Del Shannon was one of the most original and influential singers and songwriters of the early rock and roll era. His 1961 hit “Runaway” is considered a classic of the genre, featuring his distinctive falsetto and the innovative use of a synthesizer. He had several other successful songs, such as “Hats Off to Larry”, “Keep Searchin’”, and “Little Town Flirt”, and was admired by many of his peers, including the Beatles, who invited him to their first US concert in 1964. He was also one of the first American artists to cover songs by the British Invasion bands, such as the Rolling Stones and the Kinks. He continued to record and perform throughout the ’60s and ’70s, experimenting with different styles and genres, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, nine years after his death.
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How Did Del Shannon Die?
Del Shannon died on February 8, 1990, at the age of 55, in his home in Santa Clarita, California. The cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Los Angeles County sheriff’s spokesman. He was found by his wife, Bonnie, who had left the house earlier to run some errands. She returned to find him lying on the floor of the den, next to a .22-caliber rifle, with a note that read “I love you, Bonnie”. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Why Did Del Shannon Kill Himself?
The exact reasons for Del Shannon’s suicide are not known, but there are some possible factors that may have contributed to his decision. According to his friends and family, he had been suffering from depression for a long time, and had a history of alcohol abuse and drug addiction. He had also been taking Prozac, an antidepressant medication, for about two weeks before his death, which some believe may have had adverse effects on his mood and behavior. His widow, Bonnie, later filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Prozac, Eli Lilly, claiming that the drug caused him to become suicidal. The suit was eventually dropped, but it raised questions about the safety and efficacy of Prozac and other similar drugs.
Another possible factor was the pressure and frustration that Del Shannon felt about his career. Although he had achieved fame and success in the early ’60s, he had struggled to maintain his popularity and relevance in the changing music scene. He had also faced several setbacks and disappointments, such as losing his contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1975, and being rejected by several labels in the ’80s. He had recorded a new album in 1989, produced by Jeff Lynne of the Electric Light Orchestra, which he hoped would revive his career, but it was not released until 1991, after his death. He had also been rumored to replace the late Roy Orbison in the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, which included Lynne, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Tom Petty, but this never materialized. He may have felt that he had missed his chance to make a comeback, and that he had nothing left to look forward to.
How Did Del Shannon’s Death Affect the Music World?
Del Shannon’s death shocked and saddened many of his fans and fellow musicians, who expressed their condolences and tributes. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including some of his famous friends, such as Tom Petty, Brian Wilson, and Phil Everly. His music was also celebrated and remembered, as many radio stations played his songs and many artists covered his tunes. His posthumous album, Rock On!, was released in 1991, and received positive reviews and moderate sales. His legacy as a rock and roll pioneer and innovator was also recognized and honored, as he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, by Tom Petty, who called him “one of the great voices of our time”. His songs have also been featured in many movies, TV shows, and commercials, and have influenced many generations of musicians and listeners.
Del Shannon’s cause of death was a tragic end to a remarkable life and career. He was a talented and versatile artist, who left behind a rich and diverse catalog of songs that still resonate today. He was also a troubled and tormented soul, who battled with his demons and ultimately succumbed to them. He was a rock and roll legend, who will always be remembered and missed.
