Dennis Svehla, pronounced “Svay-lah”, was dubbed “Denny Diamond” by fans and media folks who couldn’t pronounce or just didn’t know his last name. Sometimes called an “impersonator” Denny is quick to dispel that calling himself more of a “tribute artist” due to the fact that he doesn’t resemble Neil Diamond at all. Most people have taken the time to point out his resemblance to Tim Allen, the comedian from the popular television show, “Home Improvement”. During the show Denny throws out the possibility of changing his name to, Denny “the tool man” Diamond.

Though Denny has enjoyed music his whole life and been a Neil Diamond fan since childhood, his musical career didn’t begin until August of ‘2000’. When he had a chance to audition for a television show created by Dick Clark called, “Your Big Break”. It was a show where people who don’t look like famous entertainers but sound like them were brought in to showcase their talents. Denny was chosen because of his vocal similarity to Neil Diamond. The show was the most aired of the series because of all the great talent appearing in that episode.

This led to a chance meeting with Nashville musician/songwriter Sean Kelly. Sean had been touring with the band Sixpence None the Richer at the time. Denny was performing in Woodstock, Illinois and Sean loved the movie, “Groundhog Day”, which was filmed there. This chance meeting led to the creation of Denny Diamond & The Longfellows. The Longfellows consists of Sean Kelly, Andy Thompson, Matt Thompson, James DiGirolamo and Steve Arnold. The act has performed consistently in major Nashville venues since ‘2000’.

But the Longellows as individual musicians have their own careers to pursue. This left Denny with the obstacle of finding musicians outside of Nashville. This dilemma was short lived as his two son’s, Lucas and Spenser were already dabbling in music themselves. The two had performed as a duo on occasion at school and local functions. Often compared to the Jonas brothers, with a touch of the Smothers brothers, Lucas and Spenser have added a new dimension to Denny’s act. Denny Diamond and The Family Jewels has become well known family act in Arizona, Florida, Tennessee and the midwestern states.

Now, Denny Diamond and The Family Jewels are an accomplished family trio who have delighted audiences across the nation performing the music of one of America’s favorite singer/songwriters Neil Diamond. Mix in songs made famous by artists like Johnny Cash, Roger Miller along with other performers and you have a great addition to any lunch or dinner show, theater show, benefit, festival or corporate event. It doesn’t end there though. Sarah, Denny’s daughter, will occasionally perform with “her boys” and the act becomes Denny Diamond & The Family Jewels with The Precious Gem. Again, a great addition to any event.

- "Denny Diamond and his son's, Luke and Spenser, always put on a terrific show and this was no exception." - Woodstock Independent


- "Congratulations, Denny. A wonderful Father's Day indeed for your family and the 5000 others. That is a very impressive audience. Your are helping to keep the Neil's music "Live" out there. Regards, Alison Zanetos Assistant to ND" - Alison Zanetos, Assistant to ND, (Fond)Fans Of Neil Diamond


- "Neil Diamond hasn't told us to stop yet. That's good...right??" - Denny


- “Denny Svehla brings natural warmth to your heart and a new breath of life to Neil Diamond’s music. Denny as Neil Diamond sounds like Americana: Warm, comforting - just what you expect! Captivating! Energetic! Charismatic! A guaranteed crowd pleaser and a sold out show!” - Laura Witlox, Board Member, Friends of the Woodstock Opera House


- ”I just want to tell anyone and everyone who might be looking for a great show for hire or a great show to see, about the fantastic Neil Diamond impersonator from the Chicago area – Denny Diamond. I own and operate an intimate dinner theatre in northwestern Illinois in White Pines State Park. The theatre has been running for 22 years now so I have seen a lot of good talent and some not so good, during those years!  Denny was such a wonderful surprise to find. He is very talented, has a great personality and phenomenal rapport with the audiences and the guests can’t get enough of him.
 
As we got to know him we realized he can do much more than just Neil Diamond and has his own band, his very talented children.  The family has performed now several times and the kids add a wonderful dimension.  This family show can go far. I think sometime in the future, I will be able to say, “I knew them when…”.”
- Beth Henderson, White Pines Dinner Theatre


- "Denny Diamond came on stage greeted with big applause. He plays in Nashville so often he even has his own band of Nashville musicians. The set was a good variety of songs including Neil Diamond favorites like “Coming to America” and “Sweet Caroline.”" -mDave, Nashville Feed


- "So the resemblance between the two Diamonds begins and ends with the baritone voice." - Jack Bess, Mundelein Review


- "Which Mr. Diamond is it - Denny or Neil? Singer, musician and Neil Diamond impersonator Denny Diamond presents an evening of Neil Diamond music, drawing from 300 Diamond songs such as "Song, Sung Blue," "Sweet Caroline" and "Cherry, Cherry." " -The Daily Herald


- "Svehla's vocal impersonation — a dead-on mimic of Diamond's raspy pipes — is nothing to scoff at, and it's earned him high-profile gigs at the Frist Center, Cannery Row Revival fest, even a private party for Keith Urban." - Dave Paulson The Tennessean


- "Cab ride from downtown - $55.00 Cover charge - $5.00 each Cab ride back to downtown - $65.00 Seeing you in Chicago - priceless" - Morgan & Jenny(Nashville, Tn.), Email


- "What an amazing night. The sold out crowd at Metropolis had the time of their lives. You got them on their feet singing and dancing and they loved every minute of your show. We had patrons already asking when you'd be back to our theater. Thank you for such a great show." - Jim Jarvis, Metropolis Performing Arts Center


- "Denny's last performance at Metropolis was one of the hottest invitation-only events we've ever seen, but now is your chance to sing “Sweet Caroline” as loud as you can. One night only!" -Northwest Chicago Convention Bureau


- "In 2000, after appearing on Dick Clark's "Your Big Break" television show, his career path seemed cast. " - Lilli Kuzma, Arlington Heights Post


- "A CHICAGO 'DIAMOND COMING TO OCALA. This show is sure to be a sellout!" - June Roberta, OTOW Ocala Magazine


- "The Neil Diamond tribute artist's emulation for the most part, begins and ends with those distinct, raspy pipes, so just close your eyes and you'll swear you're hearing "Sweet Caroline" from the man himself...but tonight the public gets the "Solitary Man" all to themselves." - The Nashville Rage


- "Once Svehla started doing live shows, his popularity under the stage name Denny Diamond grew even more and ultimately transformed into the major act it is today." - Chris La Pelusa The Midweek


- "Described by Small as "an acclaimed musician," Denny Diamond will be performing at Blue Chip Casino's Grand Ballroom" - Philip Potempa, Northwest Indiana Times


- "He sounds just like Neil Diamond, it was incredible! I'll bring him back!" " - Rick Heffner, Festa Italiana, Rockford, IL.


- "Hands down the best tribute act going. -John Bruton, The Mercy Lounge, Nashville, Tn.


- "He makes for a fantastic and successful event."" - Laurie Mitchell, Metropolis Performing Arts


- "His delightful personality, both on and off the stage, reflects experience and dedication seldom seen in other national acts. I look forward to my next opportunity to work with Denny and to the enjoyment that his performance brings across all generations." " - Dennis Murphy, St. Isidore’s Tri-Festa


- “What a fantastic performance. " - Dale McClanahan, Bolingbrook Summer Concert Series


- "We filled our auditorium to the max with those who wanted to enjoy a spectacular evening of great music, a great performer, and lots
of fun!!!!” " - Lesley Cowles, Del Webb Sun City Community Association


- "You are, without a doubt, the finest entertainer to have ever visited our community " - Bob F. Ocala, Florida


- "Young and old, our fans have thoroughly enjoyed his music and his personality. " - Angie Ceranski, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers