While Theron Denson was signing in his West Virginia church, he was told his voice had an uncanny resemblance to Neil Diamond's. However, at the time, the future Black Diamond thought the "Sweet Caroline" singer was a member of his church.

It wasn't until after Denson listened to Diamond's album The Jazz Singer that he became a student of Diamond's music, accent and tone. "I already had the basic makeup and voice," Denson says, "but Neil Diamond's accent is a lot different from a West Virginia accent, so I studied the way he phrased his words and sentences."

Despite this training, Denson didn't become The Black Diamond until he was fired from his job at a Marriott for singing to the guests.

"I thought it was because the guests complained," he says, "but then I found out that the guests loved it; it was my co-workers that didn't."

At that point, Denson decided to take his chances and pursue performing Diamond's songs and obtained gigs by singing to CDs, and Denson's career has since taken a life of its own. He now performs regularly in Las Vegas with a live band and has also been featured on ABC's late night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, which he counts as "a great experience."

Despite his success, it is clear from talking to Denson that he is, first and foremost, a Neil Diamond fan. "I never set out to be Neil Diamond," he said. "I still fall in love with his music."

Denson also continuously listens to Diamond's albums and says that Neil Diamond's voice is unique, which sets him apart. When asked if he has the unique Diamond sound down pat, Denson says although performing Diamond's music for the last nine to 10 years has helped him hone his skills, he still always learns something new and different from him.

"Diamond still fills up arenas around the world at his age," he said. "Neil Diamond is also a great entertainer and you leave his concert thinking that he's a showman. It's a testament to his ability and that keeps me motivated."

Similar to Neil Diamond, the Black Diamond is also seen as a great performer by crowds that are so enthralled by Theron that they have dedicated fan sites to him and his shows.

"[Theron's] a really good entertainer and he sounds a lot like Neil Diamond," said Cynthia Lemus, a friend of Denson's. "You have to see his show, it's awesome. He even sings in Spanish."

As for now, Theron is simply interested in paying tribute to Diamond's music while providing audiences with an entertaining show.