Who Is Del Shannon? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Del Shannon would have been 90 years old. Born Charles Westover in Coopersville, Michigan, he gained fame in the early 1960s with his signature sound that blended rock and pop elements. His ability to convey emotion through music, combined with his distinctive falsetto, won him numerous accolades during his career. Despite his passing in 1990, his music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1934 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Coopersville, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 8 February, 1990 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Del Shannon's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Del Shannon stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. Throughout his career, his weight fluctuated, primarily influenced by his lifestyle choices influenced by the pressures of fame and performance. While exact measurements may not be documented, Shannon's presence on stage was always captivating and memorable.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Del Shannon was married twice during his lifetime. His first wife was Margaret L. Westover, whom he married in 1955 and divorced in 1963. He later married Stephanie Gawthrop in 1964, and they remained together until his untimely death in 1990. Although specifics about his dating life in the years following his death are relatively scarce, Del Shannon's relationships were marked by his profound devotion to family and music.
In January 1990, Shannon was pushing himself to finish a new album and schedule upcoming concerts, resulting in troublesome stress. On the advice of his doctor, on January 24, Shannon began taking Prozac, an antidepressant.
Fifteen days later, he died by suicide, shooting himself with a .22 caliber rifle at his home in Santa Clarita, California, on February 8, 1990. "He was very much in charge of his business, but within days after he started taking Prozac I noticed a personality change in him.
He developed severe insomnia, extreme fatigue, chills, racing heart, dry mouth, and upset stomach," testified LeAnne Westover, Shannon's widow. "Suicide was totally out of character for my husband. There was no note and no goodbye."
Net Worth and Salary
Del Shannon's estimated net worth at the time of his death in 1990 was around $1 million. His earnings were primarily derived from music sales, chart-topping hits, and live performances. Although it is difficult to ascertain his worth in 2025, his influence and the enduring popularity of his music continue to generate revenue through royalties and tribute performances.
Career, Business and Investments
Shannon's career, which spanned decades, was marked by numerous successes. After his initial breakthrough with "Runaway," he released several albums and singles that contributed to his status as a rock icon. In addition to his singing career, he was also a talented songwriter and producer. Over the years, he produced and collaborated with various artists, diversifying his portfolio in the music industry.
After his death, Shannon's music has been covered and sampled by many contemporary artists, further solidifying his place in music history. His contributions to the genre of rock and pop have made him a subject of study for music enthusiasts and historians alike.
Charles Weedon Westover (December 30, 1934 – February 8, 1990), better known by his stage name Del Shannon, was an American musician, singer and songwriter, best known for his 1961 number-one Billboard hit "Runaway", which was covered later by various major artists including Elvis Presley and the Traveling Wilburys.
In 1999, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to his music career, he had minor acting roles.
Social Network
Despite his passing, Del Shannon remains a prominent figure in the digital age. His music is available on various streaming platforms, where fans can discover or revisit his classic hits. Additionally, fan pages and music forums discuss his legacy, ensuring that new generations discover his work. His official social media accounts, maintained by his estate, continue to share memories, updates, and tributes celebrating his artistry.
A 1976 article on Shannon's concert at the Roxy Theatre described the singer as "personal, pure and simple rock 'n' roll, dated but gratifyingly undiluted." Shannon sang some of his new rock songs along with classics like "Endless Sleep" and "The Big Hurt".
The Los Angeles Times wrote, "Shannon's haunting vignettes of heartbreak and restlessness contain something of a cosmic undercurrent which has the protagonist tragically doomed to a bleak, shadowy struggle."
Education
Del Shannon's formal education details are limited. Raised in a small town, he developed an interest in music at a young age. His passion for playing guitar and songwriting took him on the journey that led to his successful career. While he may not have received traditional music education, his practical experience and dedication to his craft shaped him into the iconic artist he became.
In conclusion, Del Shannon's legacy continues to influence aspiring musicians and entertain fans even decades after his passing. His music, relationships, and enduring impact in the industry serve as a testament to his extraordinary life and career. As we could hypothetically envision him in 2025, it's undeniable that the spirit of Del Shannon lives on.
