The video is co-directed by Arjun Ram Srivatsa & Lena Greene. Dave Somerville was the lead singer of The Diamonds. Last Update. Somerville left The Diamonds to pursue a solo career under the name David Troy but later joined a group called The Four Preps. View the profiles of people named Dave Somerville. He is known for his work on The Fall Guy (1981), The Daring Dobermans (1973) and Sweater Girls (1978). We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 9 May. Entertainer. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Mr. Somerville was inducted into the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame in 2014. He was the co-founder and lead vocalist of the 1950s music ensemble The Diamonds. 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. The Diamonds never managed to crack No. Dave Somerville, the lead singer of the fameddoo-wop group The Diamonds, best known for their 1957 hit Little Darlin, has died. Somervilles most recent stage show, On The 1957 Rock & Roll Greyhound Bus, was based on rock and rolls first major tour. David Somerville Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. 2008 - 2010. 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. Tonight Show, Guest Star, NBC According to our Database, He has no children. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. The Gathering, Star, Metromedia Somerville performed eight years with The Diamonds, singing lead on all sixteen of their Billboard chart selections, peaking with the song Little Darlin; for eight weeks, this selection remained at #2 on the charts, becoming the third best selling single record of 1957. Magnum P. I. (Somerville left The Diamonds in 1961, although from the late 1980s onwards he performed occasionally with original members of the group. There were three gold records: Little Darlin' (recorded one month after the original version by a group called the Gladiolas), Silhouettes and The Stroll, which became the Diamonds' second million-seller and a hit on American Bandstand that inspired a new dance craze. Merv Griffin Show, Guest Star, KTTV Someville died from cancer in Santa Barbara, California, according to a statement. We have estimated 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. 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. 2 in the early spring of 1957. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. 1) and Pat Boones Love Letters in the Sand (No. 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"). They were "discovered" by legendary Cleveland D.J. Discover David Somervilles Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Mother of David Somerville Hunter. ISBN 0-525-93987-3. Please include I Remember in the subject field. He became their coach and then their lead singer. They never saw any accounting." "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. Lead vocals: B. J. Thomas 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 ". 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. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Genealogy profile for Andrew Somerville. 2 "for an agonizing eight weeks," Mr. Somerville lamented to The Winnipeg Free Press a few years ago. [citation needed] A shorter version (1:47 and with slightly different instrumentation) was used as the theme song for the television series The Fall . Family and Friends, After Central Technical high school, he went to work as a radio operator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). David Somerville Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family. 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. Founding member of The Diamonds in Toronto, Canada. He was married to Denise Anne Biron and Judith Lynne Corns. Contact. Steve Allen, Guest Star, NBC (The origin of this stage name was not known as of the middle of August 2014.) This article was published more than 7 years ago. Bogart: In Search of My Father. Mike Douglas Show, Guest Star, Mike Douglas Productions 1822 1822. 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. Birthplace: Lauder, Scottish Borders, UK. David Somerville was born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada as David Troy Somerville. It featured several familiar trappings of 1950s vocal group harmony, including a talking bass interlude and its signature high "yi-yi-yi" chorus. 1 spot by Tab Hunter's "Young Love," Andy Williams's "Butterfly," Buddy Knox's "Party Doll," Perry Como's "Round and Round" and Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up."). brother. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Also in 1967, Dave joined The Four Preps as a replacement for Ed Cobb, the original bass singer. Shopping Malls 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. True Lies Review: A Meek CBS Spin on James Camerons Blockbuster, Ricou Browning, the Gill-Man in Creature From the Black Lagoon, Dies at 93, Burny Mattinson, Animator and Disneys Longest-Serving Employee, Dies at 87, Gordon Pinsent, Actor in Sarah Polleys Away From Her, Dies at 92, Vanessa Bryant Reaches $29M Settlement in Suit Over Kobe Bryant Crash Photos, Trevor Noah Is Back With New Book Deal (Exclusive), Madonna Breaks Silence on Death of Brother Anthony Ciccone: You Planted Many Important Seeds, Evan Rachel Wood Denies Pressuring Marilyn Manson Accuser Who Recanted, Bryan Cranston Reiterates Stance on Teaching Critical Race Theory After Debate With Bill Maher: I Think Its Imperative, Martin Short Gives Up His Plane Seat for Chance the Rappers Daughter:Shoutout to Jack Frost, From Makeup Must-Haves to Skin Care Superstars, These Black-Owned Beauty Brands Are Best-Sellers, Rachel Zoe on Her Go-To Wedding Registry Gifts, Bridal Style Tips and More, Reese Witherspoons Draper James and Tretorn Debut New Collection of Spring-Ready Sneakers, Yes, Cocaine Bear Has Its Own Line of Collectible Funko Pop Figurines and More Movie Merch, Lord of the Rings: Amazon, Warner Bros. Ready for Tolkien Battle, Aminah Nieves, Mo Brings Plenty on Why 1923 Doesnt Look Away: We Have to Allow the Audience to Witness, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. In 1967, he became a member of Capitol Recording group The Four Preps with whom he performed for the next few years. Wikipedia. To submit an I Remember: obit@globeandmail.com. He's played venues from Carnegie Hall to Trump's Taj Mahal. Worked at Tri-City College Prep High School. He even recorded a children's album, The Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave. 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. Chicago Rib Broker Restaurants Somerville lived in Hollywood, California with his wife Denise. The Diamonds recorded almost all cover versionsincluding "Little Darlin'," which originally was an R&B hit for the Gladiolas. He is not dating anyone. The singer's obituary provides a definitive accounting of The Diamonds, and Somerville's life, and Tom Hanks is not a part of it. Scoop a new vibe in the numbers and do todays Daily Sudoku. 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. Some information may no longer be current. 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 . 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. When Mr. Fisher opted to study for his law exams, Mr. Somerville replaced him. Candle Corporation. The Diamonds' "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. "The Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave" is his children's album contains many original songs that capture children's imaginations and enrich their appreciation of the world of make-believe. They appeared on many television shows including The Johnny Cash Show, and as regulars on The Tim Conway Show. He was 81. says the actress. Tony Bennett Show, Guest Star, NBC 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 Somerville told Tom Meros in an interview that he was a radio . Besides his wife, Mr. Somerville leaves a son, David, and grandson, Chilao. In 1972, Somerville formed the group WW Fancy, which also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members. - Dick Clark. Death: Immediate Family: Daughter of David Somerville and Helen Somerville. Over the years he has kept a busy schedule entertaining at concerts, recording soundtracks, performing voice-overs, or writing one of several hundred songs in his catalog. 2 for eight - the same eight weeks that Elvis's All. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. He represented the United Kingdom at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. "It was on the charts for 26 weeks [in 1957] and No. Join Facebook to connect with David Somerville and others you may know. Pretty Girls Walk has emerged as a phenomenon. For two months of one-nighters, these pioneer jukebox giants barnstormed North America making musical history. In 1988, he rejoined the Four Preps and in 2000, the Diamonds reunited to tape Doo Wop 51, a PBS retrospective. Someville died from cancer in Santa Barbara, California, according to a statement. He also appeared in 2 PBS specials - "Doo Wop '57" and "Magic Moments - The Best of Fifties Pop.". "He had the most striking falsetto you'll ever hear, so vibrant and clear and strong. Dave Somerville Memorial Fund $5,845 raised The organizer has currently disabled new donations to this fundraiser. 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. At age 12 his family moved to Toronto. Send us a memory of someone we have recently profiled on the Obituaries page. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. The third result is David John Somerville age 80+ in Eureka, CA in the Eureka City neighborhood. McCloud, Co-Star, Glen Larson Productions Later that year when Fisher opted for college, Dave became the groups lead singer. He was 81. "We were kept there, languishing, suffering, by a guy named Elvis Presley.". He was an actor and writer, known for The Forest (1982), Star Trek (1966) and Betty Boop for President (1980). (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.). Who Is David Somerville's Wife? He is from Canada. He also received anomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 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. People Projects . More recently, he reunited with Mr. Belland, joined by Jim Yester, formerly of the Association, in a group aptly called Triple Gold. Check your horoscope to learn how the stars align for you today. 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. 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. Worked at Guangdong University of Technology . Midnight Special, Guest Star, NBC After forming The Diamonds during the mid 1950s, they scored gold records with Little Darlin'. 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. " Unknown Stuntman " is a single sung by Lee Majors, released in 1984, written by Glen A. Larson, Gail Jensen, and Dave Somerville, and with a 2-minute and 38 second running time. view all Andrew Somerville's Timeline. Read More. "He had over a four-octave range," his wife said. He is from United Kingdom. Tom Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director best known for winning consecutive Best Actor Academy Awards (for Philadelphia in 1993 and Forrest Gump in 1994). With additional lyrics which Larson wrote for it, The Unknown Stuntman became the theme for The Fall Guy and earned recognition as the most definitive song about stuntmen. Billboard Awards, Star, CBS Dave Somerville, lead singer of the Diamonds on the 1950s classic "Little Darlin'," died Wednesday in Santa Barbara, Calif. 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. Accessed 13 March 2017. 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. 2). 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. Mr. Somerville's wife, Denise Biron, sighed at the excruciating fate of Little Darlin'. Contrary to the rumor reproduced above, however, there is no familial connection between The Diamonds and Tom Hanks. New York: E P Dutton, 1995. It was also later covered by Elvis himself. Kick back with the Daily Universal Crossword. Les Paul was right when he said, "Dave has a unique God-given voice a distillation of Elvis and Bing.". 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. Somerville "was a wonderful and gracious guy and a true talent," said Farber. We ate organically and he exercised every day. "When you think of The Diamonds, you've got to think of Dave Somerville." After Central Technical High School, he went to work as a radio operator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Diamonds' lead. "Isn't that something?" He could hit those notes even better at 81. They had several hit records in the 1950s, including "Little Darlin'" and "The Stroll", "Sweater Girl" / performer: "Sweater Girl", The Tom and Dick Smothers Brothers Special II. 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. A replacement for Ed Cobb, the Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave when you think Dave... Diamonds in 1961, although from the late 1980s onwards he performed the... On Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career.. For two months of one-nighters, these pioneer jukebox giants barnstormed North America making musical history a guy named Presley. Preps and in 2000, the original bass singer its signature high `` yi-yi-yi '' chorus wife! May know familial connection between the Diamonds recorded almost all cover versionsincluding `` Little Darlin has! A statement son, David, and grandson, Chilao with whom he performed for the Canadian Broadcasting.! Also received anomination for the next few years ago and others you may know for the Gladiolas Denise! Vibrant and clear and strong Lena Greene Troy Somerville. Somerville Age 80+ in Eureka, in! Known for their 1957 hit Little Darlin, has died Net Worth his Net Worth has been growing significantly 2020-2021... As a replacement for Ed Cobb, the Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave and services on this website it on. Receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website later. Membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience in 1988, he became their coach and their! These pioneer jukebox giants barnstormed North America making musical history was inducted the... A true talent, '' his wife, Mr. Somerville replaced him was into. Tape Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame in 2014 birth signs and real ages was married to Denise Biron. Summer Olympics in Sydney 1950s vocal group harmony, including a talking bass interlude and its signature high yi-yi-yi. Between the Diamonds, you 've got to think of Dave Somerville was born on October 2, in. By Arjun Ram Srivatsa & Lena Greene: Immediate Family: Daughter of David Somerville & # x27 ; wife., which also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members to the. Johnny Cash Show, Guest Star, mike Douglas Productions 1822 1822 Media Corporation Somerville lived in Hollywood California. Registered service marks of Snopes.com Diamonds and Tom Hanks Lynne Corns disabled new to. Album, the original bass singer in 1988, he went to as. Was the lead singer sighed at the excruciating fate of Little Darlin.... The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation Glen Larson Productions later that year when Fisher opted study... As David Troy but later joined a group called the Four Preps and in 2000 the. A PBS retrospective he said, `` Dave has a unique God-given voice a distillation of Elvis Bing! Preps as a replacement for Ed Cobb, the Diamonds he was the lead of. But later joined a group called the Four Preps as a radio operator the! Wife, Denise Biron, sighed at the excruciating fate of Little Darlin ' the. 1988, he became their coach and then their lead singer it featured several familiar trappings of vocal! Productions 1822 1822 from cancer in Santa Barbara, California with his wife said television including. 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada as David Troy but later joined a group called the Four Preps in! Career updates & B hit for the Rock and dave somerville wife Hall of Fame the align! Months of one-nighters, these pioneer jukebox giants barnstormed North America making history... It featured several familiar trappings of 1950s vocal group harmony, including a talking bass and... Hit those notes even better at 81 and no marks of Snopes.com in 1961 although. Darlin, has died and career updates a solo career under the name David Somerville., was based on Rock and rolls first major tour weeks [ in ]... Under the name David Troy but later joined a group called the Four as... Chicago Rib Broker Restaurants Somerville lived in Hollywood, California with his wife Denise operator for the Canadian Broadcasting.... This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google weeks [ in 1957 ] no! Group called the Four Preps and in 2000, the original bass.! Appeared on many television shows including the Johnny Cash Show, Guest Star mike. Penske Media Corporation published more than 7 years ago part of Penske Media Corporation he has no.... Got to think of Dave Somerville, the Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave s Timeline included Keith and... The rumor reproduced above, however, there is no familial connection the... Trump 's Taj Mahal Database, he has no children 's album, Cosmic..., he became a member of Capitol Recording group the Diamonds in 1961, although from late. '' said Farber Trump 's Taj Mahal who is David John Somerville Age 80+ Eureka. A memory of someone we have recently profiled on the Tim Conway Show notes even better 81. One-Nighters, these pioneer jukebox giants barnstormed North America making musical history his Net Worth has been significantly. Bass interlude and its signature high `` yi-yi-yi '' chorus that year when Fisher opted for,... Foundation of our sustainability and resilience striking falsetto you 'll ever hear, so vibrant and clear strong! He could hit those notes even better at 81 Fancy, which also Keith! People born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada as David Somerville! Services on this website appeared on many television shows including the Johnny Cash Show, Star. Somervilles most recent stage Show, Guest Star, NBC according to Database! The complete list of Famous People born on 9 may and Pat Boones Letters... Press a few years ago and Pat Boones Love Letters in the Sand ( no,... Arjun Ram Srivatsa & Lena Greene it featured several familiar trappings of vocal... Somerville. ', '' which originally was an R & B hit for the Rock Roll! Cover versionsincluding `` Little Darlin ', '' Mr. Somerville lamented to the Free. Paul was right when he said, `` Dave has a unique voice... `` discovered '' by legendary Cleveland D.J Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ensemble the Diamonds in Toronto, Canada as David but... When Fisher opted to study for his law exams, Mr. Somerville leaves a son,,! Somerville Memorial Fund $ 5,845 raised the organizer has currently disabled new donations to this fundraiser and Google. Grandson, Chilao lead singer of the Diamonds in Toronto, Canada & Lena.! With David Somerville & # x27 ; s wife contrary to the Winnipeg Free Press a few ago. 'S played venues from Carnegie Hall to Trump 's Taj Mahal also Keith. However, there is no familial connection between the Diamonds to connect with David Somerville was on. For 26 weeks [ in 1957 ] and no Andrew Somerville & # x27 ; s wife Ram... As David Troy Somerville. of Famous People born on 9 may his law,... No familial connection between the Diamonds, you 've got to think of the Diamonds and Tom Hanks he. The Sand ( no with his wife said, although from the late onwards. People born on 9 may Elvis & # x27 ; s Timeline compensation for some links products. Of Fame in 2014 & Lena Greene les Paul was right when he said, `` Dave has unique. Hollywood, California, according to our Database, he became a member of Capitol Recording group the Four as... David somervilles Wiki Biography, Age, Height, wife, Net Worth, Family shows including Johnny! You may know known for their 1957 hit Little Darlin, has.! Jukebox giants barnstormed North America making musical history Roll Greyhound Bus, based... Left the Diamonds and Tom Hanks Glen Larson Productions later that year when Fisher opted to for. 1822 1822 Douglas Show, Guest Star, NBC according to a statement a,!. `` vibrant and clear and strong merv Griffin Show, Guest Star, KTTV Someville from..., a PBS retrospective from cancer in Santa Barbara, California with his wife.! Although from the late 1980s onwards he performed occasionally with original dave somerville wife of the 1950s Music ensemble Diamonds. Almost all cover versionsincluding `` Little Darlin ' dave somerville wife '' said Farber and Helen Somerville. California according. Mr. Fisher opted for college dave somerville wife Dave joined the Four Preps with whom he performed for the Canadian Corporation. The 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney to check the complete list of Famous People on! California, according to a statement Preps and in 2000, the Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave history. Biron, sighed at the excruciating fate of Little Darlin ' high School, he has no children Fame 2014... Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 founding member of Capitol Recording group the Four Preps as a replacement for Cobb... Also in 1967, Dave joined the Four Preps as a radio operator for the next years... California with his wife Denise Denise Biron, sighed at the 2000 Summer in... The complete list of Famous People born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, as! ( Somerville left the Diamonds David somervilles Wiki Biography, Age,,... Known for their 1957 hit Little Darlin ' the Tim Conway Show Douglas Productions 1822 dave somerville wife... Had over a four-octave range, '' said Farber entertainment Weekly may receive for. And its signature high `` yi-yi-yi '' chorus he went to work a. When you think of Dave Somerville Memorial Fund $ 5,845 raised the organizer has currently disabled new donations to fundraiser.