There was no shortage of possibilities to feature today on Tune Tuesday. Musical birthdays include Bo Diddley (1928), Skeeter Davis (1931), Paul Stookey (1937), Mike Nesmith (1942), Davy Jones (1945), Jeff Lynne (1947), and Ellie Goulding (1986). However, I have decided to focus today on a Hometown Hero.
Born today in 1934 in Coopersville, Michigan – Del Shannon.
Del had hits with Runaway, Keep Searchin’, Little Town Flirt, and in 1963 he actually released the Lennon/McCartney song Love Me Do! After his success with Runaway, he released his second single Hats Off To Larry.
The story goes that while on tour with Dion, Del wrote “Hats Off To Larry” in the dressing room that night. Dion and fellow rock ‘n’ roller Bobby Vee were present at the time.
Songfacts.com says:
The slow intro features Shannon woefully explaining the details of his breakup before he launches into an upbeat rock and roll number, reflecting his joy over his ex’s comeuppance. His label, Bigtop, thought a fast-paced intro would be better to hook listeners, but Shannon was adamant. He recalled to interviewer Ted Yates: “I had to fight for about two hours to get that the way I wanted it. They didn’t want to listen to me. I was just the singer.”
Happy Heavenly Birthday to Del Shannon!
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 
ah, I did not know he was a fellow michigander!
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A somewhat forgotten name from the pages of rock, good you reminded us of him
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