Dion “Very Proud” About “The Wanderer” Being Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame

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Credit: David GodlisDoo-wop and rock ‘n’ roll legend Dion DiMucci‘s classic 1961 hit “The Wanderer” recently was among the 25 recordings chosen for induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017. Now, the 77-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has issued a statement saying he’s “very proud” about the Grammy honor, while noting, “To this day, the song never fails me.”

“The Wanderer” was written by Ernie Maresca, who co-wrote Dion’s chart-topping 1961 smash “Runaround Sue” with DiMucci. Dion explains in his message that “The Wanderer” began as the B-side of a song called “The Majestic,” but the single eventually was flipped over, and the tune “instantly became a calling card and its ascent up the charts was unstoppable.”

The singer points out that he’s “known as much for ‘The Wanderer’ as I am for any other record I have ever recorded during my nearly sixty years in the music business.”

Dion goes on to explain that the track was the result of a “combination of good fortune, hard work, and strong playing from some of the jazz and blues greats of the Apollo Theatre.” He says among the performances that made the song stand out were Sticks Evans‘ “unusual and contagious drum pattern” and Buddy Lucas‘ “iconic and unforgettable sax solo.”

In conclusion, Dion notes that when “The Wanderer” starts, “I can still feel that same magnetic pull into the song’s own universe,” adding, “I am grateful and indebted to those who have recognized our efforts.”

Dion’s latest album, New York Is My Home, was released this past February. The record includes a duet with Paul Simon on the title track.

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