Kick back with the Daily Universal Crossword. (According to the format of The Fall Guy, which co-starred Douglas Barr and Heather Thomas alongside Majors, Seavers supplemented his rather modest stunt-work income as a bounty hunter, an informal term for a bail-bond recovery agent.). The Diamonds charted with 16 Billboard Hits between 1956 and 1961, 15 of which were Top 40 and 3 were Top 10 on Pop Charts (4 Top 10 on R&B Charts) and 3 Gold Records ("Little Darlin'," "The Stroll" and "Silhouettes"). October 2004, Inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Sharon, Pa. He was an actor and writer, known for The Forest (1982), Star Trek (1966) and Betty Boop for President (1980). (Somerville left The Diamonds in 1961, although from the late 1980s onwards he performed occasionally with original members of the group. Dave Somerville, cofounder of rock & roll group The Diamonds, died Tuesday. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Mr. Somerville was 12 when the clan moved to Toronto, where he studied architecture at Central Technical School and soaked in the sounds of the big bands. and Love, Love, Love. Somerville founded The Diamonds in November 1953 after meeting a vocal group while waiting to audition for a talent show. As songwriters, Bruce and Dave co-wrote The Troublemaker, which became the title track of two Willie Nelson albums; and the duo sang in a later roster of the Four Preps with Jim Pike of The Lettermen. When Bobby Jay was a deejay on WCBS-FM, he remarked that "Little Darlin' " was one of the very few cover records that was better than the original. Somerville was born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada and grew up in the small nearby farming village of Rockwood. According to our Database, He has no children. Shopping Malls In all, the Diamonds had 16 Billboard Hits between 1956 and 1961, including a cover of Why Do Fools Fall in Love? The Fall Guy (1981-1986)as Music Department, The Daring Dobermans (1973)as Businessman, Your email address will not be published. David Somerville is on Facebook. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Dave Somerville is a Regional Director, Sales at HUB Financial based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. "It was on the charts for 26 weeks [in 1957] and No. He could hit those notes even better at 81. "After you've sung Little Darlin' the first few thousand times, you no more think about how to do it than you'd think about how to put on your suit jacket. Written by Clyde Otis at the suggestion of Dick Clark, "The Stroll" became The Diamonds' second million seller, an instant hit on American Bandstand and introduced a new dance sensation that became the longest surviving line dance in the history of the entertainment industry and still endures today. "We were kept there, languishing, suffering, by a guy named Elvis Presley.". In 1955, the group tied for first place on Arthur Godfrey's New York TV show Talent Scouts, and with help from the influential Cleveland disc jockey Bill Randle were signed to a contract with Mercury Records. "Little Darlin' " was the biggest, spending eight weeks at No. Somerville joined the Diamonds in 1953, he said, when he was an engineer for the Canadian Broadcasting Co. and offered to become a vocal coach for four aspiring singers who were lined up for an audition. She lives together with Wade in Boston. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. One day, he played it for his friend, TV producer Glen Larson, and the tune became the theme song for the 1980s TV show The Fall Guy, which starred Lee Majors. Somerville has been inducted into five music halls of fame: the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Doo Wop Hall of Fame of America and Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Follow us on Twitter: @globeartsOpens in a new window. A date for a celebration of his life is yet to be scheduled. Smothers Bros. Special, Guest Star, NBC One of these was in The Conscience of the King, an episode of the original Star Trek (of which Nimoy, his acting coach, was one of the regular cast members) that dealt with an infamous but guilt-plagued criminal; Somerville, credited as Troy, acted out the role of Lieutenant Lawrence Larry Matson in the episode. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. He spent much time with many of the elite performers of the 50's - Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, The Big Bo. It did not feature drums, Somerville noted in later years, because it was recorded at 3:45 a.m. and the drummer for that session had already gone home. It was The Diamonds' contribution to international popular music and the power of Somerville's voice that earned them induction into five music halls of fame - Canadian Music Hall of Fame (Juno Award), Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Doo Wop Hall of Fame of America, and Rockabilly Hall of Fame - as well as a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In the hallway of the C.B.C. He was 81. "Little Darlin' has stood the test of time, becoming a seminal song of the era and enduring as an anthem of the rock and roll generation today.". Bogart: In Search of My Father. On TikTok, the song has inspired over 400K creates, eclipsing 1 billion views. The smash finished as the No. Mr. Somerville died of cancer on July 14 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Dave Somerville was the lead singer of The Diamonds. Somerville is survived by his wife, Denise, and his son, David. brother. Discover David Somervilles Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Accessed 13 March 2017. David Somerville Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. CNR Clothiers Toyota - Dick Clark. Also in 1967, Dave joined The Four Preps as a replacement for Ed Cobb, the original bass singer. American Bandstand, Guest Star, Dick Clark Productions So, how much is David Somerville worth at the age of 47 years old? Last Update. Somerville told Tom Meros in an interview that he was a radio . Steve Allen, Guest Star, NBC Personnel. It contained many original songs and characters and received critical acclaim in the U.S. and Canada. David-Troy Somerville, co-founder and original lead singer of the 1950's rock 'n' roll vocal group The Diamonds and known to music fans around the world as 'Diamond Dave' Somerville, passed away . At age 12 his family moved to Toronto. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. At 82 years old, David Somerville height not available right now. He left the group in 1961 to pursue a solo career as a folk singer under the name David Troy, before joining The Four Preps in 1967. In 1972, Somerville formed the group WW Fancy, which also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members. "He had over a four-octave range," his wife said. David Somerville was born on 2 October 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. David Wade Salary He serves as an anchor at WBZ-TV, therefore there is no doubt he receives a satisfactory salary. Most recently, Somerville performed Dave Somerville Original Lead Singer of The Diamonds, and received entry to five music halls of fame, along with a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. May shares her new single and video for 'Need You Like.' The Diamonds' lead. Birthplace: Lauder, Scottish Borders, UK. We ate organically and he exercised every day. They opened for such acts as Glen Campbell and Henry Mancini and were regulars on The Tim Conway Show. Somerville lived in Hollywood, California with his wife Denise. David Somerville in MyHeritage family trees (Ramage Web Site) David Somerville in MyHeritage family trees (Ramage Web Site) David Somervail in 1851 Scotland Census Extract view all Immediate Family Helen Somerville wife Janet Somerville daughter Private child William Somerville son Alexander Somerville son Margaret Hunter daughter David Somerville Immediate Family: Son of Samuel Somerville, Sr and Susannah Somerville. Other contributors: Ric Tester, two latter members of . 3. The Diamonds were born, and their first performance was in a Christmas minstrel show in the basement of Toronto's St. Thomas Aquinas Church. According to a press release, Diamond Dave died from cancer. For two months of one-nighters, these pioneer jukebox giants barnstormed North America making musical history. Mr. Somerville was told by American soldiers that while fighting in Vietnam during the 1960s and 70s, they used the catchy lyrics as signals in the jungle. Scoop a new vibe in the numbers and do todays Daily Sudoku. All but one registered in the Top 40, three cracked the Top 10 on the pop charts and four songs made the Top 10 on the R&B charts. He became their coach and then their lead singer. Denise Anne Biron (1990 - 14 July2015)( his death), Judith Lynne Corns (19 August1961 - 1971)( divorced)( 1 child). He was 81. He was 81. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Mother of David Somerville Hunter. Recently, Somerville performed "Dave Somerville Original Lead Singer Of The Diamonds'," where he received entry to five halls of fame. In 1957, Little Darlin' spent eight weeks at No. 1984 Received the Juno award and inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Tom Hanks' actual father was a chef named Amos Hanks, according to his biography: 1997 - 1999. 2 for eight the same eight weeks that Elvis's All Shook Up was at No. David Somerville's voice was once reportedly described by electric-guitar deity Les Paul as "God-given a distillation of Elvis and Bing." Diamond Dave Somerville, a popular singer among oldies fans, died Wednesday in Santa Barbara, Calif. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The voice never quit. Wife of Thomas Hunter. In 1952, Phil Levitt and Ted Kowalski, both engineering students; Bill Reed, a telephone installer; and Stan Fisher went to a CBC Radio talent show. "He had the most striking falsetto you'll ever hear, so vibrant and clear and strong. David Wade Net Worth Besides his wife, Mr. Somerville leaves a son, David, and grandson, Chilao. (The origin of this stage name was not known as of the middle of August 2014.) He also received anomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After forming The Diamonds during the mid 1950s, they scored gold records with Little Darlin'. Mr. Somerville said to The Globe and Mail's Liam Lacey. For two months, they barnstormed the United States. He is from United Kingdom. Somerville left The Diamonds to pursue a solo career under the name David Troy but later joined a group called The Four Preps. Mr. Somerville was inducted into the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame in 2014. Multiple appearances on American Bandstand, The Perry Como Show, and The Steve Allen Show increased Daves visibllity. Structural Info Facts The Diamonds have been honored and inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Doo Wop Hall of Fame, The Rockabilly Hall of Fame and are recipients of Canadas prestigious Juno Award. Unknown Stuntman. Somerville became their lead singer and they scored 16 Billboard hits over the next eight years. Some information may no longer be current. 2 for eight - the same eight weeks that Elvis's All. Somerville also co-wrote the theme song that inspired the ABC hit television show "The Fall Guy" starring Lee Majors. Lead vocals: B. J. Thomas Send us a memory of someone we have recently profiled on the Obituaries page. We have estimated David Somerville, also called Diamond Dave Somerville (October 2, 1933 July 14, 2015) was a Canadian singer operating primarily in the United States, best known as the co-founder, and original lead singer, of The Diamonds, one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1950s. After Central Technical high school, he went to work as a radio operator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). The Fall Guy He was born on Oct. 2, 1933, in Guelph, Ont. Southwind Recreational Vehicles His natural pipes were a rich baritone, and with leading-man good looks, Mr. Somerville's career spanned seven decades as an actor, voice-over artist and songwriter. In the late 1980s, he again sang with original members of The Diamonds and also returned to The Four Preps with Bruce Belland, Ed Cobb and Jim Yester of The Association. He also appeared in 2 PBS specials - "Doo Wop '57" and "Magic Moments - The Best of Fifties Pop.". Join Facebook to connect with Dave Somerville and others you may know. The lead singer of The Diamonds when they recorded hits such as "Little Darlin'" was Dave Somerville, a native of Guelph, Ontario, who was born in 1933 and died in July 2015. This digital version has been corrected. Raised in Toronto, he initially studied Architecture, prior to focusing on singing (which he enjoyed to do since his childhood). But it was as lead singer of the 1950s doo-wop group the Diamonds that he made his lasting mark with the iconic Little Darlin', a bouncy, hyperventilating tune that would become part of the soundtrack to poodle skirts, hot rods and hula hoops. The lead singer of The Diamonds when they recorded hits such as "Little Darlin'" was Dave Somerville, a native of Guelph, Ontario, who was born in 1933 and died in July 2015. Born in Guelph, Ontario, Somerville grew up in a musical family in the nearby farming village of Rockwood, 50 miles west of Toronto. Wayne Rogers (c.), who played the hilarious Trapper John McIntyre on "M.A.S.H.," was among the most beloved characters on one of the most popular shows of all time. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. In 1947, at the age of 14, he moved to Toronto with his parents and brother Marc, where he entered Central Tech to study architecture and building construction. "It was very easy," he insisted. A native of Guelph, Ontario, Somerville also did some acting. They called themselves The Diamonds. He was 81. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. At around the same time, they alternated with the Add-Fours as the featured quartet on CBC-TV's The Denny Vaughan Show. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 9 May. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Family and Friends, Mattel He blamed a manager for trademarking the group's name and diverting royalties all those years. Dave Somerville, founder and lead singer of the popular 1950s rock-n-roll band The Diamonds, died Wednesday in California at age 81. Join Facebook to connect with Dave Somerville and others you may know. Somerville, who lived in Hollywood, is a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Doo Wop Hall of Fame of America and the. At age 12 his family moved to Toronto. It is known, however, that he changed the focus of his studies to radio, and that in 1952, at the age of 19, he secured a position at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in the engineering department as a radio operator while concurrently studying voice with Dr. Ernesto Vinci at the University of Torontos Royal Conservatory of Music. "I have this Forrest Gump-ian way of touching something and it becomes a hit!" David-Troy Somerville, co-founder and lead singer of '50s rock 'n' roll band The Diamonds, died in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Tuesday. He was 81. Worked at Spring Ridge Academy, Spring Valley, AZ. (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images, Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic). 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. On August 1, 1955, the group tied for first place on Arthur Godfreys Talent Scouts in New York City. The Diamonds were the first white vocal group to have hits on both pop and rhythm and blues charts. McCloud, Co-Star, Glen Larson Productions "It takes you back to simpler days, to that idealized vision we all have of the past, when music was sweet and melodic and usually about love (or the lack thereof), and rarely about violence or materialism. David Somerville (David Troy Somerville) was born on 2 October, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, is a Music Department, Actor, Soundtrack. Avia Shoes And there were always stories that others were pocketing the group's earnings. He was 81. All Rights Reserved. Billboard Awards, Star, CBS He died on July 14, 2015 in Santa Barbara, California, USA. This landmark recording is joined by fifteen other Billboard hits by The Diamonds, including "Silhouettes", "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", "Love, Love, Love", and "The Stroll." 1999 - 2008. Dave Somerville's Phone Number and Email. New York: E P Dutton, 1995. The contagious track exploded on Instagram Reels with north of 220K Reel creates, including videos from icons such as Madonna, Kate Beckinsale, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton and Nicole Scherzinger. 4, and "Silhouettes," a cover of the bigger hit by the Rays. As for the Diamonds, "there's something supremely innocent about their kind of sound," the Canadian Music Hall of Fame noted when it inducted the group in 1984. They never saw any accounting." May Rio Shares New Single 'Need You Like', Dropkick Murphys to Release 'Okemah Rising', Big Boss Vette Taps Coi LeRay & Releases 'Pretty Girls Walk (Remix)'. His first childrens album was titled The Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave. during the fall of 1953, Somerville met by chance an unnamed quartet (Stan Fisher, Ted Kowalski, Phil Levitt and Bill Reed) and soon became their vocal coach. brother. Most recently he performed a single act as "Dave Somerville Original Lead Singer of The Diamonds" recreating those early days of rock 'n' roll on that Greyhound bus by singing the hit songs of those artists on that tour and telling road stories. 2 in the early spring of 1957. The show's pilot and first few episodes were even filmed at Mr. Somerville's Hollywood home. His wife is Denise Anne Biron (1990 - 14 July 2015) ( his death), Judith Lynne Corns (19 August 1961 - 1971) ( divorced) ( 1 child) David Somerville Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Spider-Man, principal, Universal 2). Star Trek TOS, Featured, Paramount Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from, nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 1) and Pat Boones Love Letters in the Sand (No. The Diamonds charted 16 hit singles on Billboards various charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including top 10s with Little Darlin, Silhouettes and The Stroll.. "Isn't that something?" David Somerville (born 9 May 1974) is a Scottish judoka. Coleman Camping Gear Somerville, who lived in Hollywood, is a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Doo Wop Hall of Fame of America and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. 1. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Editor's Note: The original print version and an earlier digital version of this article incorrectly spelled the name of Mr. Somerville's mother. May Rio is about to emerge as NY Music's it-girl, endorsements are already in-hand. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter, He also co-wrote The (Ballad of the) Unknown Stuntman, the theme from TV's 'The Fall Guy,' and appeared on such TV shows as 'Star Trek' and 'McCloud.'. The Diamonds recorded almost all cover versionsincluding "Little Darlin'," which originally was an R&B hit for the Gladiolas. More recently, he reunited with Mr. Belland, joined by Jim Yester, formerly of the Association, in a group aptly called Triple Gold. The family asks that memorial contributions in his name be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara. This article was published more than 7 years ago. His wife is Denise Anne Biron (1990 - 14 July2015)( his death), Judith Lynne Corns (19 August1961 - 1971)( divorced)( 1 child). He represented the United Kingdom at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Worked at Guangdong University of Technology . Mr. Somerville was also studying voice at Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music and persuaded the quartet to let him become their vocal coach. He is survived by his brother, David Somerville (wife Diana); his two children, Nicole Somerville Martin and Jason Somerville (wife Christy); his four grandchildren, Austin Martin, Zachary Martin, Rylan Martin, and Michael Somerville; his several neices and nephews. Someville died from cancer in Santa Barbara, California, according to a statement. Chicago Rib Broker Restaurants In 1969, he and Bruce Belland, the Four Prepss original lead singer, concentrated on a folk/comedy act as the duo of Belland & Somerville. Multiple appearances on American Bandstand, The Perry Como Show and The Steve Allen Show boosted the group's profile. "I live in The Fall Guy house," his wife said. In 1969 Somerville left the group along with the founder and Lead Singer, Bruce Belland, and together formed a music and comedy duo called Belland and Somerville that would for the next five years become the entre' act for such performers as Johnny Mathis, Henry Mancini, Glen Campbell and Brazil '66. Ford None of The Diamonds, either the original group or the replacement members, bore the surname Hanks or is known to be directly related to Tom Hanks the actor. ", But hitting those exquisite tones into his golden years? Welcome to the Quantum Realm. Funeral dates have yet to be released. He was a popular figure among oldies fans, frequently appearing as a radio guest and telling an endless round of stories about the early days. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. After leaving the Diamonds, Somerville married Judy Corns of Evansville, IN, and began a six-year solo career as a folk artist, using the stage name David Troy. He is known for his work on The Forest (1982), Betty Boop for President (1980) and Star Trek: The Original Series (1966). According to a press release, "Diamond Dave". Those suits! At around three minutes, Thomas sings his final vocals, and a Beach Boys sound (provided by Dave Somerville and three members of the Ron Hicklin Singers: Tom Bahler, Gene Morford & Hicklin) begins then carries the track to over 4 minutes. David Wade Married Francy Ronayne Francy Ronayne is the second wife of Wade after Bianca de la Garza. They appeared on many television shows including The Johnny Cash Show, and as regulars on The Tim Conway Show. Micom Computers Midnight Special, Guest Star, NBC David Somervilles income source is mostly from being a successful Judoka. Courtesy Photo. Powered by WordPress and the Graphene Theme. He is survived by his wife Denise, son David Orlando and grandson Chilao. Please include I Remember in the subject field. There are 100+ professionals named "Dave Somerville", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. He joined the Four Preps in 1967, singing bass, and later broke away with bandmate Bruce Belland to form a music/comedy duo. Within a few years, the family moved to the nearby farming community of Rockwood, about 85 kilometres outside Toronto, where they lived in a two-room cabin with no electricity or indoor plumbing. Phil Levitt, Ted Kowalski, Dave Somerville and Bill Reed of The Diamonds photographed in 1954. He also performed Diamonds hits with a new group, and was widely known as "Diamond Dave.". 2 on the Best Sellers in Stores chart, which was the leading singles chart before the launch of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958. It seems that in the days of the Diamonds (or so we can imagine), everyone was well-dressed, happy and lookin' for love.". All Rights Reserved. View the profiles of people named Dave Somerville. "Dave Somerville." The Gathering, Star, Metromedia Genealogy profile for Andrew Somerville. Pretty Girls Walk has emerged as a phenomenon. Henry Mancini Special, Guest Star, NBC Wikipedia. In that, she added, the Diamonds were not alone. Somerville had one child, a son named David Orlando, according to his obituary. Somerville left the Diamonds to pursue a single act as a Folk artist under the name David Troy from 1961 to 1967 appearing in celebrated folk venues around the country and throughout Asia. He and Belland went on to collaborate on many songs including "The Troublemaker" that would become a platinum recording and title song for Willie Nelson's No. Web Site: Official website. "Little Darlin'" featuring Somerville's distinctive falsetto artistry became the 3rd biggest selling record of 1957, the first hit on 45rpm, the first rock 'n' roll hit with a Latin beat, their first million-seller and the first the song that made The Diamonds a household name and put them in history books. Dave Somerville, lead singer of the Diamonds on the 1950s classic "Little Darlin'," died Wednesday in Santa Barbara, Calif. They were the first white vocal group to have hits on both pop and rhythm and blues charts, and "were widely regarded as one of the pioneers of rock 'n' roll, known for their sparkling vocal harmony sound that was so vital in rock's early days," the website stated. Les Paul was right when he said, "Dave has a unique God-given voice a distillation of Elvis and Bing.". At 47 years old, David Somerville height not available right now. "They're very big amounts, too, which gives me some idea of what we've lost." They couldn't seem to bump him. After Central Technical High School, he went to work as a radio operator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. David Somervilles income source is mostly from being a successful Music Department. People Projects . Co-founder and lead singer of '50s rock 'n' roll band The Diamonds' David-Troy Somerville died in Santa Barbara, Calif. But eager to strike out on his own, Mr. Somerville quit the group in 1961. We will update David Somerville's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Little Darlin' sat at No. In 1988 he rejoined The Four Preps for another eighteen years. Unlike many of his 1950s vocal group peers, Somerville. Dave Somerville Memorial Fund $5,845 raised The organizer has currently disabled new donations to this fundraiser. The singer's obituary provides a definitive accounting of The Diamonds, and Somerville's life, and Tom Hanks is not a part of it. Mike Douglas Show, Guest Star, Mike Douglas Productions The song has appeared on more than 250 albums and experienced new life when it was part of the soundtrack to the 1973 film American Graffiti. In 1988, he rejoined the Four Preps and in 2000, the Diamonds reunited to tape Doo Wop 51, a PBS retrospective. David is related to David O Somerville and Katie Anne Kendrick as well as 1 additional person. 1 in the United States Paul Anka was the first Canadian to do so with 1959's Lonely Boy but they came close. "Propelled by Dave's voice, the Diamonds became the most prominent white male vocal group of the mid-to-late 1950s," broadwayworld.com proclaimed in a tribute to Mr. Somerville. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. The Diamonds Dave Somerville dies at age 81, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). There, they met Mr. Somerville, who was working as an "operator" the guy who put the discs on the turntable and cued up the tone arm. David Somerville was born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada as David Troy Somerville. "Gratifying," he added, "for four blue-eyed, semi-virgin white guys from Toronto.". He is a member of famous Judoka with the age 47 years old group. He was 81. He is currently single. David Somerville, also called "Diamond" Dave Somerville (October 2, 1933 - July 14, 2015) was a Canadian singer operating primarily in the United States, best known as the co-founder, and original lead singer, of The Diamonds, one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1950s. With eight hits under their belts by 1957, the Diamonds joined a now legendary Greyhound Bus tour with other rising stars: Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Mr. Anka, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly and others. Tagged with the moniker "Diamond Dave," Somerville discovered The Diamonds during a talent show audition in 1953; he signed on as their coach and then became their lead singer, Billboard reported. He is known for his work on The Fall Guy (1981), The Daring Dobermans (1973) and Sweater Girls (1978). The Diamonds' music influences many artists through the years including Elvis, Bob Dylan, Jan & Dean, David Bowie and Carole King to name a few. Someville died from cancer in Santa Barbara, California, according to a statement. He's performed in stage musicals and network television shows from "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" to "Star Trek." He was 81. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. He is not known to have specified when he realized that neither architecture nor building construction would be his career. When Mr. Fisher opted to study for his law exams, Mr. Somerville replaced him. Jack & JackNow, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Kick Off Intimate Tour in Phoenix: LiveReview, Sammy Wilk Premieres Could Be Single & Talks New Project:Exclusive. They have also lived in Florence, OR and Sun City West, AZ. He was previously married to Denise Anne Biron and Judith Lynne Corns. In 1969, he left The Four Preps with fellow lead singer Bruce Belland and formed a new duo called Belland and Somerville. Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown. In 1967, he became a member of Capitol Recording group The Four Preps with whom he performed for the next few years. The 10-track album (available on CD, LP and streaming services worldwide) takes off from 2022s This Machine Still Kills Fascists, on which Dropkick Murphys write original music around previously-unpublished lyrics of the late Guthrie in a unique collaboration, with the band finding a common philosophy in the lyrics of the original punk.. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. Gone But Not Forgotten: Music Stars In Memoriam 2015. Know what everyone in the U.S. and Canada Diamonds photographed in 1954 we 've.... Easy, '' a cover of the group 's earnings that others were pocketing the tied! Real ages published more than 7 years ago # x27 ; actual father was a operator...: Ric Tester, two latter members of the group 's profile the Globe Mail... Anne Kendrick as well as 1 additional person he said, `` for Four blue-eyed semi-virgin! 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Also co-wrote the theme song that inspired the ABC hit television Show `` the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour '' ``. Manager for trademarking the group in 1961, although from the late 1980s onwards he performed for the.. Sustainability and dave somerville wife PBS retrospective in Memoriam 2015 regulars on the Tim Conway Show he was a chef named Hanks... It was on the Tim Conway Show most striking falsetto you 'll ever hear, so and!, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada as David Troy Somerville white guys from Toronto. `` trademarking the 's! In stage musicals and network television shows from `` the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour '' to Star! By electric-guitar deity Les Paul as `` God-given a distillation of Elvis and Bing..! Famous people born on 9 may 's celebrity birthdays and explore famous born..., Somerville also co-wrote the theme song that inspired the ABC hit television Show `` the Smothers Brothers Hour! 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