A popular foursome of the 1950s and ’60s, The Diamonds, will come to Cortez on May 8 for a 7 p.m. performance at Montezuma-Cortez High School.

Known for the Top 10 hit “Lil Darlin,” which also played on the soundtrack for “American Graffiti,” The Diamonds are a Canadian quarter that rose to prominence with 16 Billboard hits. They continue to perform through the years with gradual changes in personnel and currently include lead signer Jerry Siggins, baritone Gary Owens, tenor Sean Sooter and bass Jeff Dolan.

The original Diamonds – Dave Somerville, Ted Kowalski, Phil Levitt and Bill Reed – were noted for interpreting and introducing rhythm and blues vocals to a wider pop music audience. They won first place on Arthur Godfrey’s “Talent Scouts” with the prize being guest artist for a week on Godfrey’s daily radio show, which then led to their first recording contract with Coral Records.

Television performances included shows with Steve Allen, Perry Como, Vic Damone, Tony Bennett and “American Bandstand.”

The Diamonds’ biggest hits were 1957’s “Lil Darlin” and “The Stroll.”

“With their 16 hit records, their Doo-Wop Hall of Fame, their Vocal Group Hall of Fame, their 20 million records sold and their soundtrack “American Graffiti,” The Diamonds are the perfect entertainment choice for audiences ranging from formal settings, like their appearance here, to the casual atmosphere of an outdoor stage at a fair or festival,” Julie Auers, of Southwest Concerts said in a press release. “They combine their great vocal harmony and musical instrument talents to provide an unforgettable, first-class entertainment for our audience!”

For more information about SouthWest Colorado Concerts and how to attend this show, visit swcoloradoconcerts.org or call Julie Ayers at 970-882-1284 or Eric Wilson at 970-739-8508.

And visit YouTube for a don’t-miss look back to The Diamonds performing “Lil Darlin” on the Dick Clark Show.