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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZDIAMOND, Jim(b 28 Sep. '53, Glasgow) UK vocalist. Decided on music after hearing Otis Redding's "My Girl' '67; became club singer at 16; played German air base circuit with Aberdeen band Gully Foyle early '70s. Formed Bandit '75 with James Litherland, guitar; Cliff Williams (later AC/DC), bass; Graham Broad, drums: experienced musicians lent adequate setting for abrasive yet soulful vocals. Eponymous first LP '77 on Arista sunk in punk explosion; after further records with differing lineups he split to work with Alexis Korner, veteran UK bluesman who helped him hone technique (appears on Korner's Just Easy '78). Formed heavy rock band in L.A. late '70s with Carmine Appice on drums, Earl Slick, ex-David Bowie guitarist; money problems split group before recording; Diamond returned to UK to prod. Zoot Money. Teamed with former Jack Bruce/Jeff Beck keyboardist Tony Hymas as PhD, hit jackpot with "I Won't Let You Down': classically simple ballad played off tortured vocal against synth wash, made UK no. 3 '82 and topped many charts worldwide, but Diamond contracted hepatitis, couldn't promote LP Is It Safe? Finally embarked on solo career, scored with another ballad "I Should Have Known Better' no. 1 UK '84, but uptempo followup "I Sleep Alone' flopped; LP Double Crossed in trad. rock vein with talent incl. Simon Kirke, ex-Bad Company. "Hi-Ho Silver' top 10 '86 in Police's white reggae vein. He retained fans; CDs issued '90s: I Won't Let You Down on Polygram. Sugar Rolley Days on BMG. |