Del Shannon

Real name: Charles Westover

Born: December 30, 1939 Grand Rapids, Michigan

Started playing the guitar and singing at the age of 14 +++ Was discovered after his army service in Germany by a fellow DJ at AFN radio +++ His first recording, "Runaway", an own composition, was released by BIG TOP records and became an instant no. 1 in 1961 +++ A string of other hits followed, including "Hats Off To Larry", "Little Town Flirt" and "Keep Searchin'" and some others +++ Emigrated in 1967 to Australia +++