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Lance Diamond
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Lance Diamond
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Lance Diamond in 2007

Lance Diamond (born William Shingles;[1] July 3,[2] 1945[3] – January 4, 2015) was an American lounge singer and radio personality based in Buffalo, New York, whose career spanned over 40 years.[4]

Career

[edit]

Diamond, together with his band the 24 Karat Diamond Band, played many classic rock and disco-era songs. He often called himself the "Love Doctor," getting the name from his radio show, Saturday Night Fever which he hosted Saturday evenings on 96.1 WJYE (now WTSS) featuring love music.[5] His success in Buffalo led him to receive offers to lead shows in Las Vegas, which he declined due to his preference to stay in Buffalo.[5]

Diamond played with the Goo Goo Dolls live, as well as recording with them on the tracks "Down on the Corner", "Never Take the Place of Your Man", "My Girl", "Do You Believe", and "Bitch." Diamond and the Goo Goo Dolls performed "Bitch" on the 1993 AIDS-Benefit Album No Alternative produced by the Red Hot Organization. Diamond met Goo Goo Dolls' bassist Robby Takac after Takac moved into the apartment directly below him in a Buffalo apartment building.[6][7][8]

He was deemed Buffalo's "best individual vocalist", "king of charisma" and best "genre-defying act" by Buffalo's ARTVOICE.[9] He also performed twice at Melody Fair, a famous performing arts venue in North Tonawanda, NY.

In his last years, Diamond was a regular performer in Buffalo's Elmwood Village and performed at The Elmwood Lounge, a local tavern in Elmwood Village, on a weekly basis until shortly before his death.[4]

Awards

[edit]
  • Buffalo Music Hall of Fame 1992[10]

Death

[edit]

Diamond died on January 4, 2015, a few days after being hospitalized due to heart complications that prevented him from performing his annual New Year's Eve show.[5] He was 69[3] and believed to have no spouse or children (his sister announced his death), although his secretive nature meant that very little of his personal life was known to the public.[5]

In 2017, Diamond was the subject of the documentary A Diamond in the Buff, co-directed by Kevin Polowy and Brandon Rae. Polowy was able to secure three interviews from the notoriously secretive Diamond before his death, which were incorporated into the film.[11]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Lance Diamond

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from Grokipedia
Lance Diamond (born William E. Shingles; July 3, 1945 – January 4, 2015) was an American R&B lounge singer, entertainer, and based in , widely regarded as a pioneering figure in the region's music scene for his dynamic showmanship and commitment to local performance over national fame. Known affectionately as "the hardest working man in Buffalo show business," he captivated audiences for over four decades with his soulful vocals, elaborate wardrobe, and energetic stage presence at venues like the Elmwood Lounge (later Milkie's) and outdoor concerts across . Diamond's career began in the as a performer with local bands such as Pneu Breed and Isaac and the Lance Diamond Show, which toured the and , and he later transitioned to solo acts while serving as a guest vocalist for emerging groups like the , with whom he recorded and performed from to . He broke racial barriers by becoming one of the first Black entertainers to perform in Buffalo-area clubs that previously excluded performers of color, and he opened for major acts including , , and , solidifying his status as a versatile R&B and lounge artist. As a , he further embedded himself in Buffalo's cultural fabric, entertaining at weddings, special events, and radio broadcasts while choosing to remain rooted in his hometown despite opportunities in . Diamond's legacy endures through his 1992 induction into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, the naming of "Lance Diamond Way" at the intersection of Elmwood Avenue and West Utica Street, and a scholarship established in his name by the Music is Art Foundation to support aspiring local musicians. He passed away from heart complications at age 69, shortly after canceling a performance, leaving behind a profound influence on Buffalo's entertainment community that inspired a 2017 documentary, A Diamond in the Buff, which highlighted his private personal life—including the tragic losses of his siblings—and his role as a "force of nature" in the city's music history.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Lance Diamond, born William E. Shingles, entered the world on July 3, 1945, in . His early life was rooted in the city's vibrant, close-knit community, where the industrial and cultural fabric of post-World War II Buffalo provided a formative backdrop. Diamond grew up in a working-class family environment typical of mid-20th-century Buffalo, though specific details about his parents remain scarce in . He experienced the tragic losses of his brother and sister. This local upbringing fostered deep ties to the region, influencing his lifelong connection to Western New York's entertainment scene and community spirit. As a child, he was immersed in the area's evolving , marked by lively local venues and the influx of diverse musical influences following the .

Early Musical Interests and Beginnings

Growing up in , Lance Diamond, born William E. Shingles, developed an early interest in music amid the vibrant local scene of the , where he was inspired by lounge singers like and pop artists such as , alongside emerging regional talents. This period's blend of , rock, and R&B in Buffalo's clubs and venues shaped his appreciation for charismatic performance styles, drawing him toward entertainment as a teen when he began playing and guitar. Shingles performed informally from age five in church choirs and school musicals, honing a stage presence that foreshadowed his professional path. In the late , Shingles made his professional debut at local Buffalo clubs, leading and revue that introduced him to audiences in a racially diverse yet segregated music environment. To cultivate a distinctive showbiz , he adopted the stage name Lance Diamond around this time, named by a club owner who thought it sounded catchy. This transition marked his shift from amateur pursuits to committed performance, aligning with the era's demand for flashy, engaging acts in Western New York's nightlife. Diamond's first formal band affiliation came in 1970 when he joined Pneu Breed as a performer, a group that amplified his early soul-infused style in Buffalo's evolving club circuit. Through initial gigs at local venues in the early , such as smaller spots around the city, he began building a modest following, captivating crowds with high-energy covers and original flair that echoed his formative influences. These appearances laid the groundwork for his reputation as a hardworking showman, though still confined to grassroots levels before broader recognition.

Career

Lounge Singing and Local Performances

Lance Diamond emerged as a prominent figure in Buffalo's lounge singing scene starting in the 1970s, earning the nickname "the hardest working man in Buffalo " for his relentless schedule and dynamic presence. His style blended high-energy R&B grooves reminiscent of with the polished charisma of Vegas-era soul, delivering sultry renditions of pop standards, rock classics, and lounge favorites that captivated audiences. Often performing solo or backed by ensembles like the 24 Karat Diamond Band, Diamond's shows featured his smooth voice, dapper attire, and infectious energy, fostering a loyal fanbase drawn to his electrifying charisma. Diamond's local performances were centered in 's club circuit, with regular appearances at key Buffalo venues that solidified his status as a hometown staple. The Elmwood Lounge, later renamed Milkie's, served as his primary stage for over four decades, where he built a massive following through weekly gigs that drew packed crowds night after night. He also entertained at other local spots, including hotels and theaters, turning these spaces into hubs of Buffalo's vibrant entertainment scene from the onward. His commitment to the region was evident in his decision to prioritize audiences over opportunities elsewhere, ensuring consistent live shows that spanned more than 40 years. Throughout his lounge career, Diamond's charismatic delivery and versatile repertoire—spanning , and standards—created signature moments that resonated deeply with fans, often highlighted by his radiant showmanship and ability to connect personally during performances. By maintaining a high volume of gigs, he not only attracted large, repeat crowds but also became a symbol of Buffalo's musical heartbeat, influencing the city's .

Radio and Media Career

Lance Diamond transitioned into radio broadcasting in the 1970s, establishing himself as a disc jockey in Buffalo alongside his musical pursuits. His signature program, Saturday Night Fever, aired weekly on 96.1 WJYE (later WMSX, now WTSS), featuring a mix of classic soul, dance, and love songs that captured the romantic essence of his lounge performances. The show, which ran Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to midnight, earned Diamond the enduring nickname "The Love Doctor" for its focus on themes of romance and heartfelt music selection. Throughout the and , Diamond's radio presence paralleled his live gigs, where he infused broadcasts with his charismatic —characterized by a gravelly voice and engaging commentary that drew listeners into personal anecdotes drawn from Buffalo's music scene. This extension of his lounge singer charm to the airwaves helped solidify his role as a community icon, often promoting local events and spotlighting regional artists through dedicated segments. Notable episodes included live music features and tributes to influential Buffalo musicians, further enhancing his status as a steward of the city's .

Tours and Collaborations

In the 1970s and 1980s, Lance Diamond expanded his performances beyond through extensive touring with the show Isaac and the Lance Diamond Show, a collaboration featuring as a key partner in shared billing and group dynamics. This partnership allowed Diamond to showcase his versatile R&B and lounge style across diverse audiences, blending high-energy vocals with ensemble arrangements that highlighted their complementary talents. The tours covered multiple U.S. cities, positioning Diamond as an for prominent national artists including and , which exposed him to larger venues and broader fanbases. Internationally, the group performed in , marking a significant cultural extension of Diamond's career and introducing his energetic performances to overseas audiences during this period. These travels, building on his Buffalo foundation, underscored his adaptability as an entertainer capable of engaging varied international crowds. Diamond also collaborated with the as a guest vocalist, recording tracks such as "" and "Bitch" for their 1993 album No Alternative, and performing with the band from to .

Awards and Honors

Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Induction

Lance Diamond was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame on November 23, 1992, during the annual Buffalo Music Awards ceremony held at Manikin's Night Club in . The event drew approximately 1,000 fans and musicians, where Diamond's induction was regarded as the sentimental favorite of the evening, highlighting his enduring popularity in the local scene. During the ceremony, Diamond accepted the honor with heartfelt speeches that underscored his appreciation for peer recognition and the challenges of the R&B music life in Buffalo. He stated, "Anytime you are honored by the people you work with, and make music for, it’s a special honor," and added, "I see this as an honor for every R&B band working in Buffalo. It’s a tough life for all of us, and you have to love it to keep playing." No specific performances by Diamond were noted at the event, though the induction celebrated his trajectory from starting performances in 1970 with the band Pneu Breed to becoming a staple of Buffalo's entertainment circuit in the and 1980s. The induction recognized Diamond for his multi-generational appeal as a performer, his collaborations including early shows with the , and his reputation as one of Buffalo's top showmen, often described as the "best dressed and hardest working" in local music. By 1992, after more than two decades of consistent local impact, this accolade foreshadowed his overall career longevity exceeding 40 years in entertainment. The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, founded in 1983, serves to honor, preserve, and promote the diverse musical culture and heritage of Buffalo and by inducting individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the regional music scene. Through formal induction ceremonies and ongoing initiatives, the organization celebrates local musicians' legacies and fosters community appreciation for 's musical history.

Other Recognitions and Tributes

In addition to his induction into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Lance Diamond received several local honors that highlighted his enduring popularity in Buffalo's entertainment scene. In 1992, the Buffalo Common Council declared a day in his honor as "Lance Diamond Day" in recognition of his dedication to entertaining audiences and contributions to the community's cultural life. This civic tribute, tied to his rising prominence in the early , underscored his role as a beloved local figure without relying on national acclaim. Diamond also earned accolades through fan-voted and industry polls at the annual Buffalo Music Awards, events that celebrated Western New York's top performers. In 1994, he and his band won the Top R&B Group award at the 14th Annual Buffalo Music Awards, affirming his strength in during a decade of consistent lounge and club performances. Similarly, in 2010, he received the Group Vocals award with The Diva Show Band, reflecting his collaborative spirit and vocal prowess later in his career amid ongoing radio work. Posthumously, Diamond's contributions were further recognized. On July 1, 2016, the intersection of Elmwood Avenue and West Utica Street was named "Lance Diamond Way." The Music is Art Foundation established a in his name to support aspiring high school musicians in grades 9-12. Following his death, Buffalo Mayor proclaimed January 10, 2015, as Lance Diamond Day in the city. In 2023, an annual Lance Diamond Day celebration was established on July 4 to honor his legacy, with events featuring local artists and community tributes. Informal tributes further cemented Diamond's status as a Buffalo icon, including his widespread nickname "The Hardest Working Man in Buffalo Show Business," a moniker earned through his relentless schedule of gigs, broadcasts, and community appearances spanning over four decades. These recognitions, often highlighted in local media and fan discussions, emphasized his charisma and accessibility, distinguishing him as a self-made entertainer who thrived on support rather than institutional prestige.

Later Life and Death

Personal Life and Health Challenges

Lance Diamond maintained a deeply private centered in , where he had resided for much of his adulthood. He never married and had no children, instead treating his loyal audiences and the local community as his , a sentiment echoed by those close to him. Diamond shared close familial ties with his siblings, including sisters Paulette Counts and Joan Emory, though he endured the profound tragedy of losing his brother and another sister during his lifetime. These personal connections underscored his rootedness in Buffalo, where he prioritized local relationships over broader fame. Throughout his career, Diamond fostered long-term bonds within Buffalo's entertainment community, collaborating and performing alongside fellow musicians and performers who became like family. His lifestyle reflected a deliberate balance between the demands of —often performing multiple gigs weekly—and quieter personal pursuits, such as maintaining ties to his hometown's cultural fabric. He famously declined lucrative offers to relocate to larger venues like , choosing instead to invest his energies in Buffalo's vibrant lounge and radio scenes, which allowed him to nurture these enduring professional and personal networks. In his later years, Diamond confronted serious health challenges, particularly heart-related complications that onset in late December 2014. These issues, which family members described as sudden and severe, led to his hospitalization at Buffalo General Medical Center and forced the cancellation of his annual New Year's Eve performance at Milkie's on Elmwood Avenue—a staple event for Buffalo revelers. The health struggles curtailed his ability to perform, highlighting the physical toll of decades in the demanding entertainment industry, though he remained a beloved figure in the community until the end.

Circumstances of Death

Lance Diamond died on January 4, 2015, in Buffalo, New York, at the age of 69, due to heart complications following a period of illness that had plagued him in his later years. He had been hospitalized shortly after Christmas 2014, which forced him to cancel his annual New Year's Eve performance at Milkie's, a longstanding tradition in the local music scene. Diamond's family announced his passing the following day, expressing gratitude for the community's support and highlighting his enduring love for Buffalo. Local media outlets, including and , quickly covered the news, emphasizing his status as a beloved R&B singer and entertainer who had performed for over four decades in . Funeral arrangements were promptly organized, with a wake held at 11:00 a.m. on January 10, 2015, at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo, followed immediately by the funeral service at noon. The service, led by Pastor Darius Pridgen, drew hundreds of attendees, including family, friends, and fans, who gathered to pay tribute to Diamond's contributions to the city's cultural fabric. He was subsequently laid to rest at Ridge Lawn Cemetery in .

Legacy

Impact on Buffalo's Music Scene

Lance Diamond emerged as a pivotal icon of Western New York's lounge era, embodying the glamour and charisma of a Las Vegas-style showman through his sequined suits and soulful performances that captivated audiences in Buffalo venues like the Elmwood Lounge. As the first Black musician to perform at suburban clubs outside Buffalo, he broke significant racial barriers, fostering greater inclusivity in the local music landscape and uniting diverse communities across racial lines. His enduring nickname as "the hardest working man in Buffalo show business" underscored his relentless dedication, earning him acclaim as the city's "best individual vocalist" and "king of charisma." Diamond's influence extended to inspiring a new generation of performers, serving as a mentor figure whose style and stage presence shaped emerging talents in Buffalo. For instance, he collaborated with the in the 1980s, blending his lounge soul with their energy on covers like Creedence Clearwater Revival's "" and Prince's "Never Take the Place of Your Man," which helped propel local acts toward broader success. His protégé, Denzell Ward, paid homage by adopting Diamond's signature white suit aesthetic, illustrating how Diamond's flair for audience engagement and showmanship became a blueprint for younger artists navigating Buffalo's evolving club circuit. These mentorship dynamics highlighted his role in cultivating a supportive environment for up-and-coming musicians, as noted by contemporaries who credited him with elevating the city's performance standards. In terms of community ties, Diamond contributed actively to local events and music preservation efforts, strengthening Buffalo's cultural fabric through initiatives that supported aspiring artists. He hosted the radio show "Love Doctor," which promoted local talent and community gatherings, while his visibility on Elmwood Avenue—where he often sat outside the lounge—fostered a sense of neighborhood camaraderie. Posthumously honoring his legacy, the Music is Art Foundation established the Lance Diamond Memorial Scholarship in 2015, awarding up to $1,000 annually to high school students (grades 9-12) for music education, lessons, or camps, thereby ensuring his commitment to nurturing Buffalo's next generation of musicians. Additionally, the naming of "Lance Diamond Way" at Elmwood Avenue and West Utica Street in 2016 symbolized his deep-rooted connection to the community he entertained for decades. In 2023, an inaugural tribute celebration was held at the Elmwood Lounge, highlighting his continued influence on local music culture. Diamond's stylistic versatility played a key role in the evolution of Buffalo's music scene, bridging the raw energy of 1970s rock—rooted in his early work with bands like Pneu Breed—with the polished pop sensibilities that dominated later decades. By fusing old-school R&B, lounge crooning, and punk influences in iconic spots like the Elmwood Lounge, he helped transition Buffalo's venues from siloed genre performances to more eclectic, cross-pollinating spaces that appealed to multigenerational crowds. This hybrid approach not only sustained the lounge tradition amid shifting tastes but also paved the way for modern pop acts to thrive in the same circuit, as evidenced by his collaborations that introduced soulful elements to rock ensembles. His fanbase legacy remains a testament to his magnetic appeal, with devoted audiences spanning generations who cherished his ritual of handing roses to women and his unwavering positivity that turned every show into a communal celebration. Stories abound of fans who followed him from the 1970s onward, viewing him as a "legendary" fixture whose performances created lasting memories and a sense of local pride. This loyalty culminated in multi-generational tributes, reinforcing his status as a beloved entertainer whose charisma continued to draw crowds long after his peak years.

Posthumous Documentary and Cultural Influence

Following Lance Diamond's death in 2015, A Diamond in the Buff was produced as a to his life and career. Directed by Buffalo native Kevin Polowy and Cleveland-based filmmaker Brandon Rae, the 80-minute film premiered on July 20, 2017, at the North Park Theatre in . The project drew on archival footage captured in 2013 for an intended comedy special that Diamond had agreed to participate in, providing rare glimpses of his personality and performances. The documentary features interviews with Diamond's niece LaTasha Johnson, as well as friends, family, musicians, and local figures who reflect on his enduring connections to Buffalo, including his collaborations with acts like the and his playful rivalry with . It chronicles his journey as a lounge singer and , emphasizing his role as a local icon who embodied the city's vibrant music culture. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, performance clips, and historical context, the film portrays Diamond's charisma and dedication to Buffalo, offering viewers an intimate portrait of his influence on the region's entertainment scene. The film's release generated significant local buzz, with an encore screening series at the North Park Theatre in August 2017 by popular demand, drawing crowds eager to celebrate Diamond's legacy. It has contributed to renewed interest in Buffalo's mid-20th-century music history, inspiring discussions and preservation efforts around overlooked local talents like Diamond. By highlighting his story, the documentary has helped sustain his cultural reverence, encouraging younger audiences to explore the city's rich R&B and lounge traditions.

References

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  2. https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/united-states/top-10-outstanding-facts-about-lance-diamond/
  3. https://www.bmhof.org/Inductees-D/Lance-Diamond.html
  4. https://www.btpm.org/local/2015-01-05/legendary-lounge-singer-lance-diamond-passes-away
  5. https://buffalonews.com/news/local/documentary-explores-life-of-lance-diamond-buffalos-legendary-music-man/article_9a56a3e7-bd4c-55eb-879a-864759f2ad6d.html
  6. https://bornbuffalo.com/lance-diamond/
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  9. https://buffablog.com/tonight-tribute-to-the-legendary-lance-diamond/
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  11. https://www.buffalorising.com/2023/07/an-inaugural-tribute-celebration-for-the-one-and-only-lance-diamond/
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  32. https://www.wgrz.com/article/life/lance-diamonds-life-will-be-on-the-big-screen/71-125793057
  33. https://www.musicisart.org/collaborations
  34. https://www.wkbw.com/news/lance-diamond-a-diamond-in-the-buff-world-premiere-set-for-july-20-at-north-park-theatre
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  36. https://northparktheatre.org/lance-diamond-diamond-buff/
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