow the Sun)? Another one that deserves some attention.
I saw him live in Wakefield Yorkshire in 1986. He sang all his hits and he sounded just like the records. He was fantastic!
He rerecorded a great version for CRIME STORIES and a lesser version for the Wilburys. A tragic loss.
I've been an amateur musician for over 75 years. I just love your analyses; I learn so much form them.
I really loved this when I was young. Actually, still love it. I had always thought that the keyboard (which I thought was fantastic) was a melotron, but it is actually a Musitron. It was a wonderful sound, and it really help make that song special. Later recordings, with some other keyboard, don't capture the magic of the Musitron at all well.
One of the first songs I remember as a kid in England, I was about 5 or so when it came out.
Woo HOO, dancing in my chair. I love this. Thank you, Thank you.
Hii😊
Excellent Job brother!
I think that's actually a D5 Fil. He slides up from C#5 to D5 on the first wuh. If you count the wuh-wuh-wuh-wuh-wonder against the notches in the run down you'll see if the C#5 were the first note it would be missing one. The pitch tracking software is reacting too slowly to bring the very top of the phrase into view. Anyway, another great video. Thanks for all the content!
I have concluded over the years that some musicians are just genetically gifted and you really can't figure out a lot of times how they do things. Especially when they can show up 30 or even 40 years later and still be great.