The Diamonds
The Diamonds: A Timeless Harmony
Emerging from Brooklyn, New York, in the 1950s, The Diamonds were a vocal group whose ethereal harmonies and infectious melodies captivated audiences worldwide. Their signature song, "Little Darling," became an instant classic upon its release in 1957, soaring to the top of the Billboard charts and solidifying their place in the annals of popular music.
Early Years and Success:
The group's genesis can be traced to 1953, when David Somerville, a tenor with an angelic voice, joined forces with Bill Reed, a talented baritone. Together, they recruited Dave Diamond, a bass singer, and Ted Negron, a falsetto who completed their quartet. The Diamonds' early performances caught the attention of record producer George Goldner, who signed them to his label, Gee Records.
Their debut single, "Church Bells May Ring," achieved modest success in 1956, but it was "Little Darling" that catapulted them to stardom. The song's poignant lyrics and soaring harmonies resonated with listeners, propelling it to the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite their phenomenal success, The Diamonds faced their share of challenges. In 1959, Dave Somerville left the group to pursue a solo career, leaving a gaping hole in their vocal arrangements. Bill Reed, who had been the group's de facto leader, passed away tragically in 1964, further decimating their lineup.
Throughout their career, The Diamonds also faced controversy. In the 1960s, their song "The Stroll" was banned from radio stations for its suggestive lyrics, while their cover of "Unchained Melody" was criticized for its similarity to the original by The Righteous Brothers.
Discography and Members:
Over the course of their career, The Diamonds released numerous albums and singles, including:
* "The Diamonds" (1957)
* "The Diamonds Sing" (1958)
* "Meet The Diamonds" (1960)
* "Unchained Melody" (1964)
* "The Best of The Diamonds" (1968)
Throughout their various lineup changes, the core members of The Diamonds included:
* David Somerville (tenor, 1953-1959)
* Bill Reed (baritone, 1953-1964)
* Dave Diamond (bass, 1953-1987)
* Ted Negron (falsetto, 1953-1978)
Legacy and Influence:
The Diamonds' timeless music has had a profound impact on generations of listeners. Their songs have been covered by countless artists, including The Everly Brothers, Neil Diamond, and The Beach Boys. Their vocal harmonies, characterized by their ethereal blend and impressive range, continue to inspire and amaze.
In 1998, The Diamonds were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring legacy and significant contribution to the world of popular music. Their songs, particularly "Little Darling," remain beloved classics, evoking memories and connecting hearts across generations.
Emerging from Brooklyn, New York, in the 1950s, The Diamonds were a vocal group whose ethereal harmonies and infectious melodies captivated audiences worldwide. Their signature song, "Little Darling," became an instant classic upon its release in 1957, soaring to the top of the Billboard charts and solidifying their place in the annals of popular music.
Early Years and Success:
The group's genesis can be traced to 1953, when David Somerville, a tenor with an angelic voice, joined forces with Bill Reed, a talented baritone. Together, they recruited Dave Diamond, a bass singer, and Ted Negron, a falsetto who completed their quartet. The Diamonds' early performances caught the attention of record producer George Goldner, who signed them to his label, Gee Records.
Their debut single, "Church Bells May Ring," achieved modest success in 1956, but it was "Little Darling" that catapulted them to stardom. The song's poignant lyrics and soaring harmonies resonated with listeners, propelling it to the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite their phenomenal success, The Diamonds faced their share of challenges. In 1959, Dave Somerville left the group to pursue a solo career, leaving a gaping hole in their vocal arrangements. Bill Reed, who had been the group's de facto leader, passed away tragically in 1964, further decimating their lineup.
Throughout their career, The Diamonds also faced controversy. In the 1960s, their song "The Stroll" was banned from radio stations for its suggestive lyrics, while their cover of "Unchained Melody" was criticized for its similarity to the original by The Righteous Brothers.
Discography and Members:
Over the course of their career, The Diamonds released numerous albums and singles, including:
* "The Diamonds" (1957)
* "The Diamonds Sing" (1958)
* "Meet The Diamonds" (1960)
* "Unchained Melody" (1964)
* "The Best of The Diamonds" (1968)
Throughout their various lineup changes, the core members of The Diamonds included:
* David Somerville (tenor, 1953-1959)
* Bill Reed (baritone, 1953-1964)
* Dave Diamond (bass, 1953-1987)
* Ted Negron (falsetto, 1953-1978)
Legacy and Influence:
The Diamonds' timeless music has had a profound impact on generations of listeners. Their songs have been covered by countless artists, including The Everly Brothers, Neil Diamond, and The Beach Boys. Their vocal harmonies, characterized by their ethereal blend and impressive range, continue to inspire and amaze.
In 1998, The Diamonds were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring legacy and significant contribution to the world of popular music. Their songs, particularly "Little Darling," remain beloved classics, evoking memories and connecting hearts across generations.