Born to Be with You (1975)

Born to Be with You is the fourteenth solo studio album by Dion, released in October 1975. Six of the eight tracks were produced by Phil Spector, who had expressed admiration of Dion's earlier work with his doo-wop group, Dion and the Belmonts.

Upon completion in 1974, Spector shelved the release for twelve months, only to find the album was met with indifference by the music establishment. However, in the 1990s, the album began to receive widespread critical acclaim. Artists such as Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream cited it as a key influence.

The album was included in Robert Dimery's 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Production

The recording sessions were lengthy and chaotic, often hampered by Spector's drinking and unpredictable temperament. Bruce Springsteen and Miami Steve visited the studio during the recording sessions. On its completion in 1974, Dion effectively disowned the record, stating that the production made it sound like "funeral music".

Personnel

Dion DiMucci – vocals, guitar

Art Munson, Barney Kessel, Bill Perry, Dan Kessel, Dennis Budimir, Don Peake, Jerry Coe, Jesse Ed Davis, Ron Koss, Thom Rotella, Wally Snow – guitar

• Ray Neapolitan, Ray Pohlman, Klaus Voormann – bass guitar
• Andy Thomas, Barry Mann, Joe Sample, Mike Wofford, Tom Hensley – piano
• Hal Blaine, Frank Capp, Jim Keltner – drums

Alan Estes, Emil Richards, Gary Coleman, Gene Estes, Jeff Barry, Steve Forman & Terry Gibbs – percussion

• Nino Tempo – saxophone & horn arrangements
• Bobby Keys, Conte Candoli, Don Menza, Fred Selden, Jay Migliori, Jim Horn, Steve Douglas – horns
• James Getzoff Strings – strings