A Life in Music, Leadership and Legacy
Billy Diamond, Mayor of the 9th Ward
Billy Diamond (1916-2011) was more than a bandleader, bass player and road manager; he was a pillar of the New Orleans music scene for over half a century. Known affectionately as "the Mayor of the 9th Ward", Billy's influence extended from the city's corner clubs to international concert halls, where he championed the sound, spirit and community of New Orleans jazz and rhythm & blues.
Early Years in New Orleans
Born in New Orleans to Jake Diamond, a flamboyant baseball player in the Negro Leagues and Bertha Victor (daughter of Joseph Victor) on October 5, 1916, Billy grew up immersed in the city’s vibrant neighborhood traditions: parades, brass bands, and Creole social clubs.
His early exposure to music came through family connections such as his cousin John Porter, bassist for Papa Celestin’s Original Tuxedo Orchestra, whose discipline and artistry inspired Billy’s lifelong devotion to the craft.
By his teens, Billy was already performing with local bands, developing the rhythmic foundation and stage presence that would make him a sought-after performer and respected leader of the Solid Senders.
The Fats Domino Years
Billy Diamond’s career reached its most visible peak when he joined forces with Fats Domino, serving as bassist, bandleader, and road manager during the golden years of New Orleans R&B.
He not only helped shape the sound of Domino’s touring ensemble but also managed the complex logistics that brought the New Orleans groove to national and international audiences.
Billy’s professionalism and mentorship guided young musicians who would go on to become legends in their own right.
Those who worked with him often said he was the heart of the operation as the calm, sharp, reliable presence who made sure the show always went on.
A True Leader
The Diamond Family Home
Beyond the stage, Billy Diamond’s home was a cultural landmark both in New Orleans and in Los Angeles: a gathering place for musicians, neighbors, and family.
Sunday dinners, jam sessions, and impromptu performances filled the house with music and laughter. His wife, Josephine Shirley Johnson-Diamond, prepare abundant Creole feasts every Sunday.
For his daughter, Tricia Diamond, those moments became the foundation for Treme Diamond, a modern tribute to the creativity, hospitality, and soul that defined her father’s life.
Civic Leadership and Recognition
Billy was deeply respected as a community leader and cultural ambassador.
He worked tirelessly to promote music education, mentor youth, and preserve local traditions that might otherwise have been lost to time.
His civic engagement earned him honors from musicians’ unions, city officials, and the many artists whose lives he touched.
Legacy and Influence
Billy Diamond’s legacy lives on not only through the musicians he guided, but through every event, meal, and song that bears his family’s name.
Treme Diamond continues that legacy by bringing the warmth and rhythm of New Orleans to new audiences around the world, ensuring that his and Josephine's story, like his music, never fades.
Tribute and Continuation
“My father believed that music was the language of dignity and joy.
He taught me that our heritage isn’t just something to protect, it’s something to share.”
— Tricia Diamond, Founder of Treme Diamond
Today, Billy Diamond’s memory is celebrated through cultural programming, catering experiences, and live events that honor the New Orleans tradition of bringing people together through sound and soul.
In His Honor
Born: October 5, 1916 — New Orleans, Louisiana
Died: October 22, 2011
Known For: Bandleader, Bassist, Road Manager for Fats Domino
Legacy: Mentor, Community Leader, and Cultural Icon of the 9th Ward