Legs Diamond is an American rock band that has often been called "The American Deep Purple". They formed in Los Angeles, California starting with Michael "Diamond" Gargano (bass) and Jeff Poole (drums). The group released their self-titled debut album for Mercury Records in 1977. The original band broke up in 1980 after three popular albums, but reformed in 1984 after their original albums had begun to acquire a cult following.
The new lineup released several more albums and continued to perform throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 2005, original frontman Rick Sanford was replaced by ex-Montrose and Wild Horses vocalist John Levesque, and the band released their latest album, "Diamonds Are Forever", in 2006. Original members include Roger Romeo (guitar), Michael Prince (keyboards/rhythm guitar), and Jeff Poole (percussion). The band still does the occasional gig in the Los Angeles area and at least once a year in San Antonio, TX where they are still hugely popular, the result of being a favorite of influential disc jockey Joe "the Godfather" Anthony (1940-1992).
Jack "Legs" Diamond (born John Thomas Diamond; July 10, 1897 – December 18, 1931), also known as Gentleman Jack, was an Irish American gangster in Philadelphia and New York City during the Prohibition era. A bootlegger and close associate of gambler Arnold Rothstein, Diamond survived a number of attempts on his life between 1916 and 1931, causing him to be known as the "clay pigeon of the underworld". In 1930, Diamond's nemesis Dutch Schultz remarked to his own gang, "Ain't there nobody that can shoot this guy so he don't bounce back?"
Diamond was born July 10, 1897, to Sara and John Diamond, who emigrated from Ireland in 1891 to Philadelphia. In 1899, Jack's younger brother Eddie Diamond was born. Jack and Eddie both struggled through grade school, while Sara suffered from severe arthritis and other health issues. On December 24, 1913, Sara died from complications due to a bacterial infection and high fever. John Diamond, Sr. moved to Brooklyn shortly afterwards.
Diamond soon joined a New York street gang called the Hudson Dusters. Diamond's first arrest for burglary occurred when he broke into a jewelry store on February 4, 1914, with numerous arrests following through the remainder of his life. Diamond served in the U.S. Army during World War I, but deserted in 1918 or 1919, then was convicted and jailed for desertion.
Legs Diamond is the eponymous debut album by the American rock band Legs Diamond.
In 1989, Kerrang! magazine listed the album at No. 33 among the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time".
All songs written by Michael Prince.
Legs Diamond was a gangster in Philadelphia and New York.
Legs Diamond may also refer to: