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A lounge singer- Author; Justin Higuchi-

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Lance Diamond

 Lance Diamond, born on July 3rd 1945, as William Shingles, was an American lounge singer and radio personality based in Buffalo, New York, who passed on recently on January 4th, 2015. His career spanned over 40 years.

1. Played so many classic rocks and disco-era songs

Live Band performance- Author; Gripweed-

Diamond, together with his band, the 24 Karat Diamond Band, played many classic rock and disco-era songs.

He often referred to himself as the “Love Doctor,” getting the name from his radio show, Saturday Night Fever which he hosted Saturday evenings on 96.1 WJYE that would mainly play love songs.

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.

2. Lance played with the iconic rock band, Goo Goo Dolls

GooGoo Dolls Concert- Author; Analogue Kid –

Diamond also  and even recorded with them on tracks like,“Down on the Corner”, “Never Take the Place of Your Man”, “My Girl”, “Do You Believe”, and “Bitch.”

Diamond met the Goo Goo Dolls’ bassist Robby Takac after Takac moved into the apartment directly below him in a Buffalo apartment building. That was the beginning of his journey.

3. Was recognized as Buffalo’s best individual vocalist

Photo by Matt Botsford on

Lance was deemed Buffalo’s “best individual vocalist”, “king of charisma” and best “genre-defying act” by Buffalo’s ARTVOICE.

Moreover, he performed twice at the Melody Fair, a famous performing arts venue in North Tonawanda, NY.

During 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. Diamond came to be known to the public after his performance with Goo Goo Dolls

Lounge singer and radio personality, Lance Diamond performing at Nektar Martini Bar and Grille in Buffalo, New York- Author; DragonFire1024-

He came to the attention of a new generation of fans when he recorded with the Goo Goo Dolls. This merger of a Las Vegas-style show performer and fast-paced, almost thrash style of the Goo Goo Dolls brought him both local and national recognition.

With the Goo Goo Dolls, he did performances from NYC to LA, even receiving fan mail from all points between, and even being featured in almost all national Rock publications.

Moreover, several major record companies expressed interest in signing Lance to record with them and under the production of Van Taylor. He even ahead and completed demo songs featuring musicians the likes of George Puleo and Kenny Hawkins during this time.

5. A group of people met to commemorate him after his passing

Photo by Eli Solitas on

In 2016 , a group of local representatives from Robby Takac’s ‘Music is Art’ Foundation, as well as government officials, including even Buffalo mayor Byron Brown, gathered at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and West Utica Streets.

This was the location of the former Elmwood Lounge (now Milkies) where Lance was a regular performer and where he developed a huge, loyal following.

6.  A street was named after him to pay tribute to him

A street- Photo by Rayson Tan on

The Corner of the street was dubbed “Lance Diamond Way” and is a fitting tribute to Lance and for all to remember the great music that Lance performed at the Elmwood Lounge.

7. A student’s scholarship was named also in Lance’s name

Studying- Image by StockSnap from

At the event of his commemoration, Tracy Shattuck, Executive Director of Music is Art, announced a student scholarship in Lance’s name.

This scholarship is still viable and high school students in grades 9-12 can apply for the scholarship.

8. Lance came to be known as the hardest-working man in Buffalo in the show business

A concert- Photo by Noiseporn on

Lance was affectionately known to all as “The Hardest Working Man in Buffalo Show Business”.

In fact, during his commemoration, the mayor stated, “He may have left us, but his memory, legacy and music will last forever.” What a legacy to leave behind, right?

9. He Broke racial barriers  through his music

Photo by visuals on

Diamond broke racial barriers by playing in clubs outside of the city that didn’t have Black performances. He also loved Buffalo and turned down Las Vegas to keep performing in his hometown.

With this move, he was able to break the racial barriers that were there, especially in the 70s and 80s.

10. There is a documentary film dedicated to Lance

Photo by Noom Peerapong on

“A DIAMOND IN THE BUFF” is the title of the documentary co-directed by Buffalo native Kevin Polowy.

The film is meant to tell of Lance’s story because as its co-director noted, “He had an incredible story that few people know. He was a very private guy and everyone knew the showman Lance Diamond, but very few people knew William E. Shingles, his birth name.”