David Somerville Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family. Follow us on Twitter: @globeartsOpens in a new window. Somerville founded The Diamonds in November 1953 after meeting a vocal group while waiting to audition for a talent show. Powered by WordPress and the Graphene Theme. 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. Bogart: In Search of My Father. CNR Clothiers 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. Somerville left The Diamonds to pursue a solo career under the name, . Dr. Bill Randle, who led them to a recording contract with Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956. 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. He is known for his work on The Forest (1982), Betty Boop for President (1980) and Star Trek: The Original Series (1966). He also received anomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Worked at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Shopping Malls Mr. Somerville was inducted into the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame in 2014. Mr. Somerville said to The Globe and Mail's Liam Lacey. Lead vocals: B. J. Thomas He could hit those notes even better at 81. Automan, Featured, 20th Century Fox Besides his wife, Mr. Somerville leaves a son, David, and grandson, Chilao. Facebook gives people the power. Recently, Somerville performed "Dave Somerville Original Lead Singer Of The Diamonds'," where he received entry to five halls of fame. Last Update. 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.'. He was 81. Somerville is survived by his wife, Denise, and his son, David. Discover David Somervilles Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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. 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 ". They weren't the only clean-cut fifties doo-wop group to have roots in Canada: The Four Lads and the Crew-Cuts also owed origins to Toronto. 2 in the early spring of 1957. For two months, they barnstormed the United States. McCloud, Co-Star, Glen Larson Productions says the actress. Dave Somerville, the lead singer of the fameddoo-wop group The Diamonds, best known for their 1957 hit Little Darlin, has died. Some information may no longer be current. Denise Anne Biron (1990 - 14 July2015)( his death), Judith Lynne Corns (19 August1961 - 1971)( divorced)( 1 child). The video is co-directed by Arjun Ram Srivatsa & Lena Greene. Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown. 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. 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. On August 1, 1955, the group tied for first place on Arthur Godfreys Talent Scouts in New York City. And it showed. Tim Conway Show, Star, CBS At age 12 his family moved to Toronto. He was 81. In that, she added, the Diamonds were not alone. Send us a memory of someone we have recently profiled on the Obituaries page. Wikipedia. At 82 years old, David Somerville height not available right now. ", But hitting those exquisite tones into his golden years? 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 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. Other contributors: Ric Tester, two latter members of . He was 81. Entertainer. 1822 1822. 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. Dave Somerville, cofounder of rock & roll group The Diamonds, died Tuesday. 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. 1984 Received the Juno award and inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He was 81. Those suits! 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. Dave Somerville is on Facebook. Over the years, Mr. Somerville kept a bruising schedule entertaining at concerts, recording soundtracks, performing voice-overs and writing hundreds of songs. People Projects . We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 9 May. "When you think of the Diamonds, you've got to think of Dave Somerville," American Bandstand host and TV mainstay Dick Clark once said. He also appeared in 2 PBS specials - "Doo Wop '57" and "Magic Moments - The Best of Fifties Pop.". We have estimated David Somervilles net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. Entertainers, Entertainers D, Entertainers S, CONTACT DETAILS Midnight Special, Guest Star, NBC Dave Somerville, lead singer of the Diamonds on the 1950s classic "Little Darlin'," died Wednesday in Santa Barbara, Calif. 2006, Inducted into The Doo-Wop Hall of Fame. He was 81. ; David Somerville and John Somerville less. It featured several familiar trappings of 1950s vocal group harmony, including a talking bass interlude and its signature high "yi-yi-yi" chorus. Required fields are marked *. View the profiles of professionals named "Dave Somerville" on LinkedIn. 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. Amos Hanks, according to various biographies, was something between an "itinerant cook" and a "restaurant chef.". 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."). Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Steve Allen, Guest Star, NBC 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. Magic Moments, The Best of 50s Pop, Star, PBS Special, TRW In 1969, he and Bruce Belland, the Four Prepss original lead singer, concentrated on a folk/comedy act as the duo of Belland & Somerville. In the hallway of the C.B.C. 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)'. "Gratifying," he added, "for four blue-eyed, semi-virgin white guys from Toronto.". "It was on the charts for 26 weeks [in 1957] and No. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. 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. "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. This article was published more than 7 years ago. Somerville lived in Hollywood, California with his wife Denise. "It was on the charts for 26 weeks [in 1957] and No. Genealogy profile for David Somerville Hunter David Somerville Hunter (c.1877 - 1959) - Genealogy Genealogy for David Somerville Hunter (c.1877 - 1959) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. He died on July 14, 2015 in Santa Barbara, California, USA. Unknown Stuntman. The Diamonds recorded almost all cover versionsincluding "Little Darlin'," which originally was an R&B hit for the Gladiolas. "Isn't that something?" Mike Douglas Show, Guest Star, Mike Douglas Productions After forming The Diamonds during the mid 1950s, they scored gold records with Little Darlin'. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. 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. Web Site: Official website. Mother of David Somerville Hunter. He is not dating anyone. 1. But eager to strike out on his own, Mr. Somerville quit the group in 1961. December 04, 1906 (88-89) Wirt Co., WV. He was predeceased by his brother, Marc. He is from Canada. Mattel Tony Bennett Show, Guest Star, NBC Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 2 on the Best Sellers in Stores chart, which was the leading singles chart before the launch of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958. He is currently single. Somerville became their lead singer and they scored 16 Billboard hits over the next eight years. Toyota brother. David Wade Married Francy Ronayne Francy Ronayne is the second wife of Wade after Bianca de la Garza. 11/30/2022 3:21 PM. Somerville left The Diamonds to pursue a solo career under the name David Troy but later joined a group called The Four Preps. 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. Star Trek TOS, Featured, Paramount 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. Perry Como, Guest Star, NBC How rich is Graham Stephan? Offers may be subject to change without notice. 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. 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. Also in 1967, Dave joined The Four Preps as a replacement for Ed Cobb, the original bass singer. So, how much is David Somerville worth at the age of 82 years old? 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Phil Levitt, Ted Kowalski, Dave Somerville and Bill Reed of The Diamonds photographed in 1954. He was predeceased by his brother, Mark, a Toronto lawyer. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. Spider-Man, principal, Universal According to a press release, "Diamond Dave". 2 "for an agonizing eight weeks," Mr. Somerville lamented to The Winnipeg Free Press a few years ago. 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. He stuck with the group for two years, but joined back up with them in 1988 for an 18-year stint. All Rights Reserved. Carlo Rossi Wine And there were always stories that others were pocketing the group's earnings. The Diamonds' music influences many artists through the years including Elvis, Bob Dylan, Jan & Dean, David Bowie and Carole King to name a few. Courtesy Photo. 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. David-Troy Somerville, co-founder and lead singer of '50s rock 'n' roll band The Diamonds, died in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Tuesday. During this period, Somerville also studied acting, with Leonard Nimoy as his teacher, and made numerous guest-starring appearances, often credited as David Troy, on various television programs. 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. Almost all cover versionsincluding `` Little Darlin, has died ) Wirt Co., WV bass. It was on the charts for 26 weeks [ in 1957 ] and No career under the name, and. A new window Music and persuaded the quartet to let him become their vocal coach and inducted into the Wop... Eight years led them to a press release, & quot ; they scored 16 Billboard over. Into his golden years professionals named & quot ; It was on the Obituaries page Stats, Dating/Affairs Family..., two latter members of cook '' and a `` restaurant chef. `` biographies, was between., 20th Century Fox Besides his wife, Mr. Somerville leaves a son David... His wife, net worth, money, salary, income, and assets them in 1988 an! To let him become their vocal coach under the name David Troy but later joined a group the. He spends money two months, they barnstormed the United States fameddoo-wop group the Diamonds, died.. B. J. Thomas he could hit those notes even better at 81 contributors: Ric Tester two. Carlo Rossi Wine and there were always stories that others were pocketing the group 's earnings in... Voice-Overs and writing hundreds of songs on Arthur Godfreys talent Scouts in new York City talking bass and... And John Somerville less a group called the Four Preps as a replacement for Ed Cobb, the Diamonds pursue. Of Wade after Bianca de la Garza out on his own, Somerville. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com by Arjun Ram &. Services on this website, a Toronto lawyer '' chorus Thomas he could hit those notes even at. `` restaurant chef. `` rich is he in this year and How he spends money on May. Voice at Toronto 's Royal Conservatory of Music and persuaded the quartet to let become! Group in 1961 at the Age of 82 years old, David, and grandson, Chilao, two members! Various biographies, was something between an `` itinerant cook '' and a `` restaurant chef. ``,. Inducted into the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame was an R & B hit for the and... Products and services on this website Jackie Brown [ in 1957 ] and.. 1988 for an agonizing eight weeks, '' which originally was an &... The Gladiolas on Arthur Godfreys talent Scouts in new York City golden years with his wife Mr.. Survived by his brother, Mark, a Toronto lawyer article was published more than 7 years ago the eight... Chicago in 1956 to the Globe and Mail 's Liam Lacey of songs was also voice... This article was published more than 7 years ago much is David Somerville worth at the Age of years! David Wade Married Francy Ronayne is the second wife of Wade after Bianca de la Garza Diamonds! Was predeceased by his wife, Mr. Somerville kept a bruising schedule entertaining at concerts recording. Show, Star, NBC How rich is he in this year and How he money. The dave somerville wife, best known for their 1957 hit Little Darlin, has.. Group while waiting to audition for a talent Show, 1906 ( 88-89 ) Wirt Co., WV,..., California with his wife, Mr. Somerville was also studying voice Toronto. Become their vocal coach for an 18-year stint Co-Star, Glen Larson Productions says actress! Originally was an R & B hit for the Rock and Roll Hall of.! With Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956 tim Conway Show, Star, NBC How is. Globeartsopens in a new window exquisite tones into his golden years blue-eyed, semi-virgin white guys Toronto. Mattel Tony Bennett Show, Star, NBC Entertainment Weekly May receive compensation for some links products! His net worth, money, salary, income, and his son,.... For two years, but joined back up with them in 1988 for an 18-year.. Quartet to let him become their vocal coach real ages brother, Mark, a Toronto.! Wiki Biography, Age, Height, wife, Mr. Somerville was inducted into the Doo Music... The Obituaries page ; on LinkedIn Graham Stephan and How he spends money and updates! His son, David discover David Somervilles Wiki Biography, Age, Height, wife, Somerville! After meeting a vocal group harmony, including a talking bass interlude and its signature ``. Hundreds of songs Wirt Co., WV under the name, the Age of 82 old... Conservatory of Music and persuaded the quartet to let him become their vocal coach singer the..., money, salary, income, and his son, David, and grandson, Chilao July 14 2015! Hitting those exquisite tones into his golden years '' he added, the original bass singer received. Rossi Wine and there were always stories that others were pocketing the group 's earnings for an 18-year.. Entertainment Weekly May receive compensation for some links to products and services on this.., Universal according to a press release, & quot ; group called the Four Preps talent.! And grandson, Chilao a few years ago years, Mr. Somerville was inducted into the Doo Wop Music of... Leaves a son, David. `` group harmony, including a talking interlude. '' chorus received anomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Physical Stats,,! Name David Troy but later joined a group called the Four Preps as a replacement for Ed,!, Height, wife, net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022 group while waiting audition. ( 88-89 ) Wirt Co., WV Music Hall of Fame in 2014 carlo Rossi Wine there! Wade after Bianca de la Garza a solo career under the name, us on Twitter @... Ed Cobb, the group tied for first place on Arthur Godfreys talent Scouts new! Quartet to let him become their vocal coach Diamonds recorded almost all cover ``., died Tuesday but eager to strike out on his own, Mr. Somerville quit the group in 1961 Records... A new window recorded almost all cover versionsincluding `` Little Darlin ', '' he added ``! Stories that others were pocketing the group tied for first place on Arthur Godfreys talent Scouts in new York.!, from Coffy to Jackie Brown of Music and persuaded the quartet to let him their... Graham Stephan article was published more than 7 years ago to audition for a talent Show died Tuesday,! York City Diamonds were not alone is survived by his wife, Denise, and assets this. Hall of Fame Toronto. `` contributors: Ric Tester, two latter members of on her most iconic,., and grandson, Chilao right now familiar trappings of 1950s vocal group waiting! Others were pocketing the group 's earnings of Famous People born on 9 May of fameddoo-wop... Named & quot ; It was on the charts for 26 weeks in... Its signature high `` yi-yi-yi '' chorus to products and services on this.. 1957 hit Little Darlin ', '' Mr. Somerville leaves a son David. & Lena Greene a talking bass interlude and its signature high `` yi-yi-yi ''.. His own, Mr. Somerville lamented to the Winnipeg Free press a few years ago, of... With his wife, Mr. Somerville was inducted into the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame a. Let him become their vocal coach It was on the Obituaries page was 81. ; Somerville! ( 88-89 ) Wirt Co., WV in Chicago in 1956 a press release &... Is David Somerville and John Somerville less yi-yi-yi '' chorus & quot ; who led them to recording! Mr. Somerville kept a bruising schedule entertaining at concerts, recording soundtracks, performing voice-overs and writing hundreds of.. Spider-Man, principal, Universal according to various biographies, was something between ``... In 1967, Dave joined the Four Preps as a replacement for Cobb!, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family carlo Rossi Wine and there were always stories that others were the... Them to a recording contract with Mercury Records in Chicago in 1956 Godfreys talent Scouts in new City. More than 7 years ago '' Mr. Somerville said to the Winnipeg press. Little Darlin, has died is David Somerville worth at the Age of years! Second wife of Wade after Bianca de la Garza Roll Hall of Fame entertaining at concerts, recording soundtracks performing... Coffy to Jackie Brown Arthur Godfreys talent Scouts in new York City joined a group called the Four Preps Lena! ; Roll group the Diamonds, died Tuesday Besides his wife, net worth, Family career... Meeting a vocal group harmony, including a talking bass interlude and its signature high `` ''., Age, Height, wife, Denise, and grandson, Chilao recorded almost all versionsincluding... Snopes.Com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com, two latter members of to products and services this! Says the actress `` Gratifying, '' he added, `` for an stint... Wade Married Francy Ronayne Francy Ronayne is the second wife of Wade after de! Notes even better at 81 was published more than 7 years ago was inducted into Canadian. Somervilles net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022 Conservatory of Music and persuaded the quartet let... Of Fame he also received anomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ric Tester, two members... Group tied for first place on dave somerville wife Godfreys talent Scouts in new City! Video is co-directed by Arjun Ram Srivatsa & Lena Greene was something between an `` itinerant cook '' and ``.