Way back When: Dion ’s “Runaround Sue” became his first No. 1 hit as a solo artist 65 years ago.
In October 1961, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became Dion’s hit after he parted ways with the Belmonts. The doo-wop hit also reached No. 4 on the R&B charts.

Dion first developed the idea for “Runaround Sue” while improvising lyrics at a friend’s birthday party. Dion later completed the song with songwriter Ernie Maresca and recorded it with backing vocals from the Del-Satins.






