Who was/is The Blue Diamonds ? - CDs, Vinyl LPs, DVD and more

The Blue Diamonds

The Blue Diamonds were the Indonesian-born brothers Rudy and Riem de Wolff, born on 12 May 1941 and 15 April 1943 respectively. In 1949 the family moved to Holland, where, like so many youngsters, the two were smitten with the hits pouring in from the United States. At their musical father's wish they learned the guitar, were soon accompanying themselves and formed a little band at the end of the 1950s.

They gave their first performances at festivals for Dutch and Indonesian audiences and were spotted by a talent scout. In 1959 they debuted as the Blue Diamonds with Till I Kissed You, a number by their beloved Everly Brothers; further covers such as Cathy's Clown and Let It Be Me followed. When the Everlys' label moved to block the competition, producer Jack Bultermann suggested reworking old American standards.

From the store of evergreens Bultermann picked eight songs, reworked them and gave them a contemporary sound. Ramona, originally a 1920s waltz by Mabel Wayne, he turned into a brisk foxtrot – and hit the bullseye. With their flawless harmony singing the brothers stormed the charts, including in a German-language version. The success opened the door to an international career for the Blue Diamonds.

On the German market the Blue Diamonds were no longer unknowns when Ramona appeared at the end of 1960 and held the top of the charts for weeks. Publicists praised the rock beat of their guitars and the exotic timbre of their voices; television appearances added to their popularity. With a modern sound and guitars placed centre stage, they appealed to teenagers too.

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