Dion DiMucci was the first bona fide rock ‘n’ roll star signed to Columbia. Period. “Ruby Baby” was preceded by five consecutive Top 10 singles on Laurie (including “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer”), so Dion’s move to his new label was well-publicized and eagerly anticipated. Initially, the plan seemed cut from Bobby Darin cloth: singles for kids, albums (with classier material, and nightclubs in mind) for adults.

November 2, 1964: Performing "Donna The Prima Donna" live on the U.K. tv show Ready Steady Go, Dion becomes annoyed by the on-stage dancers and walks off mid-song. Here's Dion's 1964 lp for Columbia, complete with misspelled last name (it's DiMucci).