Jack Diamond – Hall of Fame 2001

John (Jack) Diamond (RIP) was born in Lynn, Massachusetts. His father, who passed away when John was only a child, had been a fiddle player. John’s mother moved the family, herself, John, a brother and sisterto the village of Calla in Roundstone, Co. Galway and there eventually met and married John McDonough, who played for local house dances. Young John decided to learn the accordion and quickly became an accomplished musician. He was himself an early influence on his stepbrother Mike McDonough.

Because of hard times, John moved from Ireland to Boston, where he continued to play, becoming a popular musician at local functions and in the many Irish music clubs in the Boston area. He was always eager to share his gift for music with the Irish-American players, willing to give whatever time it took to pass on a tune to an interested admirer.

John was a solid performer—and also a man of gentle, unassuming disposition, never seeking attention for himself. He was especially fond of playing in minor keys; and regrettably, many of his tunes were lost with him.

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