Del Shannon was born Charles Weedon Westover in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 30, 1934. He became known world-wide as a singer, guitarist and songwriter during the 60's. During the 80's he turned to Country and Western and also worked with Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, though the many troubles in his personal life led him to committing suicide with a .22 calibre rifle. Shannon was pronounced dead on February 8, 1990 in his home in Santa Clarita, California. R.I.P.