Rusty69 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This is so great. I didn't know Tom Hanks’ father was the lead singer of the Diamonds!

THIS WILL PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE :-)
About Tom Hanks Father:
If you were alive in 1957, and old enough to enjoy Rock and Roll, you will probably remember the group
"The Diamonds" who had just launched their super hit "Little Darlin'".
For you that are too young to remember - it was a time when the performers were happy, enjoying
themselves, respecting their fans, dressed appropriately, and their lyrics could be understood.
They did not feel obligated to scream, practically eat the microphone, mumble inaudible lyrics, or trash
the set.

In 1957, The Diamonds had a hit with "Little Darlin'". 47 years later, they were requested to perform at
Atlantic City.

This link leads to both performances.
Watch the first one, then the 'new' one 47 years later.

Though you can see a resemblance, Tom Hanks' father is better looking than Tom ... and even better
looking with age. In the linked videos, Tom Hanks' father is the lead singer on the left. He still has it!
Hope you enjoy.

47 years apart and the same performance, both identical. (if the direct link fails, copy and paste to your
favourite browser)

http://www.flixxy.com/the-diamonds-little-darlin-1957-2004..htm



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Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Wow, what a find and thanks for posting it. I used to listen to that song on KOBY Radio in the Bay Area. I think i had the 45 of it at one point. Lots of good memories from those times. And yea they still have it.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Thanks. Lots of good memories. I showed it to my wife. When I told her it was Tom Hank’s father she said, “It looks just like him!”

buckwheat Loc: Clarkdale, AZ and Belen NM

The resemblance to Hanks is uncanny, but Tom's father was a cook and never sang anything. However, I like this story and fits nicely with the movie "That thing that you do".

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

So that’s not his father?

buckwheat Loc: Clarkdale, AZ and Belen NM

I don't like Snopes, but it and several other internet sites confirm that his father was a cook. I also don't like people who rain on other's parades, but I was curious and looked it up. If it's on the internet it must be true.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Just checked with Snopes too! Not his dad.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

His Dad or not, I really enjoyed this. Many, many memories.

Rusty69 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

My bad. I am usually the one who does the fact checking in my group. Now I have to go back to the friend who sent me this link and let him know that I blew it. He'll be thrilled that my usual cynicism let me down.
Thanks Buckwheat!!

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

If you don’t tell him, he’ll still believe it.

leftyD500 Loc: Ocala, Florida

Nice story, false from start to finish. Tom Hanks' father was never a singer, much less a member of The Diamonds, a Canadian vocal group famous in the late fifties and early sixties for such Top 40 hits as "Little Darlin'" and "The Stroll."


The Diamonds' original lead singer was Dave Somerville, a native of Ontario, Canada with no known familial connection to Mr. Hanks.

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

Regardless who was Tom Hanks father, thanks so much for sharing this. Brings back many memories.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Good stuff.

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

I sure believed it looking at the old video. The profile is so very similar. But the Internet is full of stuff. Like telling people that Mr. Rogers was a Navy Seal.

diny

Tom Hanks' father was never a member of the diamonds, just a myth or popular belief...