Classic Pop Icons

The 50th Classic Pop Icons Song of the Week is Del Shannon’s rock ‘n’ roll classic “Runaway” which fittingly hit number one 50 years ago today.

“Runaway” is one of the most iconic songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. It began life as “Little Runaway” and it was Shannon’s manager, Ollie McLaughlin, who suggested a rewrite that would place the Musitron at the centre of the song. The Musitron was a keyboard instrument that was modified from a clavioline by musician Max Crook. McLaughlin’s suggestion was inspired, as the groundbreaking Musitron solo is one of the most memorable instrumental breaks in pop history.

Another particularly memorable feature of “Runaway” is Del Shannon’s brilliant, piercing falsetto on the chorus, although his overal vocal was reportedly slightly speeded up to correct pitch issues.

Del Shannon re-recorded “Runaway” with new lyrics as the theme for the NBC-TV television program Crime Story in 1986, but the original remains the definitive cut.

Del Shannon – “Runaway”

Authorship

“Runaway” was written by Del Shannon and Max Crook.

Recording date/location

“Runaway” was recorded on January 21, 1961 at the Bell Sound recording studios, located at 237 West 54th St. in New York City.

Musicians

The following musicians played on “Runaway”:

• Del Shannon – vocals
• Max Crook – piano/Musitron
• Al Caiola – guitar
• Bucky Pizzarelli – guitar
• Milt Hinton – bass
• Bill Ramal – saxophone/arranger
• Joe Marshall – drums.

Chart performance

“Runaway” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 18, 1961, knocking The Marcels’ “Blue Moon” off the top spot. It remained on top for four weeks and also hit number one in the UK in June 1961, replacing Elvis Presley’s “Surrender.”

Covers

Traveling Wilburys – “Runaway”

Del Shannon died in February 1990 and the Traveling Wilburys recorded their cover of “Runaway” as a tribute to him a couple of months later. It was released on the B-side of their single “She’s My Baby.”

The Wilburys’ cover is quite faithful to the original, with Jeff Lynne doing a good job on lead vocals. “Runaway” was included as a bonus track on the Traveling Wilburys’ 2CD/DVD box set in 2007.

It’s rumoured that Shannon was set to join the band in place of the late Roy Orbison, but he died before this happened.

Bonnie Raitt – “Runaway”

Bonnie Raitt turned “Runaway” into a blues rock track when she covered it for her 1977 album “Sweet Forgiveness.” She also had a minor hit with it on single.

Raitt is in good form and the new arrangement works well, with some great harmonica work.

There will be a new Song of the Week on April 25.

Del Shannon’s “Runaway” is available on many compilation albums, including “The Very Best of Del Shannon – Runaway.”

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