Missouri’s Own Neil Diamond Shines Bright

Theron Denson, known by his pseudonym Black Diamond, is a tribute performer of Neil Diamond, the voice behind all-time hits such as “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” Theron grew up in various parts of Missouri, including Waynesville and Columbia, where he attended junior high and high school. In his 24 years as Black Diamond, he has performed in all of the continental United States.

Q | What led you to choose Neil Diamond for your tribute?
A | In the church choir as a kid, people would often tell me I sounded like Neil Diamond. In Waynesville, at 11 years old, I had no idea who he was. I thought he went to my church. But I figured it out by the time I turned 15, and I bought a Neil Diamond record, The Jazz Singer. I didn’t think I sounded like him, but I fell in love with the music, songwriting, and showmanship. And that’s how Neil Diamond came into my life. In September, we celebrated—I just can’t believe it—24 years.

Q | How did you go about perfecting your tribute act?
A | I didn’t try to sound like Neil Diamond really ever. I watched his videos but didn’t even practice what I saw him doing. But by osmosis I think I absorbed it, and people started saying I moved and talked like him. I never rehearsed to try to imitate him. It was all very organic, really.

Q | What has been the most rewarding aspect of performing?
A | When I performed in Las Vegas in 2015, Neil Diamond got word of it and sent members of his own band to play with me. This was just mind-blowing because they’re extremely talented. As far as rewarding, I did a show once at a psychiatric ward. I remember thinking how nerve-wracking that was, but I decided to give the same performance as any other venue. The patients responded so positively that the director of volunteers said she had never seen anything like it. She said, “Thank you for what you gave to them, Black Diamond.” I said, “I thank them for what they gave to me.” It was so gratifying. I returned and performed there again.

Q | You’ve moved around quite a bit. Are you back in Missouri to stay?
A | Absolutely, yes. As entertainers, we float around, so my mother never knew where I was. Whenever I called her, she would ask, “What state do you live in now?” I was in Nashville before returning to Kansas City. And what a pleasant surprise that has been. People are clamoring for quality music and entertainment, which I hope my show is. I plan to tour the Show-Me State often.

Q | Do you ever get tired of Neil Diamond?
A | The realization that his music and showmanship are still standing—and will stand time’s test—fascinates and intrigues me to the point of never tiring of the icon.

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This article was originally published in the October 2024 issue of Missouri Life.

All photos courtesy of Theron Denson.