Sammy Ambrose - This Diamond Ring

[MikeBlitzMag]

This business of attacking other artists for recording the same song amounts to little more than elitism and narrow mindedness. Where is it written that only one artist can record a song? And does anyone bad mouth Ray Charles because he had the "audacity" to cover Eleanor Rigby, which wasn't his song? Sammy Ambrose was great. He remains highly respected amongst musicologist, academicians and record collectors. Gary Lewis and the Playboys also did a great job with it. There's room for both.

[MikeBlitzMag]

This whole business of attacking other artists for recording the same song amounts to little more than elitism and narrow mindedness. Where is it written that only one artist can record a song? And does anyone bad mouth Ray Charles because he had the "audacity" to cover Eleanor Rigby, which wasn't his song? Sammy Ambrose was great. He remains highly respected amongst musicologist, academicians and record collectors. Gary Lewis and the Playboys also did a great job with it. There's room for both.

[pcsbeat]

Never realized there was an original version of this song. I always thought it was written for Gary as we're his other big hits. Fantastic!

[motown008ty]

This is the greatest.Gary Lewis and Pat Boone are just CRAP.I left my DJ job back in the early 60's because I played the original versions of songs and refused to play the white covers,Johnny O'keefe is another who comes to mind.

[heliumbound]

I grew up listening to the Gary Lewis & the Playboys version of this and always loved it. But let's face it, this is the REAL DEAL! Deeply soulful and moving. Beautiful!

[msphilosopher]

I know for a fact that the song was Sammys. Whatever happened to him? Simone!!!

[msphilosopher]

I know for a fact that the song was Sammys. Whatever happened to him?

[buggerluggs06]

Superb tune,I always thought it was the Platters who did it originally,no wonder I couldnt find it,doh!

Everyone knows the Gary Lewis version,but this one is by far the more soulful,Gary Lewis is just pop,to be honest!

[brodie60]

Wow this is great!!!!



[mccartja]

This reminds of late 80s mod clubs and rallies that we used to go to. Always a floor filler.

[mannecyberguy]

I like this version, but I guess that the Gary Lewis version is better because I heard it more often.

[SWOTBWOT]

Never heard the original before, but like it quite a bit. 

[KKG51]

Wow, to tell the truth, I like this version better; and I was raised on the Gary Lewis version!!! Thanks so much for posting

[merseymain]

Just heard Sammy's instrumental for the first time in years, Bad Night. FANTASTIC.

[miketheshanmanmangan]

This is the forgotten classic that still sits in the Juke Boxes from the Crystal Coast to the Grand strand...Everybody played Gary Lewis and The Playboys on Top 40 radio and Sammy,s original just went by the wayside.Without a doubt this continues to be The Shag version!!

[nosleep62]

i've always wondered what this version sounded like-nice!

thanks for posting.

[AbAbabAb4766]

I havent heard this song for over 20 years! One of my all time favourites.I first heard it on an Emperor Rosco(?) compliation Album i borrowed from a housemate. I asked for it to be played on the radio and i they played the Gary Lewis version.....

[SoulSister66]

Check out my new Facebook Fan Page & rare photos: SAMMY AMBROSE

Jeanie Scott

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[chuckdee121]

WOW!!! I had no idea that the song was a cover version! I thought Leon Russell wrote it, and the okie wrecking crew had at it. Well, this is a great song and a true tragedy the guy who cooked it up first, got crooked it up, bad. Sammy, you done good! This is one heck of a song!

[oceantracks]

They are both good versions. It's a great song, and there's nothing wrong with multiple interpretations...Lewis was a lightweight singer to be sure, but the arrangement on his version was great.

[SoulSister66]

Yup,

Marcie & I are the only two living persons who knew Sammy that well. He was ripped off on this record because of who Gary Lewis' father was. Lots of great black artists got ripped off by weak 'cover artists' because of the racism 'back in the day' too!

The song was truly Sammy's, he was the original and sung it with the feeling it deserved!!! Had he got the air-play he would have become a houshold name and grew to a big star, I have no doubt.

Sammy's Soul Sister,

Jeanie

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[tamspeci]

I've been hearing the Gary Lewis version all my life, but after just one listen to this version, I'm ready to say this one here is the superior version!

[Dee530]

Happy Birthday Sammy-- today 4-5-'09

I say a little Prayer for YOU, and please

Rest In Peace, I have Never forgetten you!

Best- M

[bitampi]

THE ORIGINAL!!! DEFINITELY!!! What a song!!!

Greetings form Greece!!! Van B.

[Dee530]

PLEASE believe ME, this ONE is THE

Original Recording..... But, money talks,

and so 'the song" was "borrowed" by

G. Lewis & his group, simply because

his dad is Jerry Lewis. This should have

been the Mega-Hit, hope this answered

your question. Believe me, I was there,

and I know the truth.

Peace-MM And the artists' name is-- Sammy Ambrose*****

[endrizo]

what is the original??this or Gary lewis and the playboys ¨s ?????

great tune .

[ultrazippyjet]

JFBridge, many thanks. The definitive oritingal version of a mega monster hit. I hope folks out in You Tube land check this one out.

[Umskiddy]

I'm checking it.Brilliant.I have been after an instrumental version of this featuring prominent hammond organ.Was it the B side of this or what? Help please ultrazippjet !

[Dee530]

Thanks so much for posting this wonderful song by Sammy, he sounds just great. I never heard his version, it sounds more soulful, and in my opinion, way better than the other one that was out there. He was a wonderful Talent, hope you had a chance to see him in person, JFBridge. I must say thanks, once more for your very kind upload, of a great Artist, and his Beloved Song-- "THIS DIAMOND RING". I wrote you, about our long "Friend- ship", Hope Sammy will R.I.P. now. So Thanks,MarcieB

[SoulSister66]

Hello Marcia,

This Sammy's Soul Sister from 1966.

It's sad what happened to Sam.

Today I'm married to a jazz legend.

I'd like to re-connect with you.

Much Love,

Jeanie

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