Eighteen years ago, the Elmwood Lounge opened their doors to one of the most original entertainers in the history of the Queen City. He unleashed a fury of classic disco mixed with the dreams of a young boy inspired by an influential relative.
"My uncle would come home from tour. He was a great singer and we'd sit on the back porch and he would sing old songs to me. Every time he would come off the road, he would have a gorgeous woman with him, and I said, 'I want that,'" said legendary Buffalo musician Lance Diamond.
Though Diamond's uncle inspired him to choose music as a career, the singer never knew where he would get his start.
"It was a freak accident. I auditioned for a gig with New Breed Productions back in the day. Then one day I was working at the JCPenney's in the Eastern Hills Mall, and I was singing in the back room, and this guy came up and said, 'You have a nice voice,'" Diamond said.
For 10 years Lance Diamond persisted with his music career, trying to grab the industry by the horns. Along with his unexpected discovery of Diamond came the opportunity to sing with bigger bands. For years following, the singer toured the world, performing in Europe, Japan, Miami, New York and California, as well as resorts.
"I've been very blessed as an entertainer to travel all over the world. I am a veteran, and I was in the service for quite some time, so I guess you could say I've been around the world two times."
Although Diamond's love for singing and the inevitable plethora of women that come with being a musician were the elements driving him as a youth, the entertainer has certainly seen the ups and downs of the music industry during his long and healthy career. In the end it all paid off for this original artist.
"I've matured with show business. You can't go out on the road and sleep on a floor, or over someone's house. I was addicted, once you have been bitten by it, you can't shake it. The first time I stepped on stage, I was hooked," mused Diamond.
After touring the world, it was time to return to Diamond's birthplace. Diamond started entertaining at the Elmwood Lounge in downtown Buffalo, where he now performs every Friday and Saturday night.
"I've met some great people on tour, but I've never met more beautiful people than in Buffalo, N.Y. Buffalo is one of the best places you can live. I've met four generations of people as an entertainer," said Diamond.
Having performed for so many years, as well as being a Buffalo native, Lance has met sons of sons who used to come and watch the singer perform. The show is continuously varied because of Diamond's unique perspective on his career.
"I am an entertainer, I work alone. I do three one-hour shows and I change into three outfits for each of them, I feel very blessed to have had a long career here in Buffalo," said Diamond.
Drawing crowds ranging from the guests that Diamond entertained in the '60s and '70s to the swarms of college kids engulfing the downtown area, the singer seems to be here in Buffalo to stay. Diamond has seen the hardships of war and the glories of being a professional musician.
"I have a contact with young people, they bring energy and I appreciate it. The diversity in the age differential is a treasure to me and I appreciate it," said Diamond.
The entertainer struggled for 10 years before finally reaching the spot in his musical career he dreamed of. Diamond now plays not only at The Elmwood Lounge but also at the Casino in Niagara Falls on Friday nights during their happy hour. He has also played the Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo as well as many other colleges.
With all of these jobs, Diamond still managed to work with a band for a new album called "The Mexican Session." On Saturday nights Diamond also can be heard on WJYE 96.1 as he hosts the Lance Diamond Saturday Night Fever from 6 p.m. to midnight. After 40 years, Diamond still keeps busy with plenty to do, and as a 40-year veteran in the music industry, what else could he say?
"I live to love, and I love to live," said Diamond.
