Dave Somerville facts for kids

David Troy Somerville (born October 2, 1933 – died July 14, 2015) was a talented Canadian singer. He was best known as a co-founder and the main singer of The Diamonds. This group was one of the most popular vocal groups in the 1950s. Dave Somerville spent most of his career working in the United States.

Dave Somerville's Life and Music

Early Life and Musical Start

Dave Somerville was born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a musical family in a small village called Rockwood. This village was about 50 miles west of Toronto.

In 1947, when Dave was 14, he moved to Toronto with his family. He first studied architecture and building. Later, he changed his focus to radio. In 1952, at age 19, he got a job at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). He worked in the engineering department as a radio operator. At the same time, he studied singing at the University of Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music.

Singing with The Diamonds

How The Diamonds Formed

In 1953, Dave met a group of four singers at the CBC. Their names were Stan Fisher, Ted Kowalski, Phil Levitt, and Bill Reed. Dave became their vocal coach. Later that year, Stan Fisher decided to go to college. So, Dave joined the group as their lead singer. This group then became famous as The Diamonds.

The Diamonds' Big Hits

The Diamonds quickly became popular. On August 1, 1955, they won first place on a TV show called Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. In February 1956, they signed a big contract with Mercury Records.

Dave Somerville sang lead on all 16 of The Diamonds' songs that made it onto the Billboard charts. Their biggest hit was "Little Darlin'." This song stayed at number two on the charts for eight weeks in 1957. It became the third best-selling single record of that year. The group also appeared on popular TV shows like American Bandstand, The Perry Como Show, and The Steve Allen Show. These appearances made Dave even more famous. In August 1961, he decided to leave The Diamonds.

After The Diamonds: A Solo Career and More

New Beginnings as David Troy

After leaving The Diamonds, Dave Somerville married Judy Corns. He then started a solo career as a folk artist. For six years, he used the stage name David Troy. During this time, he also studied acting with Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in Star Trek. Dave appeared in many TV shows, often credited as "David Troy."

He also did a lot of voice-over work. You could hear his voice in hundreds of radio and TV commercials.

Music, TV, and Songwriting

In 1967, Dave joined another group called The Four Preps. Later, in 1969, he formed a folk/comedy duo with Bruce Belland, called Belland & Somerville. They performed with famous musicians like Henry Mancini and Johnny Mathis. They were also regular guests on The Tim Conway Show.

Dave and Bruce also wrote songs together. They co-wrote "The Troublemaker," which became the title song for two albums by Willie Nelson.

Later Years and Honors

In 1972, Dave Somerville formed a new group called WW Fancy. He also sang background vocals for B. J. Thomas' song "Rock and Roll Lullaby" in 1972. In the late 1980s, he sang again with original members of The Diamonds and The Four Preps.

Dave also wrote a song called "The (Ballad of the) Unknown Stuntman." This song inspired the TV show The Fall Guy, starring Lee Majors. Dave's own home in Hollywood Hills was even used as the set for the main character's house! "The Unknown Stuntman" became the theme song for the show.

His first album for children was called The Cosmic Adventures of Diamond Dave. It had many original songs and characters and was well-liked in the U.S. and Canada. The Diamonds have been honored many times. They are in The Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Doo Wop Hall of Fame, and The Rockabilly Hall of Fame. They also received Canada's Juno Award.

Dave Somerville's last stage show was called On The 1957 Rock & Roll Greyhound Bus. In this show, he shared stories from rock and roll's first big tour. He also sang songs by famous artists like Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, and Chuck Berry.

Family Life

In 1967, Dave Somerville had his only child, David Orlando Somerville, with his wife Judy Corns.

Saying Goodbye

Dave Somerville passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 14, 2015. He was 81 years old and died in Santa Barbara, California.

TV Shows and Movies

Television

• Double Dare
• Automan
• Fall Guy
• Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo
• The Gathering
• Rooster
• McCloud
• Star Trek TOS
• Tim Conway Show
• Steve Allen
• Merv Griffin Show
• Billboard Awards
• Tonight Show
• American Bandstand
• Tony Bennett Show
• Midnight Special
• Henry Mancini Special
• Smothers Bros. Special
• Spider-Man
• Perry Como
• Mike Douglas Show
• Doo Wop 51
• Magic Moments, The Best of 50s Pop

Films

• The Big Beat
• A Sign of the Times
• The Doberman Gang

Stage

• Two Dreams Met
• Dew Drop Inn Sam

Awards and Honors

• 1984: Received a Juno Award and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as a member of The Diamonds.
• October 2004: Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
• 2006: Inducted into the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame.