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Diamonds music biography continued...

(lead), Ted Kowalski (tenor), Phil Levitt (baritone), and Bill Reed (bass). In 1955, professional musician Nat Goodman became The Diamonds manager, and he got them on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts U.S. television show. The exposure led to a record contract with Coral Records, which released four Coral released four songs, the most notable being "Black Denim Trousers & Motorcycle Boots", a cover of a recording originally by The Cheers. The Diamonds' version sold a few thousand copies, which was only enough to get them a little local recognition. The next big step was an audition with Cleveland, Ohio, radio disc jockey Bill Randle, who aided in the success of some popular groups, such as The Crew Cuts. Randle was impressed with the Diamonds and introduced them to Mercury Records, who signed the group to a recording contract in hopes of getting them to cover songs by black singers for "white" radio stations. The Diamonds' first recording for Mercury was "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," a cover of Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers' version which reached #12 in the U.S. as their first hit. They had a hit follow-up single, "The Church Bells May Ring" (originally by The Willows), which reached #14 in the U.S. The Diamonds biggest hits were 1957's "Little Darlin'" (originally recorded by the The Gladiolas) and 1958's "The Stroll", which was not a cover, but actually an original song written for the group by Brook Benton, from an idea by Dick Clark.



In the late 50s, at the peak of their popularity, The Diamonds made many television appearances, including the TV shows of Steve Allen, Perry Como, Vic Damone, Tony Bennett, Eddy Arnold and Paul Winchell. They also appeared on American Bandstand. By 1961, all original members had left the group and were replaced. With the ever-changing style of rock & roll and their Mercury contract expired, the Diamonds continued touring the country, and became one of the first musical groups to perform at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. In October, 2004, The Diamonds were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame, as the industry paid tribute to their many musical accomplishments.