David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth, also known as Diamond Dave, (born October 10, 1954 in Bloomington, Indiana) is an American rock vocalist, best known for his work with Van Halen. The son of Nathan, a prominent ophthalmologist, and Sybil, Roth moved

David Lee Roth, also known as Diamond Dave, (born October 10, 1954 in Bloomington, Indiana) is an American rock vocalist, best known for his work with Van Halen. The son of Nathan, a prominent ophthalmologist, and Sybil, Roth moved to Pasadena, California in his teens after living in Swampscott, Massachusetts and Bloomington, Indiana. Roth was educated at The Webb Schools in Claremont, California, and later at Pasadena City College, although he did not graduate from either. Roth's grandparents emigrated to Indiana from the Ukraine. Roth's uncle, Manny Roth, is an influential New York City nightclub owner, (the famous Cafe Wha?) and entertainment entrepreneur.

Roth rose to prominence in the 1970s Los Angeles rock scene as the lead singer of Van Halen. In 1974 Roth rented his PA system to the brothers Edward and Alex Van Halen, and later joined their hard rock band as lead vocalist. Roth soon persuaded the Van Halen brothers to change the band's name from Rat Salade to Van Halen. (The group had also performed as Mammoth.) In the late 1970s, Van Halen developed a local following while playing the nightclubs on the Sunset Strip.