In 1961, Dion contributed two of the most iconic early rock ‘n’ roll songs that cemented his place as a legend: “Runaround Sue” (No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100) and “The Wanderer.” ...

Thus was born Dion’s signature hit, “The Wanderer,” which reached No. 2 in early 1962. Today, its author, older and wiser, understands the song differently than when it was a hit.

If you’re Dion DiMucci, it’s difficult to settle ... on the radio through hits such as “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer.” But while many other stars become cautionary tales when ...