Abraham, Martin and John – Dion (2026)

Listen to my good friend Dion’s newest rendition of “Abraham, Martin, and John”, and be sure to check out the new music video, directed by the great David Niles.

“Abraham, Martin and John” by Dion is one of the most moving songs of the late 1960s. Released in September 1968, the single arrived during a year marked by tragedy and national soul-searching. The song reflects on the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and John F. Kennedy, capturing the grief and confusion many Americans felt at the time.

Written by Dick Holler, the track marked a dramatic shift in tone for Dion, who had previously been known for upbeat rock and doo-wop hits. Its stripped-down arrangement and reflective lyrics showed a more mature, socially aware side of the singer. The song later appeared on Dion’s 1968 album Dion.

Commercially, “Abraham, Martin and John” became one of Dion’s biggest solo successes. It reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and climbed to No. 1 in Canada. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, further cementing its international impact.

More than just a hit record, the song became an anthem of remembrance. Its simple question – “Has anybody here seen my old friend?” – still resonates decades later, reminding listeners of leaders lost and the hope they represented.