The Diamonds 1955-1957

The Diamonds first sung as a named group at a Christmas function in the basement of St Thomas Aquinas Church, Toronto in 1954. The four young singers who appeared were Dave Somerville (lead),Tedd Kowalski (Tenor), Phil Levitt (baritone) and Bill Reed (Bass). This was also the lineup that made the first records in New York's Pythian Temple for the Coral label in 1955. In late 1955 The Diamonds signed with Mercury Records and recorded their first chart hit - "Why do Fools Fall in Love?". The Diamonds enjoyed a sting of hits through 1956 and 1957 - including the multi-million selling rock classic -"Little Darlin' ".

Tedd Kowalski was a first year engineering student at the University of Toronto in 1953 when he met up with fellow students Phil Levitt and his pal, Stan Fisher - a law student. The fellows began harmonising together and decided to form a quartet. Tedd suggested to the guys that a young bass vocalist who he had sung with in his pre-college days - Bill Reed - would be the man for the job.

After lots of practice, the still unnamed group found themselves at the Canadian Broadcating Commission - standing in a line awaiting an audition. The group was pulled out of the line by another aspiring vocalist and then technician at the studio - Dave Somerville. Dave liked what he heard and took an interest in the group - agreeing to be mentor and coach. In the Christmas season in 1954 dave organised a gig for the group in the basement of St Thomas Aquinas church in Toronto. Stan Fisher became occupied with exams and was unable to attend - his replacement was none other than Dave Somerville, who not only sang lead on that night, but became a permanent replacement member of the group.It was on the taxi ride to the venue that Dave asked the fellows by what title would the group be known. Tedd Kowalsi suggested "The Four Diamonds" - and the name stuck.

The Diamonds worked the clubs around Toronto and eventually signed with Coral Records in 1955 - recording four sides. The first release, "Black Denim Trousers"/"Nip Sip" was unsuccessful. The second attempt - "Smooch Me"/"Be My Lovin' Baby" also failed to chart. Tedd Kowalski sang lead on Smooch Me - and the other sides for Coral featured a group harmony sound with a blend of voices with no definite lead.

Things looked a little gloomy until they met Cleveland disc jockey - Bill Randle who played them a copy of The Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" Bill said that if they could make a good recording of the song he could make it a hit. Bill introduced The Diamonds to Art Talmadge of Mercury Records who signed the group who promptly recorded a cover version of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?' The song became the Diamonds first chart hit and the first of many.