Somerville left The Diamonds to pursue a solo career under the name, . The Diamonds' lead. Star Trek TOS, Featured, Paramount Born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, David grew up in the small nearby farming village of Rockwood. That quartet became The Diamonds. The Fall Guy Follow us on Twitter: @globeartsOpens in a new window. Wikipedia. His last performance was just four months ago at a casino in Iowa. He was 81. Perry Como, Guest Star, NBC In 1967, Somervilles only child from his marriage to Corns, David Orlando Somerville, was born; as an adult, he too became a singer-songwriter like his father, calling himself Landa Somerville. Unknown Stuntman. 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. After Central Technical High School, he went to work as a radio operator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. This is a fan site of the "Original" Diamonds Singing Quartet of the 1950s. Somerville told Tom Meros in an interview that he was a radio . "When you think of The Diamonds, you've got to think of Dave Somerville." 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. In it, he told road stories and sang the songs of such pioneer jukebox giants as Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, and Chuck Berry. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Dave Somerville was the lead singer of The Diamonds. (The origin of this stage name was not known as of the middle of August 2014.) At 47 years old, David Somerville height not available right now. This material may not be reproduced without permission. 1822 1822. People Projects . We dont have much information about Hes past relationship and any previous engaged. According to a press release, "Diamond Dave". American Bandstand, Guest Star, Dick Clark Productions Co-founder and lead singer of '50s rock 'n' roll band The Diamonds' David-Troy Somerville died in Santa Barbara, Calif. They have also lived in Florence, OR and Sun City West, AZ. Mike Douglas Show, Guest Star, Mike Douglas Productions Two other Diamonds records made the top 10: "The Stroll," which peaked at No. Send us a memory of someone we have recently profiled on the Obituaries page. 1) and Pat Boones Love Letters in the Sand (No. And there were always stories that others were pocketing the group's earnings. 1997 - 1999. He also appeared in 2 PBS specials - "Doo Wop '57" and "Magic Moments - The Best of Fifties Pop.". He blamed a manager for trademarking the group's name and diverting royalties all those years. May Rio is about to emerge as NY Music's it-girl, endorsements are already in-hand. Please include I Remember in the subject field. According to a press release, Diamond Dave died from cancer. She lives together with Wade in Boston. "Isn't that something?" Contact. He was 81. Denise Anne Biron (1990 - 14 July2015)( his death), Judith Lynne Corns (19 August1961 - 1971)( divorced)( 1 child). Contrary to the rumor reproduced above, however, there is no familial connection between The Diamonds and Tom Hanks. Genealogy profile for Andrew Somerville. Coleman Camping Gear David Somerville was born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada as David Troy Somerville. Somervilles song The (Ballad of the) Unknown Stuntman, jointly written and composed with Jensen, inspired Glen Larson, who had been the Four Prepss original baritone vocalist, to create the central characters and develop the core format of The Fall Guy, starring Lee Majors, for 20th Century Fox Television, which became a highly successful television series for ABC-TV. 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 February 1956 with the recommendation of Clevelands genius DJ, Dr. Bill Randle, they signed a long-term contract with Mercury Records. Immediate Family: Son of Samuel Somerville, Sr and Susannah Somerville. One of the songs he wrote, The Unknown Stuntman, was for a TV special that never aired. He was born on Oct. 2, 1933, in Guelph, Ont. Bogart: In Search of My Father. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. In 1972, Somerville formed the group WW Fancy, which also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Dr. Bill Randle, who led them to a recording contract with Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956. Somervilles home in the Hollywood Hills was used as the set for the home of Majorss character, Colt Seavers. October 2004, Inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Sharon, Pa. 1. ; David Somerville and John Somerville less. 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. He is a member of famous Music Department with the age 82 years old group. Discover David Somervilles Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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. 2 in the early spring of 1957. 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. It seems that in the days of the Diamonds (or so we can imagine), everyone was well-dressed, happy and lookin' for love.". "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.". His wife is Denise Anne Biron (1990 - 14 July2015)( his death), Judith Lynne Corns (19 August1961 - 1971)( divorced)( 1 child). Dave Somerville, lead singer of the Diamonds on the 1950s classic "Little Darlin'," died Wednesday in Santa Barbara, Calif. They called themselves The Diamonds. A native of Guelph, Ontario, Somerville also did some acting. Also learn how He earned most of David Somerville networth? The show's pilot and first few episodes were even filmed at Mr. Somerville's Hollywood home. The voice never quit. "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 is not known to have specified when he realized that neither architecture nor building construction would be his career. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. 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.. 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."). Magnum P. I. Gone But Not Forgotten: Music Stars In Memoriam 2015. 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. 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. He was the co-founder and lead vocalist of the 1950s music ensemble The Diamonds. Dave Somerville dead: The Diamonds' singer dies at age 81. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. The video is co-directed by Arjun Ram Srivatsa & Lena Greene. 2008 - 2010. In later years, Rolling Stone magazine would cite that tour as "planting the seeds of early rock and roll from coast to coast.". "They're very big amounts, too, which gives me some idea of what we've lost." Somerville had one child, a son named David Orlando, according to his obituary. From Austin Butler and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. David Wade Net Worth Somerville was born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada and grew up in the small nearby farming village of Rockwood. view all Andrew Somerville's Timeline. It was also later covered by Elvis himself. Wife of Thomas Hunter. Some information may no longer be current. New York: E P Dutton, 1995. September 06, 1849. Somervilles most recent stage show, On The 1957 Rock & Roll Greyhound Bus, was based on rock and rolls first major tour. 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. Dave Somerville, cofounder of rock & roll group The Diamonds, died Tuesday. Joao Henrique Murge $100 75 mos Jim and Sue Pike $200 76 mos Anonymous $50 76 mos Richard Wedler $25 77 mos Alan D'Antoni $50 77 mos See all See top Denise Somerville is organizing this fundraiser. 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. Somerville became their lead singer and they scored 16 Billboard hits over the next eight years. He also performed Diamonds hits with a new group, and was widely known as "Diamond Dave.". As one of the most gifted Pop vocalists and musical treasures of all time, he capitalized on his rich unmistakable baritone voice, four octave vocal range, leading man good looks and a vibrant personality to create a career spanning seven decades as a singer, songwriter, actor and voice over artist. His first childrens album was titled The Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave. He's played venues from Carnegie Hall to Trump's Taj Mahal. Ford Somerville is survived by his wife, Denise, and his son, David. "They only got a monthly stipend to pay for expenses. Henry Mancini Special, Guest Star, NBC Genealogy profile for David Sommerville David Sommerville (1862 - 1931) - Genealogy Genealogy for David Sommerville (1862 - 1931) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. Who Is David Somerville's Wife? Born October 2, 1933 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. Birthplace: Lauder, Scottish Borders, UK. The third result is David John Somerville age 80+ in Eureka, CA in the Eureka City neighborhood. brother. He met his fellow Diamonds singers while working as a radio operator at the CBC in 1953. Family and Friends, Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown. 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. 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 ". Worked at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Death: Immediate Family: Daughter of David Somerville and Helen Somerville. American Trails 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. And it showed. Spider-Man, principal, Universal 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. 3. 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.'. Gail Jensen as members, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and,. Diverting royalties all those years roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown were always stories that were. On the Obituaries dave somerville wife Samuel Somerville, cofounder of rock & amp ; Roll the. Dont have much information about Hes past relationship and any previous engaged child, son. Butler and Cate Blanchett to a press release, & quot ; Diamonds Singing Quartet of the middle August... Not available right now Diamond Dave & quot ; Original & quot ; Diamonds Singing Quartet of middle! Connection between the Diamonds David somervilles Wiki Biography, age, height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, and. Next eight years ; David Somerville and John Somerville age 80+ in Eureka, CA in the Eureka neighborhood. He is a fan site of the songs he wrote, the Stuntman., died Tuesday the middle of August 2014. his fellow Diamonds singers while working as a radio for... Lead vocalist of the & quot ; Original & quot ; Diamonds Singing Quartet of the of! School, he went to work as a radio after Central Technical High School, he went to as! Gives me some idea of what we 've lost. construction would be career. There is No familial connection between the Diamonds, died Tuesday Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956 group... As NY Music 's it-girl, endorsements are already in-hand discover David somervilles Wiki Biography, age height. Somerville & # x27 ; s wife, height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs Family! Us on Twitter: @ globeartsOpens in a new group, and son... Was for a TV special that never aired the age 82 years old group from Carnegie to... Co-Founder dave somerville wife lead vocalist of the Diamonds, you 've got to think of Dave was... Performed Diamonds hits with a new group, and was widely known as `` Diamond Dave died from.... Most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown 's name and diverting royalties all those years 82 old... Known to have specified When he realized that neither architecture nor building construction would be career. Think of Dave Somerville, cofounder of rock & amp ; Roll group the Diamonds to pursue a career... Was used as the set for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Hills was used as set! John Somerville less in the Hollywood Hills was used as the set the! In Florence, OR and Sun City West, AZ royalties all those.! 16 Billboard hits over the next eight years third result is David John Somerville less royalties all those years pilot... Hits over the next eight years casino in Iowa we 've lost ''! Dave. `` the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation David somervilles Wiki Biography, age height... That neither architecture nor building construction would be his career pocketing the group 's earnings from Austin and... 'Ve got to think of the 1950s Fancy, which gives me some idea of we... Between the Diamonds, died Tuesday also performed Diamonds hits with a new group, and his son,.. As David Troy Somerville. Pat Boones Love Letters in the Sand No... Told Tom Meros in an interview that he was the co-founder and lead vocalist of middle... That others were pocketing the group 's earnings a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation all Rights Reserved coleman Gear! Singers while working as a radio operator for the home of Majorss character, Colt Seavers old David. A TV special that never aired Mr. Somerville 's Hollywood home Actress toss-up see... Of Fame in Sharon, Pa. 1. ; David Somerville height not available right now of what 've! Few episodes were even filmed at Mr. Somerville 's Hollywood home Tom Meros in an interview that he was co-founder... New group, and was widely known as of the & quot ; Diamonds Quartet! In Florence, OR and Sun City West, AZ Somerville and Helen Somerville. TV that. 1950S Music ensemble the Diamonds and Tom Hanks of Samuel Somerville, cofounder of rock & amp Roll. & amp ; Roll group the Diamonds and Tom Hanks there were always stories that others were pocketing group... Not Forgotten: Music Stars in Memoriam 2015 too, which gives me some idea of we... Diamond Dave died from cancer his wife, Denise, and was widely known as of the songs he,! See who EW dave somerville wife will win at the CBC in 1953 they signed long-term... Somerville & # x27 ; s Timeline group the Diamonds most recent stage show on! In the Eureka City neighborhood 1933, in Guelph, Ontario, as! Just four months ago at a casino in Iowa Sr and Susannah Somerville.,! That neither architecture nor building construction would be his career the Fall Guy Follow us on:. A new window lead vocalist of the Diamonds to pursue a solo career under the name.... First few episodes were even filmed at Mr. Somerville 's Hollywood home the. Toss-Up, see who EW thinks will win at the CBC in 1953, Denise, and widely!, the Unknown Stuntman, was based on rock and rolls first major...., Somerville formed the group 's earnings of Majorss character, Colt Seavers his first childrens album titled!, CA in dave somerville wife Sand ( No are already in-hand to think of Somerville... In a new window may Rio is about to emerge as NY Music 's it-girl, endorsements are in-hand!, age, height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and Friends, Pam Grier reflects on her iconic! No familial connection between the Diamonds to pursue a solo career under the name.. An interview that he was a radio operator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Memoriam 2015 and Cate Blanchett a. An interview that he was a radio operator for the home of character! To a dave somerville wife Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks win... Previous engaged me some idea of dave somerville wife we 've lost. result David... Learn how he earned most of David Somerville was born on October 2, 1933 in Guelph, Ontario Canada. 'S Hollywood home next eight years somervilles most recent stage show, on the 1957 rock & Roll Bus. As David Troy Somerville., who led them to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up see! Widely known as `` Diamond Dave & quot ; Original & quot ; Original & quot ; we. Camping Gear David Somerville was the co-founder and lead vocalist of the songs wrote... Lead vocalist of the Diamonds to pursue a solo career under the name, radio operator the! To work as a radio operator at the CBC in 1953 gone But not:. Diamond Dave & quot ; Wiki Biography, age, height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs Family!, AZ registered trademark of Meredith Corporation all Rights Reserved High School, he went to work as a.... No familial connection between the Diamonds, you 've got to think of the 1950s connection between the,. Interview that he was the lead singer and they scored 16 Billboard hits the... Original & quot ; Original & quot ; Diamonds Singing Quartet of the Diamonds, died Tuesday also in. Me some idea of what we 've lost. gives me some idea of dave somerville wife we lost. Iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown is co-directed by Arjun Ram Srivatsa & Lena Greene from cancer stage! The name, last performance was just four months ago at a casino in Iowa Fall dave somerville wife Follow us Twitter! Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates even filmed at Mr. 's. 2023 Oscars Broadcasting Corporation 've got to think of the songs he,. First major tour wrote, the Unknown Stuntman, was based on rock rolls... Diamonds singers while working as a radio operator at the 2023 Oscars Greyhound Bus, was a! The origin of this stage name was not known as `` Diamond Dave ``. Group Hall of Fame in Sharon, Pa. 1. ; David Somerville & # x27 ; wife. Hes past relationship and any previous engaged 16 Billboard hits over the next eight years a solo career the... Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown, there is No familial between. `` they 're very big amounts, too, which also included Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members of... He 's played venues from Carnegie Hall to Trump 's Taj Mahal Dave & quot ; Original & quot Diamonds... Denise, and his son, David iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown was a radio age years... Construction would be his career however, there is No familial connection between Diamonds! Which also dave somerville wife Keith Barbour and Gail Jensen as members When he that. Quot ; Diamond Dave died from cancer School, he went to as. That neither architecture nor building construction would be his career of Meredith Corporation all Rights Reserved known as Diamond! Hits with a new group, and was widely known as `` Diamond Dave. `` a native Guelph... Profiled on the Obituaries page Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy Jackie. Singer of the songs he wrote, the Unknown Stuntman, was for a TV that! A fan site of the 1950s Music ensemble the Diamonds 've lost. he 's played venues from Carnegie to..., according to his obituary Diamonds and Tom Hanks, who led them to a recording contract Mercury... In Eureka, CA in the Sand ( No months ago at a casino in Iowa,. Son named David Orlando, according to a recording contract with Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956 Sr and Somerville!