04/15/01
The voice on stage is definitely Neil Diamond's signature sound. His power ballads are blaring from the speakers, and the performer is covered in sequins. The occasional woman's undergarment is hurled at the stage. There is only one difference with this Diamond performance.
It isn't Neil Diamond at all. It's Black Diamond on stage, making the ladies swoon.
Black Diamond, whose real name is Theron Denson, has a voice that just happens to be nearly identical to Neil Diamond's -- but he's black.
Denson will be appearing as Black Diamond at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Glory Days in downtown Kent. This will be his first performance in Ohio.
Denson, who lives in West Virginia, discovered his talent in church as a young man.
"All the white ladies would say, 'Oh my gosh! Little boy, you sound just like Neil Diamond,'" Denson said, imitating a woman's voice.
Eventually, Denson realized he could make money off his talent and, hence, Black Diamond was born.<
A year ago he left his job at the front desk of a hotel to focus strictly on his performing, Denson said.
"The looks on people's faces when I start performing is priceless," Denson said, then laughed. "They are sure it's a trick microphone -- a reason why I sound like a white Jewish guy from New York."
The majority of Denson's performance is dedicated to Neil Diamond's songs. Crowd favorites include "Sweet Caroline" and "America."
"There are times when I play 'Sweet Caroline' four times," Denson said. "Fans act like they just heard it for the first time."
Denson also has been working on some of his own material.
"Once you get a bit, you start saying 'I wonder what my thoughts sound like in song,'" Denson said.
Denson even performs songs by Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. He loves singing Elvis because "people think 'so that's what it would sound like if Neil recorded Elvis,'" Denson said.
In addition to the voice, Denson tries to emulate Neil Diamond's flashy wardrobe in order to get a more accurate physical appearance. "I'm a little darker than Neil," he quips.
The wardrobe involves "shiny, shimmery sequin-looking" outfits, and "a lot of black," Denson said.
Denson has traveled the country, appearing in venues in South Carolina and as far away as Missouri. In his travels he has developed a "substantial fan base," Denson said.
"That part that is surreal or unreal to me is the group who follow me from show to show," Denson admitted. "I really appreciate people who keep tabs on me."
Denson's fans have a lot in common with Neil Diamond's crowd. Women want to dance with and kiss Black Diamond, Denson said. They sometimes want him to toss his handkerchief into the crowd for a souvenir, he said.
"Neil's audience is fiercely loyal and crazy," Denson said. "Just a fraction is what I see, and it's absolutely amazing."
Denson's audience has a wide age range. There have been 12-year-olds and senior citizens at his performances, Denson recalls.
A particular 76-year-old sat in the front row and "never moved for a two-hour show," Denson said.
Currently, Black Diamond is strictly a one-man show. Denson sings to a track. He is, however, in the process of assembling a band, which will be called Black Diamond and the Cherry Cherry Band, Denson explained.
Glory Days manager Mike Polk discovered Denson's act while on a road trip in West Virginia. Polk convinced owner Mike Beder to hire Denson for a night of entertainment, Polk said.
There is no cover charge and a large crowd is expected, so get there early, Polk said.
"Black Diamond is not used to this venue. With college kids it will be fun to see how he reacts," Polk said.
Denson is also looking forward to a college audience.
"I'm particularly happy that [Glory Days] is by a university," Denson said. "I know there will be a lot of energy and I want to capture some of it and take it home with me."
A surprise duet for the performance is planned, Denson said.
"This person will really bring down the house," he claimed.
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Tony Lombardo
Daily Kent Stater