Guess who?

sm_counsell · 03-01-2013, 09:19

This is so great. I didn't know Tom Hanks father was the lead singer of the Diamonds.
Tom Hanks Father:
If you were alive in 1957, and old enough to enjoy Rock and Roll, you will probably remember the group, "The Diamonds",who had just launched their super hit "Little Darlin'.
For you that are too young to remember - it was a time when the performers were happy, enjoying themselves, respecting their fans, dressed appropriately and their lyrics could be understood.
They did not feel obligated to scream, eat the microphone, mumble inaudible lyrics or trash the set.
In 1957, The Diamonds had a hit with "Little Darlin". 47 years later, they were requested to perform at Atlantic City...
This link leads to both performances.
Watch the first one then scroll down for the new one 47 years later.
Tom Hanks father is much better looking than Tom, and even better looking with age. In the linked videos Tom Hank's father is the lead singer on the left. He still has it! Hope you enjoy.
47 years apart, 2 Performances --

(He's the guy on the left with the high-pitched voice)
Two Performances - 47 Years Apart - The Diamonds

cashman · 03-01-2013, 11:19

Cheers Sue, still got the original record n still love it.

lindashanks2 · 03-01-2013, 15:39

Absolute quality. Love the song, always have done. If I remember correctly, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders did a cover in the 60's.

hassy rvr · 03-01-2013, 16:12

Well will go to foot of our stairs thanks for that bit of information and the link,loved this song and the memories it brought back.

cashman · 03-01-2013, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindashanks2

Absolute quality. Love the song, always have done. If I remember correctly, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders did a cover in the 60's.

Never heard Fontana Linda, but get a load of these kids 1960.

The Del Vikings @ also Gladiolas did covers as well.

Wynonie Harris · 03-01-2013, 17:23

Sorry, mate, you're wrong there. The Gladiolas (featuring Maurice Williams) was the original.

cashman · 03-01-2013, 19:52

Don't apologise fer being correct wyn.

Wynonie Harris · 04-01-2013, 02:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

Don't apologise fer being correct wyn.

Never like correcting you, though, as you know yer stuff about the classic tunes.

Personally, I prefer the Gladiolas' original. Like Bill Haley, Pat Boone, Georgia Gibbs and quite a few others, the Diamonds took advantage of the fact that in 50's America, a lot of white radio stations wouldn't play black R&B records and jumped on the cover version bandwagon. Maurice Williams had his own hit four years later with "Stay", later messed up by the Hollies.

Alan Gilmartin · 04-01-2013, 08:40

Well, well well, sent shivers down my spine, my brother Kevin had it on a 78, thanks Susan. My god Toms dad has only gone gray, otherwise no change.

flashman · 04-01-2013, 14:13

According to Wikipedia "Contrary to popular myth, the father of Tom Hanks was never a member of the group."

"Hanks was born in Concord, California. His father, Amos Mefford Hanks (born in Glenn County, California, on March 9, 1924 "

sm_counsell · 04-01-2013, 14:23

Could be right, I just received it from Australia, but
he certainly resembles Tom Hanks. Actually I posted it more for the song that for the Tom Hanks connection