Jim Diamond (1951 - 2015) RIP

The singer Jim Diamond has died suddenly at the age of 64.

Born in Glasgow's East End, Diamond was influenced by the voices of Ray Charles and Otis Redding and joined his first band at the age of 14.

After moving to London he formed the band Bandit and his haunting voice was brought to the attention of the father of British blues Alexis Korner, who invited him to work with him.

He later went to Los Angeles where he worked with Eddie Kramer, the legendary producer of Jimmi Hendrix.

On his return to London he formed the band Ph.D with Tony Hymas and Simon Phillips. Their first single "I Won't Let You Down" reached no. 3 in the UK and went on to sell millions around the world.

When Ph.D went their separate ways, Diamond signed to A&M Records.

His single "I Should Have Known Better" went to number one and was nominated for an Ivor Novello award. His next single "Hi Ho Silver" was another top ten hit.

In the late 90s, he teamed up with saxophonist Chris "Snake" Davis from soul outfit M People. They performed together and later worked on Diamond's album Souled and Healed which was released, in 2005.

In 2011, he released an album of soul covers featuring Scottish musicians including Wet Wet Wet drummer Tommy Cunningham and Greg Kane of Hue & Cry.

Original video for "I won't let you down":

Such an distinctive voice, he only had the three hits but they are all eighties classics and on my iPod. RIP.

Aww sad news Should have known better was one of my fave tracks

Blimey i always thought the singer of Hi ho silver was a women one of the best TV themes of all time for boon

I only found out the other day that he was in PhD Boon's theme is an ATG

RIP