The UNTOLD STORY OF DION DIMUCCI & BELMONTS

[@Joanne-cf9xy]

Runaround Sue is one of my favourite songs of all time.

[@theholyearthgod1363]

However much we love to listen too, we can go back to the original superstar and spend quality time with Dion. What a gift

[@artistsonrecord]

Absolutely! Dion's music has such a timeless quality, and spending time with his story really brings out the magic of his artistry.

[@btspyglass4077]

One of the great great Rock and Roll groups Doesn't get the love they deserve

[@jerrypotente872]

Absolutely fabulous show guys Dion you and the Belmonts are brilliant! Now I have to tell you a personal story. My name is Jerry Potente and I collaborated on writing songs with a great songwriter named Lou Stallman for over 30 years.. Lou Stallman was a hit songwriter and he wrote with his partner. I believe said Jacobsonyour record- Dion ‘don’t pity me., LOUloved that recording by you guys being so great and played it for me so many times not only that but we discovered that you re-recorded ‘the treasure of love ‘also written by Lou in the late 50s on a 1997 record -‘the treasure of love /you’re my child’ Lou absolutely love that and so did I , it it’s so soulful and brilliantand we played that on KZbin hundreds of times Lou love that recording. unfortunately Lou , who was also my mentor and best friend for so many years passed away in September 2022 also though you may not remember Dion when Paul McCartney did a tribute to Buddy Holly in the crickets in 2000 at the Roseland ballroom, Lou was lucky enough through my eyes to recognize you and say hello Again he was so pleased to have run into you again thank you for all the great music Dion. I hope that you and Stefan hear the story. It is absolutely true., and a testament to great artists like yourself with the Belmonts and to the great songwriters from New York as well as the great music business that once was by the way, I know a disc jockey from the Bronx who does it show in Vermont these days and you are one of his absolute favorite hometown artists Sorry for going on so long, but this was an absolutely true story that I wanted to share with you guys and thank you for a way to communicate with you and to hear your awesome story you’re a terrific talent and you’ve had a brilliant career which I know goes on till this day. Amen. Happy holidays , guys , God bless you both-a fan and a music business paisono-lol. Jerry Potente 872 rock on brother.

[@johnchestnut9739]

Totally awesome!! What a voice, what a group…what MUSIC

[@joshualane3585]

good interview with DION, thank you

[@batboy242]

I have spoken with Dion in the past, and I can’t believe just how down to earth and how understanding of his fans he really is! God Bless Dion and the Belmonts! Ruby Baby was my favorite,but, all their music was and is GREAT!

[@Aztec73]

Dion is a rock and roll legend 🇺🇲

[@TopangaProducer]

So great to listen to Dion- As I have said many times before he is one of the three best vocalist's that came out of New York. Dion, Sinatra and Larry Chance. The sound of their voices goes right to my heart

[@raf389]

sinatra from hoboken, nj

[@TopangaProducer]

@@raf389 I am fully aware of that. I should have said New York area.

[@squirefld]

No disrespect to Dion, but when you mentioned Larry Chance (The Earls) they were the most underrated group of all times.

[@thebigfist]

The three best Caucasian male rock n roll group leads : Jimmy Beaumont( from the Skyliners), Dion Dimucci (from the Belmonts) and Johnny Mastrangelo (Johnny Maestro, from the Crests and the Brooklyn Bridge). The 3 greatest Black American group leads were Tony Williams ( of the Platters) , Clyde McPhatter of the old Drifters and Domino's) and Eugene Mumford (of the Larks and later the Domino's- he sang that great lead on Stardust, with Billy Ward & the Domino's) Much later, Gary Puckett had a tremendous voice with a late 60's- early 70's group called the Union Gap. Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and Elvis were not really group leads, so they should be grouped as individual soloists.

[@ozziequinones584]

Sinatra’s from Hoboken N.J.

[@proudamerican1278]

Great video, Dion is a NY legend

[@artistsonrecord]

Totally! Dion is the real deal-such a cool story and a true NY icon!

[@mckennalynn1916]

Great interview, Dion is great!

[@artistsonrecord]

Thank you! Dion has such an incredible story, and it was a pleasure to share it with everyone.

[@gsingemunson8195]

It’s magical listening to how you worked your way to the level, historic level! Thanks for sharing your story with us! God bless you!

[@patriciahenderson8038]

Dion is such a great Singer...Loved him and The Belmonts..Every song they sang was GREAT! Saw him Live once at a CYO Dance in Paterson NJ my hometown..This was the early 60's...This Interview just now was so interesting...I could listen to him talk all night about the things that made the Group what they were...He is still going strong...God Bless you Dion...KEEP ROCKIN!

[@jbyesterday3959]

Love listening to these great stories. When you're a 9 year old kid growing up in NYC with AM radio & school friends who live on your block or in your neighborhood who also dig music & harmony, it's a natural gravitation towards Dion's swing & style. I'm still having fun singing his gems - whether I'm by myself, or with friends gathered around. God bless you my brother✌❤🙏

[@artistsonrecord]

That's amazing! The shared love of music really brings people together. Happy New Year my Friend!

[@jbyesterday3959]

@@artistsonrecord Indeed it does ! Happy New Year amigo 👍

[@Baci302]

“So I says, ‘Let me go back to da neighborhood because I know some guys.’” 😊 I have so much love for Dion. My first band in high school sang “Teenager In Love” and “Runaround Sue”.

[@anthonytranese1832]

Dion what a talent, top ten on any list.

[@artistsonrecord]

@@anthonytranese1832 checkout our playlist, I will be releasing more clips of my interview with Dion.

[@paulpetock2836]

I always loved Dion's music , and would love to sing along . My friend Pete Bennett worked with Dion in the beginning . Pete Bennett later became the biggest promotions man on the planet during the golden age of rock . Great hearing Dions stories about the beginning .

[@snakefinger]

Could you imagine getting together with your pals and the first song you come up with is a hit for the next 50 years plus. Not to mention going on tour with these brilliant gentlemen. What a life. He has seen it all.

[@artistsonrecord]

Absolutely! It’s incredible how some friendships can lead to timeless music and unforgettable experiences. Dion and The Belmonts truly created magic together!

[@johnnyintrieri]

Great storyline Dion. I heard 1 of your stories on the Late Great WCBS-FM. N.Y. years ago. It was about the song The Wanderer. You said there was a guy from your neighborhood named Jackie Burns. Found it very enlightening. God Bless Pisan. 🇮🇹🇺🇸

[@lindapendleton9176]

Thanks for this. So many of the originals are no longer with us, sad to say.❤

[@wrotenwasp]

No doubt. It seems like back in the 70s-80s these guys were all over the place doing oldies revivals / tours and now there's so few left. Dion, Frankie Avalon.....Ok, Pat Boone isnt exactly 50s rock and roll but I still hear him on 50s on 5 XM. Brenda Lee, Freddy Cannon, Neil Sedaka. Can't think of any other left. That's a drag

[@jonrettich4579]

One of our greatest artists as far as I’m concerned. And, absolutely no nonsense, sharing the limelight and loving what he is doing. On top of that a classic New Yorker, no nonsense, no airs, a chance to do something with his life out of a contentious household. Real New Yorkers tend to have a directness, surprisingly helpful and decent but will not take extra time just do what they should and move on. I am grateful to see this interview it all shows in his amazing music and yes I was listening to Rosemary Clooney and all those others from the time I turned 8 and am proud to be a native New Yorker

[@artistsonrecord]

Totally agree! Dion’s got that real New Yorker vibe-straight to the point and all about the music. Glad you enjoyed the interview!

[@broccoli-rabe]

Thanks for posting this outstanding interview with Dion and the inside scoop of how he and the others got started.

[@artistsonrecord]

Thank you for watching, more Dion coming up.. please make sure to subscribe and hit that notification button so you know when we release them

[@rayscott4780]

I’m 74 now. All my years on earth I’ve never met a girl named Ruby. Ruby baby is probably my favorite Dion song.

[@derdian3]

I never did ether ,how ever there was Ruby and the romantics ,wonderful singer.

[@billmitchell3329]

Ruby was mostly a stage name. It’s a name mostly used in the 30’s,40’s,50’s. I actually knew a girl named Starr from Glen Oaks, Queens back in the day. There was Ruby Dee too!

[@allanweiser6276]

Love Dion one of the most soulful voices I have ever heard

[@davidwiner8571]

Mmmmmmm i have always loved Dion and the Belmonts

[@bills6946]

From Belmont Avenue in the Bronx.

[@albertdenardo2777]

I loved Dion as a kid growing up in Connecticut and i liked it even better that he was an Italian boy proving that not every Italian kid went in the mob. My Dad used to like to listen to him as much as i did . God bless you Pop and rest in peace, I still miss you to this day.

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

I see Dion and the Belmonts as part of the distinct genre of Italian-American Doowop characterized by high energy, fast-paced intricate vocals...the Regents were another group that highlighted that style...

[@mjcruiser4238]

The hangout for my high school was a burger and shake place called Dewey’s in Philadelphia. Invariably if you walked in after school “That’s My Desire” would be playing on the jukebox -whenever I hear it -brings me back!

[@rustybeltway2373]

Philly! I dig the Orlons. There's quite a bit of their stuff on KZbin. Philly should have got the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

[@mjcruiser4238]

Ha

[@jaygold4467]

This man is rock n roll. He started this when he was 17 years old! He was the one who put The Belmonts together.

[@EugeneBlicharz]

Very impressed with the way Dion expressed himself. Wonderful. Dion expressed himself

[@artistsonrecord]

@@EugeneBlicharz Thank you, I appreciate your feedback here.

[@amsedelm]

I knew their fist guitarist Jimmy George (RIP). He told me some crazy stories about Dion, the Apollo Theater, fights, unreal. LOVE DION!

[@p.c.4606]

Dion rocks!

[@kathyanderson4962]

The day the music started! King of R&R 💜

[@mannyruiz1954]

Great video. I love hearing the old rockers talk about their early influences. Invariably, they all listened to country music, or whatever was available on the radio. The Beatles were country fans and a lot of thise British Invasion guys. It wasn't just blues, it was heavily influenced by hillbilly music too. 👍🇺🇸

[@joca6282]

The " King of the New York Streets". Fact!

[@jamesfaulkner-b7j]

My high school girlfriend and I broke up…..for three days….Dion and the Belmonts and Roy Orbison got me through it.

[@rvegas81]

I enjoyed this. Just bought his first two albums last-year!

[@artistsonrecord]

Thank you so much for watching! It means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the video and are diving into his albums!

[@hhvictor2462]

I saw him once in person during the early 80s doing a book signing in a Yonkers Cross County bookstore. He sat before a small table amiably chatting with a couple of people.

[@MichaelSr-sp5pw]

Dion. A Bronx Legend. The greatest.

[@artistsonrecord]

Absolutely! Dion's contribution to music and his roots in the Bronx are truly legendary.

[@wrotenwasp]

How bad ass. Dion has gotta be one of the last big stars of the 50s- early 60s first generation rock and roll. To hear him tell this story was very cool. Luckily I got to see Dion back in 1987....about in his mid 40s, at a small venue in metro Detroit, one of the best shows I've been to. It would have be awesome to see him back in the early 60s.

[@gato9866]

Wow this is one of the best interviews of late with one of our oldies but goodies national treasures, north America's Buna Vista social club.

[@artistsonrecord]

I'm glad you enjoyed the interview! Dion Dimucci truly is a legend, and it was an honor to share his story.

[@anthonypanzarella]

Even his newer music is phenomenal. Songs like Dancing girl are so beautiful

[@artistsonrecord]

Agree 💯! Happy New Year 🎊🎆

[@davidcastelli7893]

Of all the great things he did , Abraham Martin and John to this day brings tears to my eyes. That song will never be forgotten.

[@artistsonrecord]

Fantastic Song

[@dannovack1364]

They started the tri state area with their rock and roll (doo wop) sound . It still reverbs with the sounds and memories of the 50s &60s.

[@richardbloemker1495]

The best and still going on.

[@artistsonrecord]

Absolutely! Dion and the Belmonts have truly left a lasting impact on music history. Their story is one for the ages!

[@jerrybeaver4677]

Great days great roll& roll days outstanding times

[@jamesstark8316]

Dion was the best. I would play his records and sing along dreaming I was that good. "That's My Desire" was my favorite. Still gives me goosebumps. Thanks for this (fellow native NYer).

[@artistsonrecord]

Thanks for listening.

[@David-p4k9q]

Never knew Hank Williams or country music had a impact on Dion. I was born in the 70s but always loved the music from the 50s. I wonder why is my favorite song by them. They had such a great sound.

[@artistsonrecord]

Thanks for watching! Here is another dion clip I uploaded yesterday: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmGQhaaKqdCXpc0

[@andrewfischer8564]

not sure if my dad knew dion from the neigborhood. belmont ave. but he was always so proud of a kid from the hood who made good.

[@ronroberti8082]

Hello Di, I’m a good friend of Butchie B. Lived in Yonkers and dated your cousin what seems like a million years ago. Still listening to your music especially the Lost Trac album, and signing a lot of your songs at the G-Bar and Goodfellows in Garfield NJ.. why not do a show in White Plains, NY sometime soon, you’ll sell out the place in a couple of hrs. I think Denis Nardone, is doing a show in W/Planes on the 17th with the Duprees and Classic Sounds. I’m sure he would love to do one with you.I don’t know if you will see this, hopefully someone will pass it on.⚡️

[@richardmann5049]

Dion never lost that sound. Give a listen to "King of the New York Streets" from 1989 and "New York is my home" from 2016 albums.

[@PeterMosca-c5s]

I lived a block from the bronx zoo. Grew up with Dion’s cousins. We were little younger. Wow the whole neighborhood was so excited when Dion and Carlo Freddy Angelo showed up. I was a kid. We were too young to go up to Tally’s pool room. When i turned 16. then was old enough to go upstairs to Tally’s pool room Dion and the Belmonts were long gone. I ask Tally About Dion coming here. Tally pointed at a couple of steps and said yes Dion would sit with his guitar on those steps and sing. I’m 72 now and never forgot. Was great growing up in the Belmont section of the Bronx.

[@artistsonrecord]

Thank you for sharing your incredible story! It's always wonderful to hear firsthand experiences from those who lived through such iconic times in music history.

[@ripmod1]

Dion was the best!

[@chuckpetersen246]

@@ripmod1 is

[@markrein8451]

Shame I can't upload the picture Dion's wife took of us years ago in the lower battery. We talked about sobriety, something not many people talk to him about. When he thanked me for stopping and talking to him about something more important than his music, I was deeply touched.

[@artistsonrecord]

Thank you for sharing your comments, now head on over to to our community board or click on the link below 👇 kzbin.infoUgkx4fuhmB0fpSl7N0zMuPx9TaerviUUS5UG?si=SfIYrQYFU087POTE

[@howardgoodman3536]

My favorite white group. I have a CD with all their recordings. My favorite black groups - gosh, where to start - Five Keys, Five Satins, Clovers, Cardinals, and on and on.

[@Irish780]

I grew up listening to him in Ireland, the teddy boy of they 70s

[@susangutrugianios2241]

❤❤❤❤

[@Pete-d1t]

Dion & Belmonts played at my church dance St Nicolas, the neighborhood west of Belmont Avenue

[@artistsonrecord]

That is so cool! Thank you for sharing that!

[@StephenRyder-w3q]

Hey Dion - you remember "Cousins" on Webster and fordham Road? We used to make "Demos" there for $3.00. Remember the bank at Belmont avenue and 183rd?

[@marke6569]

Carlo, Angelo, Freddie, Unique sound. Dion left group over musical differences. His 1st solo hit was Lonley. Teenager backed with female singers. Then Laurie Records teamed him up with label mates,The DelSatins who had,hir with Teardrops follow me. They went on to Columbia Records but never were,credited. But I was one of a few who knew it,was them. Most of the members,went on to become The Brooklyn Bridge. Meanwhile Carlo, Angelo, Freddie with Carlo taking over lead had hits with I need someone, C'mon little angel & Tell me why. 2 great,groups.

[@artistsonrecord]

Thanks for sharing all that insightful information! It's fascinating to learn about the journeys of these artists and the connections between their musical paths.

[@carlhertzler2658]

In the video of "I Wonder Why", Dion and Angelo would do a "shuffle" and trade places singing lead. They had a name for the shuffle, but I can't recall what it was. Does anyone know the name of that shuffle? They were the only group that ever did this. What a great video and song!

[@kennethroberts2931]

Dion was the best singer in the beginning of rock and roll

[@smacksmack5976]

I sing his songs in my tribute band. Buddy Holly’s too.

[@dannovack1364]

Let’s say the first most popular group from the Bronx

[@artistsonrecord]

Absolutely

[@vincentspione]

Why aren't the Belmonts in the Hall of Fame?

[@jimmycain8669]

@@vincentspione They ain’t rock and roll. Why ain’t Alvin Lee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s a joke that’s why.

[@BobbyDiMucci]

Dion is… the Belmonts did some nice songs of their own but not enough to make the hall

[@thebigfist]

The Belmonts should be in with Dion because they had great releases when they were together, as well as when they split in 1960.

[@thebigfist]

​@jimmycain8669 They most certainly WERE rock n roll ! But I agree that Alvin Lee with Ten Years After should also be in the Hall. Half of the newer groups they put in don't deserve to be in the Hall and great groups like Johnny Maestro and the Crests and the Brooklyn Bridge should definitely be in, as well!

[@richardmolnar7348]

Because they are idiots

[@notthatyouasked6656]

I met him backstage once when his career was in the toilet. I told him, "I was the guy who bought your last album". He cracked up.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Still, that was pretty rude and he should have punched you in the mouth.

[@Ron-p6g]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍🏼😎

[@anyonymswede]

Is he from the meighborhood of Belmont in the Bronx?

[@ThomasGilmore-fi6gb]

Does anyone remember a young arranger and guitarist named Jimmy George working with Dion in the early days?

[@surfrecords999]

the "Jimmy" on that Laurie record with Carlo and Jimmy (Rockin Rocket I think the name was)

[@JackTheSkunk]

Isn't it interesting that singers back in that era could actually SING !! Today's music is a joke. Dion and Bobby Rydell were the very best, in my opinion. What I like about Dion is that he seemed to stay close to his his roots whereas Bobby went the nightclub route.....not my thing. I am not an expert in musicalogy but I know what I like. 😅

[@delcannon5051]

Jack---I went to see Bobby Rydell in an "OLDIES" concert in the late 1980s, along with Fabian and Frankie Avalon. I was surprised that Bobby had such a high-volume voice that he really didn't need a microphone. It was amazing.

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

Robert Louis Ridarelli, AKA Bobby Rydell, was another one of those multi-talented Italian-Americans from that era...

[@rem-so1ly]

Dion was Angelo at Piggy's Candy Store?

[@pmoyer50]

Dion is great . . . he is definitely a legend, however, I was born in 1950, so when I was around 8 years old, I happened to hear Buddy Holly on American Bandstand, and so after Buddy died, everything was bland to my ears until the Beatles. Buddy and the Beatles scratched my itch. Oh yeah, some Chuck Berry did it for me too.

[@JazzinBlues]

Please inform Mr DiMucci that John Coltrane was not a vocalist.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I didn't think he was.

[@nancyalbino6716]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX68hWZ6pLKChrcsi=2afrvgve8Msd_zQg

[@nancyalbino6716]

The King of the NY Streets!

[@artistsonrecord]

Love it!!!

[@V8Deuce]

I'm happy to hear that he didn't give another Bullshit story about the Buddy Holly coin toss .....

[@BoomBoom77156]

@@V8Deuce man Give it a rest

[@V8Deuce]

@@BoomBoom77156 Nope. Never will

[@BoomBoom77156]

@ 🙄

[@artistsonrecord]

Tough crowd here, let's be nice here . more stories with Dion coming everyones way. thanks for being here !

[@JohnieMcgonagle]

so much bs i was there you were not all that

[@artistsonrecord]

I appreciate your perspective! Everyone has their own experiences, and it's always interesting to hear different viewpoints.

[@dominicdavis6244]

🎤🎶🫡THE MAN, THE LEGEND , THE BRONX BOMBER! HE WILL BE 86 THIS SUMMER AND HE ABSOLUTELY 💯 HASN’T MISSED A BEAT! 😊🥰🤗GOD BLESS 🙏🏼😌OUR MUSIC🎶🎤 LEGEND FROM DA BRONX! HE TRULY IS A GIFT FROM 🙏🏼GOD AND IS STILL AMAZING TURNING OUT GREAT 🎶 🎤MUSIC!👊🏼👏🏼

[@paulvalentine1483]

Hank Williams was awful, but his son is even worse.

[@artistsonrecord]

Well, every son has to carry the weight of their father's legacy-sometimes it's a heavy load! 🎤

[@RobertMurphy-e9y]

He has ,2 greatest songs of all time in top 25 ...

[@Anthony-vc9dt]

Yes, true! My brothers and I grew up in the Bronx in the 50s and 60s. Country music, Sun records, Hank Williams, Marty Robbin’s, were our favorites! Your Cheating Heart, and all. Played hooky at the zoo all the time😂

[@JohnCatalano-g3s]

I met Dion in the 80s.He was an awful person arrogant.Rude egotistical apparently was having a good day

[@artistsonrecord]

I gotta say Dion was absolutely one of the nicest and coolest cats I had on the show and actually wrote back to me saying he had a good time here. Maybe he was having a bad day when you met him. Ya gotta give him a pass, we are all human in the end and we all have had those types of days.

[@jameshepburn4631]

@@JohnCatalano-g3s Welcome to New York.

[@Anthony-vc9dt]

Dion , did you go to Our Lady of Solace dances😂? Or Saint Helena’s?