Tuesday June 16,2020 “Abraham, Martin & John” Dion
“Didn't you love the things they stood for?”
This song written by Dick Holler who also gave us “Snoopy vs the Red Baron”, now there’s a stretch, was recorded by a number of artists including Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Moms Mabley, Wilson Pickett but it is Dion’s version that achieved the broadest airplay, radio success and sales.
One of those rare performers who was known by only one name, Dion had 39 top 40 hits in the late 50’s and early 60’s and then found his popularity waning as the British Invasion began to push his style of singing out of the limelight. Ironically his musical roots were rhythm and blues just like the groups that were replacing him on the charts.
Dion, who has one of the most recognizable voices in music is also an accomplished guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, and it would be this song, written following the assasination of Robert Kennedy, that would resuscitate his career. His later “Yo Frankie” album/CD featured appearances by Paul Simon, Lou Reed, Patty Smyth and Bryan Adams and was produced by Dave Edmunds.
Recently we had the song “American Pie” on the list written about the plane crash in Clear Lake, IA that took the lives of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens and Dion was also one of the headliners on this tour. Buddy Holly offered Dion a seat on the plane but when he saw that it would cost $36 (about $320 in today’s money) Dion declined. Never underestimate the value of frugality.
Stay safe and well.
