The 1950’s Fabulous Foursome! This is the fan site of the original Diamonds of the 1950s. All hailing from Canada, they made their way to the U. S., and with their songs and energy, endeared themselves to their fans forever.

Ted Kowalski, As the tenor and founding member of the Diamonds, he brought joy to the fans with his energy and his love of singing. Ted passed away Aug 8, 2010 as a result of continuing medical issues. Obituary

Phil Levitt

Ted Kowalski

Dave Somerville

Bill Reed

Dave Somerville , As lead singer of the Diamonds his voice defined the Diamonds’ sound. Dave started singing professionally in 1953 and continued until his death. To quote Dave, “I haven’t had a day job since 1953!” Dick Clark once said, "When you think of The Diamonds, you've got to think of Dave Somerville." Dave passed away July 14, 2015. Obituary

Personnel Changes The Diamonds had four combinations out of eight different singers during their recording contract with Mercury Records. Listed below are the gentlemen that took the positions of the original four as they left the group. The photo to the left was the group when The Diamonds finished their contract with Mercury Records.

This is a fan site of the "Original" Diamonds Singing Quartet of the 1950s. It has been on the Internet since 1998 and is updated when new content becomes available. Information contained in this website, is the version of events as related to me by original members: Stan Fisher, Phil Levitt, Ted Kowalski, Bill Reed, and Dave Somerville. Other contributors: Ric Tester, two latter members of the Diamonds; Mike Douglas and Evan Fisher. Note: The bulk of the Diamonds' success came from their work in the United States, but they were one of many fine groups and artists that came from Canada.

Disclaimer

Mike Douglas - Baritone: In mid-1957, at the departure of Phil Levitt, Mike took over the position of baritone and was the groups first personnel change. He was a friend of Bill and Ted, and sang with them in the earlier days. The change did not vary the sound of the Diamonds. He also picked up two gold recordings with the group: “The Stroll” and “Silhouettes”. Mike was killed in an auto accident in 2012.

John Felten - Bass: John was hired to sing bass at the departure of Bill Reed at the end of 1958. This was a noticeable change in the group's sound because John's voice had an edge, compared to Bill's, which was smoother and darker. This was particularly noticeable because of the roll of the bass singer in their arrangements. John was killed in a small plane accident on May 17, 1982.

Evan Fisher - Tenor: At the same time in 1958, Evan was hired to sing tenor when Ted left. A good tenor and comic, who had no problem wearing a dress in the Diamonds' club act. After the Diamonds he teamed with Jim Malone in a duo act. Was a original member of the Four Preps. Evan is alive and well in the South-West of the United States.

Jim Malone - Lead: When Dave Somerville left in 1961, Jim was hired as lead. His voice was totally different from Dave's and the Diamonds' signature sound was all gone, but they were still a good sounding quartet. Jim passed away 2006.

Phil Levitt, the original baritone. At University of Toronto, Phil and his friend Stan Fisher met Ted Kowalski and started singing together. Ted recruited his buddy, bass singer Bill Reed, and the quartet was Complete. The combination of meeting Dave Somerville and Stan Fisher’s decision to stick with school, Dave became the lead. That four became The Diamonds singing group that we’re familiar with today.

Bill Reed , The original bass singer. Bill’s smooth bass voice was the foundation of the Diamonds and was instrumental in establishing their signature sound. We are saddened at his loss, but rejoice in the privilege of hearing him sing. Bill passed away October 22, 2004. He was 68. Obituary

Welcome To The “Original” Diamonds’ Fan Site! The most complete website on the “Original” Diamonds of the 1950s. It has been on the internet for over 20 years and is updated when new content becomes available.