The Diamonds are a Canadian vocal quartet that rose to prominence in the 1950s and early 1960s with 16 Billboard hit records. The original members were Dave Somerville (lead), Ted Kowalski (tenor), Phil Levitt (baritone), and Bill Reed (bass).
They were most noted for interpreting and introducing rhythm and bluesvocal group music to the wider pop musicaudience. Contrary to a popular myth, the father of Tom Hanks was never a member of the group.
The Diamonds’ first recording for Mercury was “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” (originated by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers),[2][1] which reached No. 12 in the U.S. as their first hit, and their follow-up hit single, “The Church Bells May Ring” (originally by The Willows),[2]reached No. 14 in the U.S.
The Diamonds’ biggest hits were 1957’s “Little Darlin’“[5] (originally recorded by The Gladiolas, written by Maurice Williams) and “The Stroll” (1957), an original song written for the group by Clyde Otis, from an idea by Dick Clark.
Although they were signed to do rock and roll, Mercury also paired them with jazz composer and arranger Pete Rugolo, in one of his Meetseries recordings. The album, entitled The Diamonds Meet Pete Rugolo, allowed them to return to their roots and do some established standards.
The group sang “Little Darlin'” and “Where Mary Go” in the film The Big Beat. They sang the theme song to the 1958 film, Kathy O’.
Their television appearances included the TV shows of Steve Allen, Perry Como, Vic Damone, Tony Bennett, Eddy Arnold, and Paul Winchell. They also appeared on American Bandstand.
In the late 1950s, Reed, Kowalski and Levitt left the group and were replaced by Mike Douglas, John Felten, and Evan Fisher. Wiki