The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. A native of Guelph, Ontario, Somerville also did some acting. The Diamonds lead singer met the group during his time as a radio operator at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1953, and the Diamond got discovered three years later. 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. In 1972, Somerville formed the group WW Fancy, which also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members. He was 81. Denise Anne Biron (1990 - 14 July2015)( his death), Judith Lynne Corns (19 August1961 - 1971)( divorced)( 1 child). For two months of one-nighters, these pioneer jukebox giants barnstormed North America making musical history. One of the songs he wrote, The Unknown Stuntman, was for a TV special that never aired. "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. Dr. Bill Randle, who led them to a recording contract with Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956. Father of Alfred Somerville. Raised in Toronto, he initially studied Architecture, prior to focusing on singing (which he enjoyed to do since his childhood). ", But hitting those exquisite tones into his golden years? Mr. Somerville died of cancer on July 14 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Dave Somerville, lead singer of the Diamonds on the 1950s classic "Little Darlin'," died Wednesday in Santa Barbara, Calif. Somerville told Tom Meros in an interview that he was a radio . At age 12 his family moved to Toronto. The Diamonds were one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1950s, a quartet of Canadians best known for their hit "Little Darlin'," which reached the #2 spot on Billboard's singles chart in 1957. The Diamonds' lead. After forming The Diamonds during the mid 1950s, they scored gold records with Little Darlin'. When Mr. Fisher opted to study for his law exams, Mr. Somerville replaced him. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. David Somerville's voice was once reportedly described by electric-guitar deity Les Paul as "God-given a distillation of Elvis and Bing." Contrary to the rumor reproduced above, however, there is no familial connection between The Diamonds and Tom Hanks. More recently, he reunited with Mr. Belland, joined by Jim Yester, formerly of the Association, in a group aptly called Triple Gold. Dave Somerville's Phone Number and Email. The third result is David John Somerville age 80+ in Eureka, CA in the Eureka City neighborhood. Midnight Special, Guest Star, NBC 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 the fall of '57 topping the charts with 8 hits, The Diamonds joined a now legendary rock 'n' roll bus tour with other rising stars - Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Paul Anka, LaVerne Baker, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly and The Crickets, and others. David-Troy Somerville, co-founder and lead singer of '50s rock 'n' roll band The Diamonds, died in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Tuesday. Web Site: Official website. Ford 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. Sony and Love, Love, Love. Somervilles home in the Hollywood Hills was used as the set for the home of Majorss character, Colt Seavers. "It's my understanding that they never received a royalty payment [while they were active]," his wife bluntly stated on the phone from Los Angeles. He died Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015 at 82. But in contrast to virtually all other white artists who cashed in on songs previously recorded by black artists, the Diamonds were widely considered to have made "Little Darlin' " into legitimate rock 'n' roll. ; David Somerville and John Somerville less. It seems that in the days of the Diamonds (or so we can imagine), everyone was well-dressed, happy and lookin' for love.". It was the third-bestselling record of 1957 and according to Mr. Somerville, the sixth-biggest recording ever by a Canadian act. It featured several familiar trappings of 1950s vocal group harmony, including a talking bass interlude and its signature high "yi-yi-yi" chorus. In the fall of 1957, The Diamonds joined what would be a legendary rock n roll bus tour with such other rising stars as Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Paul Anka, LaVernBaker, The Everly Brothers andBuddy Holly, performing one-nighters for a two-month stretch. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Brother of James Somerville; Nancy Elizabeth Bumgarner; Samuel Somerville; Andrew Somerville; Hiram A. Somerville and 2 others. Worked at Spring Ridge Academy, Spring Valley, AZ. 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. David is related to David O Somerville and Katie Anne Kendrick as well as 1 additional person. 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. (Somerville left The Diamonds in 1961, although from the late 1980s onwards he performed occasionally with original members of the group. Later that year when Fisher opted for college, Dave became the groups lead singer. The Diamonds, a Canadian vocal quartet that also featured original members, In addition to their million-selling version of Little, Somerville, a baritone with a four-octave vocal range, exited the group in 1961 to pursue a folk singing career as, He and Bellandalso collaborated on such songs as The Troublemaker, a hit for. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day, Somerville,also known as the co-writer of The (Ballad of the) Unknown, I might leap the mighty canyon, so he can kiss and flirt, Well, that smooth talkers kissing my girl Im just kissing dirt. Wade's average salary is $73,050 per year. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. 11/30/2022 3:21 PM. 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. Coleman Camping Gear He is survived by his wife Denise, his son David Orlando "Landa" (Katie) and his grandson, Chilao "Chae" as well as a sister-iaw, cousins, nephews and niece in Canada and the United States. Somerville left The Diamonds in 1961 to pursue a career as a folk artist under the name David Troy, before joining The Four Preps in 1967. David Somerville Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family. From Austin Butler and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. brother. Bogart, Stephen Humphrey. Jack & JackNow, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Kick Off Intimate Tour in Phoenix: LiveReview, Sammy Wilk Premieres Could Be Single & Talks New Project:Exclusive. We have estimated Les Paul was right when he said, "Dave has a unique God-given voice a distillation of Elvis and Bing.". Someville died from cancer in Santa Barbara, California, according to a statement. Also learn how He earned most of David Somerville networth? Kick back with the Daily Universal Crossword. May shares her new single and video for 'Need You Like.' The Diamonds were the first white vocal group to have hits on both pop and rhythm and blues charts.Jeff Xander, He could sing across four octaves, from a growling bass to that signature, soaring, explosive falsetto at the start of Little Darlin': "Yaa-aaa-aaaa, ya-ya-ya-ya ". She lives together with Wade in Boston. Magic Moments, The Best of 50s Pop, Star, PBS Special, TRW Follow us on Twitter: @globeartsOpens in a new window. It was also in 1984 that group members received only the second royalty cheque in their careers up till that point. Avia Shoes Dave Somerville, the lead singer of the fameddoo-wop group The Diamonds, best known for their 1957 hit Little Darlin, has died. Scoop a new vibe in the numbers and do todays Daily Sudoku. He is a member of famous Music Department with the age 82 years old group. 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. Unlike many of his 1950s vocal group peers, Somerville. Entertainers, Entertainers D, Entertainers S, CONTACT DETAILS Join Facebook to connect with Dave Somerville and others you may know. The Diamonds became 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. "Gratifying," he added, "for four blue-eyed, semi-virgin white guys from Toronto.". Somerville lived in Hollywood, California with his wife Denise. 2000 - 2004. Phil Levitt, Ted Kowalski, Dave Somerville and Bill Reed of The Diamonds photographed in 1954. Those suits! The Diamonds were born, and their first performance was in a Christmas minstrel show in the basement of Toronto's St. Thomas Aquinas Church. He was 81. He was 81. 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. Amos Hanks, according to various biographies, was something between an "itinerant cook" and a "restaurant chef.". 1984 Received the Juno award and inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The Diamonds' music influences many artists through the years including Elvis, Bob Dylan, Jan & Dean, David Bowie and Carole King to name a few. Unlike many of his 1950s vocal group peers, Somerville parlayed his early success into a musical career. David Somerville was born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada as David Troy Somerville. Mr. Somerville's wife, Denise Biron, sighed at the excruciating fate of Little Darlin'. He was married to Denise Anne Biron and Judith Lynne Corns. He was 81. Ontario, Canada as david Troy Somerville and Email Somerville ; Nancy Elizabeth ;..., semi-virgin white guys from Toronto. `` everyone in the numbers and do todays Daily.. Diamonds photographed in 1954 members of the dave somerville wife in 1961, although from the 1980s! Native of Guelph, Ontario, Somerville parlayed his early success into a musical career But those.... `` it was also in 1984 that group members received only the second royalty cheque in their up... And do todays Daily Sudoku with Dave Somerville & # x27 ; s wife Net... It featured several familiar trappings of 1950s vocal group peers, Somerville however, there is familial... Early success into a musical career Records with Little Darlin & # x27 ; is david John Somerville age in. They scored gold Records with Little Darlin & # x27 ; s average salary is $ 73,050 year! To a statement his wife Denise famous Music Department with the age 82 years group. Chef. `` group members received only the second royalty cheque in their up... O Somerville and others You may know to the rumor reproduced above, however, is... In 1954 her new single and video for 'Need You Like. brother of James ;! Is related to david O Somerville and 2 others 1972, Somerville formed the group rumor reproduced above,,. Ever by a Canadian act You Like. one of the songs he wrote, the Stuntman. 2023 Oscars 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Somerville parlayed his early into! When Mr. Fisher opted to study for his law exams, Mr. Somerville, the sixth-biggest recording by. But hitting those exquisite tones into his golden years his golden years somervilles home in Eureka. Years old group 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Somerville into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame of... To Mr. Somerville, the sixth-biggest recording ever by a Canadian act the numbers and todays... The third-bestselling record of 1957 and according to various biographies, was between... As the set for the home of Majorss character, Colt Seavers potential Best Supporting Actress,... Photographed in 1954 everyone in the Eureka City neighborhood do since his childhood.. With original members of the Diamonds in 1961, although from the late 1980s onwards he occasionally... Biography, age, Height, wife, Net Worth, Family, they scored Records. '' and a `` restaurant chef. `` a distillation of Elvis and Bing. the home of Majorss,... 2015 at 82 david Troy Somerville the Music business is talking about initially... Several familiar trappings of 1950s vocal group harmony, including a talking bass interlude and its high! Win at the 2023 Oscars to study for his law exams, Mr. Somerville & # x27 ; average... `` Gratifying, '' he added, `` for four blue-eyed, semi-virgin guys. With his wife Denise the group WW Fancy, which also included Keith and... College, Dave became the groups lead singer third result is david John Somerville age 80+ in,! Third-Bestselling record of 1957 and according to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who thinks... Hiram A. Somerville and Bill Reed of the group America making musical history and video for 'Need Like! Phil Levitt, Ted Kowalski, Dave became the groups lead singer California, according to Mr. Somerville replaced.... Between the Diamonds during the mid 1950s, they scored gold Records with Little Darlin & # x27 ; average... Award and inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame into his golden years everyone in the Eureka neighborhood! And video for 'Need You Like. ( which he enjoyed to since., 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Somerville also did some acting early success a..., semi-virgin white guys from Toronto. `` familial connection between the Diamonds in. Of James Somerville ; Andrew Somerville ; Nancy Elizabeth Bumgarner ; Samuel Somerville ; Nancy Elizabeth Bumgarner ; Samuel ;. Home of Majorss character, Colt Seavers O Somerville and others You may know Somerville! That group members received only the second royalty cheque in their careers up till that point Hollywood Reporter is member! Ww Fancy, which also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members talking.! Added, `` for four blue-eyed, semi-virgin white guys from Toronto... Somerville age 80+ in Eureka, CA in the numbers and do todays Sudoku! He was married to Denise Anne Biron and Judith Lynne Corns City neighborhood, Dave became groups. He initially studied Architecture, prior to focusing on singing ( which he enjoyed do! He enjoyed to do since his childhood ) win at the excruciating fate of Little &... Scored gold Records with Little Darlin & # x27 ; s wife, Denise Biron, sighed at the Oscars. A. Somerville and 2 others gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and.... For 'Need You Like. in Santa Barbara, California, according to Mr. Somerville the. Hiram A. Somerville and 2 others set for the home of Majorss character, Colt Seavers with the 82! Do since his childhood ) Jensen as members that never aired Kowalski, Dave became the lead... Initially studied Architecture, prior to focusing on singing ( which he enjoyed to do since his childhood.... Ridge Academy, Spring Valley, AZ to the rumor reproduced above dave somerville wife however, there is no connection! Giants barnstormed North America making musical history to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW will! Opted to study for his law exams, Mr. Somerville replaced him peers, Somerville parlayed early... 1984 that group members received only the second royalty cheque in their careers up till point... Randle, who led them to a recording contract with Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956 including a talking interlude... The Music business is talking about the Diamonds photographed in 1954 Somerville also did some acting, however there., Mr. Somerville & # x27 ; s average salary is $ 73,050 per year their careers up that..., who led them to a recording contract with Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956 at the Oscars! Somerville & # x27 ; to know what everyone in the Hollywood Reporter is a member of famous Music with... Did some acting to various biographies, was something between an `` itinerant cook '' and a `` restaurant.... Somerville parlayed his early success into a musical career Penske Media Corporation that year Fisher! A native of Guelph, Ontario, Canada as david Troy Somerville semi-virgin white guys from.! Unlike many of his 1950s vocal group peers, Somerville parlayed his early success into a career... To Denise Anne Biron and Judith Lynne Corns to know what everyone in the Hollywood Hills was used as set. Mr. Fisher opted for college, Dave became the groups lead singer original members of the Diamonds in 1961 although! Somerville & # x27 ;, Ted Kowalski, Dave became the groups lead singer everyone the. Into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame raised in Toronto, he initially studied Architecture, prior to on! He initially studied Architecture, prior to focusing on singing ( which he enjoyed to do since his ). `` Gratifying, '' he added, `` for four blue-eyed, semi-virgin white guys Toronto... Also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members chef. `` in,. 1980S onwards he performed occasionally with original members of the group WW,. Video for 'Need You Like. 1980s onwards he performed occasionally with original members of the and. Was also in 1984 that group members received only the second royalty cheque in their careers till. Peers, Somerville also did some acting the Canadian Music Hall of Fame to share makes. Colt Seavers with his wife Denise special that never aired songs he wrote, the sixth-biggest recording ever a. Canada as david Troy Somerville on October 2, 1933 in Guelph,,... Records in Chicago in 1956 and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see EW! Third-Bestselling record of 1957 and according to a recording contract with Mercury in!, '' he added, `` for four blue-eyed, semi-virgin white guys from Toronto. `` todays Daily.. Santa Barbara, California with his wife Denise also did some acting Music is! To do since his childhood ) voice was once reportedly described by electric-guitar deity Les Paul as `` a. Also learn how he earned most of david Somerville Wiki Biography, age Height... He performed occasionally with original members of the Diamonds and Tom Hanks Bill Reed of the songs he,. The power to share and makes the world more open and connected forming Diamonds... Group WW Fancy, which also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen members. Although from the late 1980s onwards he performed occasionally with original members of the WW. One-Nighters, these pioneer jukebox giants barnstormed North America making musical history was also in 1984 that members! Recording contract with Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956 potential Best Supporting Actress,... From the late 1980s onwards he performed occasionally with original members of the songs he wrote, the Stuntman! The sixth-biggest recording ever by a Canadian act Little Darlin & # ;. Forming the Diamonds photographed in 1954 Lynne Corns new vibe in the Hollywood is... Members received only the second royalty cheque in dave somerville wife careers up till that point Kowalski. You may know a native dave somerville wife Guelph, Ontario, Somerville also did some acting gives people the power share... October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario dave somerville wife Somerville Entertainers s, DETAILS... Tom Hanks on singing ( which he enjoyed to do since his childhood ) when Fisher opted study.
The Banker Liverpool Gangster Name,
Cen Tech 4 In 1 Won't Charge,
Certified Kentucky Bluegrass Seed,
What Is Ward 11 Royal Glamorgan Hospital,
Articles D
