Dion - Abraham, Martin & John - Joe's Pub (2.20.11)

From doo-wop to early rock to anthemic folk to acoustic blues, Bronx-born Dion has been a musical force for over fifty years. Here's an acoustic performance of his late-'60s anti-violence masterpiece.
Video by Kevin Yatarola www.kebya.com

[@steveobrien1645]

Absolutely one of very best song writers of my time. I remember ice skating in New England at about 9 or ten yrs old with Runaround Sue playing on the background speaker. Then this song came as a young teenager when the times were very turbulent. Then there he was again after I'd decided to commit my life to Christ, ministering to me in a very special way as no one could. I wept as I prayed for Dion this morning asking God to bless his life and those of his family. Thank God for this beautiful man and the music he has so shared with this world.

[@richardrybinski2320]

Dion did not write this song. Written by a man named Dick Holler who knocked it off in less than an hour. Dion does one of the best interpretations, and his guitar playing is stellar. What a talent!

[@dawnsilver2271]

My father, from Brooklyn, was named Abraham Martin. Every time I think of him I post this song. He passed 20 years ago today.

[@tonyhead5132]

🙏🙏🙏

[@dancassidy7471]

So sweet

[@chasgorman1086]

Amazing, Dion is 72 here, and is stilling crushing it.

[@juliecastagnaro305]

I remember when John, Martin, and Bobbie went to be with Our Lord. This song allows us to remember them and their contributions and the impact that their lives made. Abraham was in a class all his own; divinely placed. God Bless them.

[@sorrymomimfloppy7117]

Exactly

[@SoNowIKnow]

Always, always used to make me cry, from the very first time I heard it on the FM radio as a kid. Today, however, there are bigger tears and we are ALL Abraham, Martin and John.

[@ceciliaalvarez2506]

Absolutely correct. Even as a kid this song always connected to my heart ❤️

[@MrMuncieman]

One of the most wonderful songs of my lifetime and I am 80. Dion was a wonderful guitar player and singer. Its just a shame his voice is gone on this song at this time.

[@Jim-pt8kk]

For 80 he sounds great

[@derrikferguson3219]

One of my favorite songs of all time. ❤️

[@georgebrown7906]

I've loved Dion all of my life... I can't bear the thought... that he may be gone from us one day... Love forever, Dion...

[@special420player]

George Brown kind of like Merle Haggard its weird that these greats will soon be gone

[@glorygunz1358]

George Brown that is a great comment may dion always live in our heart

[@edithbehm8655]

I think this will be the song he is most remembered for.

[@susangabrielle3760]

I was only 3 years old when this song came out. I heard it in the car while my dad was driving. I thought the music was beautiful. I was in the back seat diagonal from my dad driving. When we stopped at a light I noticed my dad's eyes looked teary. I didn't say a word. I hadn't ever seen either of my parents shed a tear or even come close but I knew this song was about something important. Yet, it was beautiful. It has remained a favorite to this very day.

[@tonyalfano2479]

😢

[@btragal]

Brought tears to my eyes too

[@johnschreiber5163]

A real New York Icon. Love this guy.

[@Celtokee]

Solid. I was 9 years old living on Long Island when Runaround Sue was released; we go the 45.

[@jeanlau4988]

Ruby Baby

[@alexschonski3637]

iconic song , the tragic end of three great men, three liberators men who died for their beliefs there is so much meaning and emotion in this song , Dion is such a talented man , pure GOLD .

[@MrPeterbrock]

Mr.nyc Dion great song about great men touches my heart .I remember all those days in my 72 years sadness encompasses me .Dion my favorite singer

[@johnhunter2294]

His voice isn't what it used to be, but the message is as powerful as ever.

[@sappermade6012]

This is the song that mad this man an ultimate legend

[@funguy4utube]

Legendary song and Legendary talent ... brings a tear to me eye ... Bravo.

[@pchili4]

Fantastic !! Just awesome!!!

[@teddyrailroad]

LOVE IT....

[@LightSnowOvernight]

Intricate guitar work on a timeless heart-breaking anthem

[@richardrybinski2320]

Yes i agree. Dion is an underrated musician and his guitar playing has always been stellar.

[@lamontprospect9974]

Still as powerful as the day it was released...

[@drbombay91765]

The good indeed die young. Thank you Dion and Dick Holler who wrote this classic.

[@ronfrey6639]

The names Dick Holler.... I make girls Cry.... But stay away from a Runaround Sue...

[@edwardpaley]

Dion is a great performer. I WAS BORN AND LIVED IN THE Bronx also. I love his music and that he is still performing.

[@juliechristjohn2597]

Beautiful

[@ronfrey6639]

I finally see what hes doing and its drop e to d lo string and drop a to g 5th string FINALLY see it thanks to this Dion is an American Treasure he keeps cranking great songs out. this took me awhile to get down but I see it now.....

[@billgreen6263]

"A" string isn't dropped. Low "E" string is .

[@barbh1]

Dion's voice is still so sweet.

[@killebrew69]

WONDERFUL

[@harrijoy2039]

Still a very powerful song and done with perfection ,but what else would you expect from Dion .......God Bless

[@bboorideau5253]

I never knew at that time-I was still a child.Now I know...and will follow if I can.

[@sirwinstonlennon6486]

That's beautiful

[@oboogie80]

WOW

[@urthcreature]

Beautiful. Iconic.

[@byersmelissa123]

tell a friend.thanks dion

[@iowa61]

Dion. Genius.

[@lanhtran-tu4070]

This song still wonder me...

[@sabbathhead]

This is so, so good...every part of it...

[@johnbrown9183]

Just wanted to add 300 likes for 3 sad ones who dissed it

[@JustaJuboi]

Masterpiece Joes Pub NYC

[@andrewgoldbergs4474]

He sits amongst the great American storytellers in song.Dylan, Springsteen,Young,Lou Reed,.Live on long.

[@daviddaniels3073]

Never be another, ever.

[@Monkmaster1969]

You still owe us a visit in CHI-Town Mr D!

[@btragal]

I just love this, thx, great recording!

[@peterle6883]

Gorgeous. Thank you very much.

[@wandamusictube]

Love this!

[@Glendetta]

Thanks for great video!!!!

[@MANDALAMUSICNYC]

Absolutely fantabulous

[@sejrec56]

This would have to be one of the hardest emotional songs to sing , especially living through the 60s

[@edithbehm8655]

I taught his daughter, August DiMucci. Great girl!

[@brianmurphy7962]

Love Dion !!!

[@wynstansmom829]

"Has anybody seen my old friend, The Protest Song? C'mon Dion, #Tommy Smothers!

[@danielmesery2904]

🙏☮️🌎🎸🔊

[@DanielVenadjv]

Song with meaning, Bronx born Italian Dion.

[@jimbones155]

Run Around Sue!

[@VILJL]

With the social wounds still fresh from the tragic killings of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, the classic civil rights song "Abraham, Martin & John" became a number one hit in the U.S. for Dion in 1968. But the late, great Marvin Gaye also recorded a stirring version of the song the following year, which became the second of several hit versions of the composition.

[@billgreen6263]

Great!! I think his Ovation guitar he used to play sounds better though.

[@tonyhead5132]

In this day of weak political leaders who are afraid of tweets....where have the leaders gone? Thanks Dion.

[@sporla3]

Good guitar but great voice

[@ronfrey6639]

The names Dick Holler.... I make girls Cry.... But stay away from a Runaround Sue...

[@gordh21]

nice, where is Joe's Pub?

[@wynstansmom829]

Downtown Manhattan. It is an amazing small venue with Cabaret style entertainment. Not expensive but show up early for a bar stool.

[@AlanJan_UK_49]

If only someone would remaster the original studio tapes. Fade the harp and add a new sympathetic bass line. The original bass is frenetic and all over the place. The vocal track is utterly perfect. Guess there'd be no dollars to be made ?

[@adoozer766]

Dion looks better with the beard and stash.

[@directapprec]

written by

[@directapprec]

dick holler

[@johnlavery6116]

So sad.

[@Jim-pt8kk]

I don’t know he was that good on guitar

[@derekmtheriault]

#ugottalisten2b4udie

[@TM-yn4iu]

I'll put this comment into the wind, that won't be understood or noticed - similar to the wind in sail or rustling the leaves of an aspen. I should add, not the song, rather my comment. My mom, a beautiful person, that instilled an inherent quality of good in my life. She passed 40 year ago after a short lived battle with cancer, she 49 I 28. I was there from day 1, 28 years, 3 months, 4 days, my first breath, her last breath...she asked me to take her see Dion b4 passing, didn't work out..death. She was good and passed to early in life, but lives in words written and my life's walk...again words in the wind on this 40th mothers day since she passed...said. will remove from the wind in a few days..but needed to create that peaceful rustling in the leaves on a dark night where the sound brings peace....