Dave Somerville dead: The Diamonds' singer dies at age 81

Dave Somerville, cofounder of rock & roll group The Diamonds, died Tuesday. He was 81. Someville died from cancer in Santa Barbara, California, according to a statement.

The Diamonds’ lead singer met the group during his time as a radio operator at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1953, and the Diamond got discovered three years later. The next year, with Someville as their frontman, The Diamonds toured with the now-legendary Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Paul Anka, Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers.

Somerville left The Diamonds in 1961 to pursue a career as a folk artist under the name David Troy, before joining The Four Preps in 1967. He stuck with the group for two years, but joined back up with them in 1988 for an 18-year stint.

Most recently, Somerville performed “Dave Somerville Original Lead Singer of The Diamonds,” and received entry to five music halls of fame, along with a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Denise, son David Orlando and grandson Chilao.