Fri - 3 Mar/17

Nothing on the schedule for today until this evening. The cold front and strong winds give clear blue skies and warrant a light jacket. There is actually a "Wind Chill" this morning making the mid-60's F seem like the 50's. It will just get above 70 F today and will be for the next few days.

Just a relaxing (watching in bed) TV morning.

Lunch was the last round of spaghetti (it was a big batch).

We went to the Orange Blossom Opry (7:30 p.m. show) for "The Diamonds". This is the third time we have seen them. The first time was in Branson, MO at Dave Clark's American Bandstand Theatre. The Diamonds originated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They came along when "Pop" music of the day was morphing into "Rock and Roll".

A Black Gospel Group, "The Revelaires", were a heavy influence on their style. They also taught them how to be not so "Square". The Diamonds showed up on the R and B charts as well because of their "Doo Wop" sound. Doo Wop was the "Black" sound not played on "White" radio stations. Their great lead singer, Dave Somerville (saw him in Branson, he has since passed), and Bill Reed (Bass) had many thinking they were a Black Group.

Their first hits were "Covers" of other groups' songs. Even "Little Darlin'" was a cover; but their version sold over a million (a big number in 1957) and created music history. It was rare for a white cover group (Canadian, no less) to have more rhythm and feeling than the original (Black) group. It hit #2 on both the Pop and R and B charts and was their stepping stone to fame.

Their appearance on American Bandstand dispelled the thought that they were a coloured group (visual proof - right there in "Black and White" (TV) - grin). They were guests twice in the original season (1957) They appeared 33 times over the years. Their original song, "The Stroll", was played numerous times on American Bandstand and, as they say, "the rest is history!"

Note: "The Stroll" was when the kids forming two lines facing each other with a few yards of space between them. The dance couples then took turns “strolling” down this middle. (original inspiration for "Line Dancing". (Eh! ??? - grin).

Another Note: Paul Anka (Diana), another Canadian, was also a guest during ABS's first season (show #3).

Of Added Interest: A conversation overheard on the Musical Tour's Greyhound Bus:

     Buddy Holly: "How long do you think rock and roll will last Dave?"

     Dave Somerville: "Six Months".

     Buddy Holly: "I hope you're wrong Dave. I think rock and roll is good for a year."

We all know how that turned out!

Mind Sludge: Paul Anka used to climb into the luggage rack above the seats on the tour bus to rest. I can verify that is possible - I used to do it on high school football team trips. It was actually a good place to rest.

 Of course, The Diamonds played all their hits and their "Covers". No surprise - they also "covered" just about everybody through the years as well. This was done by singing Medleys of eras, artists and genres. As usual, (seen them 3 times to date) it was a great show. They are pure entertainment. They are humourous and play their own brass (2 Trombones, 2 Saxophones). Oh! ...did I mention - they can sing? Their version of the Beach Boys "In My Room" was not only performed "A Capella"; but also without microphones. It was absolutely fantastic.

They ended with "Silhouettes" and the National Anthem of Rock and Roll - "Little Darlin' " which has sold 20 million copies to date.

Charlotte noticed their sequin jackets (the Red Ones) had different numbers on them. Can you see them? (grin) I Googled; but couldn't find out why?

We made it back to the motorhome in time for some TV, news and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. (Trump has certainly provided him with comedic material).

That's it for today.