Jim Diamond

Jim Diamond has been on the cutting edge of British rock for more than a quarter of a century. A former member of Scottish band, Gully Foyle, in the early-1970s, the Alexis Korner Band and Bandit in the late-1970s and PhD, formed with ex-members of the Jeff Beck Band, in the early-80s, Diamond reached his peak as a soloist. He scored with three substantial hits -- I Won't Let You Down" in 1982, "I Should Have Known Better" in 1984, and "Hi Ho Silver", a year later. His final top ten hit, in 1986, served as the theme song to a popular ITV detective show, Boon. Playing music professionally since his teens, Diamond first attracted attention as a member of Scottish rock band, Gully Foyle. Although he left to form a new band, Bandit, and signed with Arista, their debut album was met by commercial indifference and the group disbanded. Accepting an invitation to join Alexis Korner's group, Diamond remained with the band for two years, appearing on their 1978 album, Just Easy. Temporarily moving to Los Angeles, Diamond worked with veteran David Bowie and Rod Stewart session musicians. He formed a short-lived group, Slick Diamond, with guitarist Earl Slick and drummer Carmen Appice. Returning to England, Diamond joined with ex-Jeff Beck Band members, Tony Hymas and Simon Phillips, to form PhD. Their debut self-titled album included the multi-million selling hit, "I Won't Let You Down". Another single, "I Don't Know", was recorded with Beck playing electric guitar. The momentum of PhD's early success was setback when Diamond contacted hepatitis. Prevented from touring, by Diamond's illness, the group disbanded. Stepping into the spotlight as a soloist, Diamond struck gold. His first solo single, "I Shoud Have Known Better", co-written with Benny Gallagher of Gallagher and Lyle,...