OLDIES AND GOODIES

May 23, 2016

It's Duncan Hopwood's Birthday!  He doesn't log on to FB, so hundreds of folks whom he probably doesn't know can't tag him and wish him well, so... I'm wishing him well here.  He looks like a Taurus, but is just over the line.. Happy Gemini! 
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Sadly, David Somerville passed away last year just shy of his 82nd birthday.  He was the consummate entertainer.  Tribute after tribute in song and love rolled forth at The Ice House in Pasadena yesterday. The band that he had worked with for years supported a host of friends including Bill Medley, Jimmie Rodgers and Dodi Stevens paying respects to the man who touched the lives of literally millions and millions of people around the world. 

I was fortunate to know David.  The last time we got together for lunch at The Good Neighbor in Studio City, it was as though no time had gone by over the time that had passed since we'd last said hello.  David survived cancer for years.  

"Diamond Dave" loved his family and his friends and his fans.  His family and a couple of hundred friends showed up to pay tribute to his life beautifully produced by his wife of over twenty years, Denise Somerville and friends. His music remains in the very fabric of American Culture. David's singing partner, Bruce Belland, (Belland and Somerville, The Diamonds and Bruce's group, The Four Preps!)

told stories and sang and brought the memorial to a glorious close with everyone singing Little Darlin', The Diamonds' signature tune that topped the charts in the late Fifties for weeks.  

A wonderful treat! Landa Somerville, David's son with his first wife, Judy, played guitar and sang a tribute to his dad. The last time I saw Landa, he was in his crib in a beauty of a house overlooking Hollywood and Highland.  When I introduced myself, he said, "I thought you looked familiar!"  The young man has his dad's warmth and his very own style that,  I hope, will take him along the pathway of music laid out by David.  He really is terrific.  Landa's wife, Katie,  gave a tender and heart rending tribute by telling of meeting Landa in Telluride and falling in love. Through tears she told of how she and Landa returned to California, bringing her 'home' and how David had totally embraced the couple. David and Denise, shared their tiny home  in the Hollywood Hills with Landa and Katie for three years.  

We often use the term 'blessed' to express our gratitude for good things that come into our lives.  Since meeting David Somerville so many years ago and touching base from time to time, his quality of being present and caring are qualities that I'll never forget. Yes. I've been blessed by our connection. And, now again, to spend an afternoon with his friends and family: a blessing, indeed. 

Laughter and tears to celebrate the life a a friend. And music!  Wow!! What a day!  What a wonderful day. 

May 23, 2016
michaelsheehan