Lance Diamond facts for kids
Lance Diamond (born William Shingles) was an American singer and radio host from Buffalo, New York. He was born on July 3, 1945, and passed away on January 4, 2015. His music career lasted for more than 40 years.
Discovering Lance Diamond's Career
Lance Diamond and his band, the 24 Karat Diamond Band, were famous for playing many classic rock and disco songs. He often called himself the "Love Doctor." This nickname came from his radio show, Saturday Night Fever. He hosted this show on Saturday evenings on 96.1 WJYE (now WMSX), playing love songs.
His success in Buffalo was so big that he received offers to perform in Las Vegas. However, he chose to stay in Buffalo because he loved his hometown.
Diamond once met Robby Takac, the bassist for the band Goo Goo Dolls. They became neighbors when Takac moved into the apartment below him in Buffalo.
Buffalo's ARTVOICE newspaper recognized him as Buffalo's "best individual vocalist." They also called him the "king of charisma" and the best "genre-defying act." He performed twice at Melody Fair, a well-known performing arts place in North Tonawanda, New York.
In his later years, Diamond often performed in Buffalo's Elmwood Village. He played at The Elmwood Lounge, a local tavern, every week until shortly before he passed away.
Awards and Recognition
- Buffalo Music Hall of Fame 1992
Remembering Lance Diamond
Lance Diamond passed away on January 4, 2015. He was 69 years old. He had been hospitalized a few days earlier due to heart problems. These health issues also stopped him from performing his yearly New Year's Eve show. He is buried in Ridge Lawn Cemetery in Cheektowaga, New York.
In 2017, a documentary about Lance Diamond was made. It was called Diamond in the Buff: The Lance Diamond Story. Kevin Polowy directed this film. Polowy was able to interview Diamond three times before he passed away. These interviews were included in the movie.
