Musician Jim Diamond dies aged 63

Glasgow-born singer Jim Diamond has died aged 63.The musician had three top 5 hits including the 1984 song "I Should Have Known Better", which reached number one in the UK.

He also sang as the lead singer in the trio Ph.D, which is best known for the hit song "I Won't Let You Down". Jim was known for his involvement in a number of charity singles including a cover of "You'll Never Walk Alone" with The Crowd to raise money for the Bradford City stadium fire in 1985.

He also provided vocals for a cover of "Let It Be" as part of Ferry Aid, alongside artists Boy George, Paul McCartney and Kate Bush. The singer-songwriter passed away at his home in London.

A family spokesman told the BBC: "He was a devoted family man who loved his wife Christine (64) and his children Sara (37) and Lawrence (31), and the music that he continued to make.

"He dedicated a lot of time over recent years to the Cash for Kids charity appeal in Scotland with his friend Sir Tom Hunter and was still active and well respected on the music scene.

"He'll be much missed by all who knew him and everyone who loved his music and his unique voice and style."

Jim was born in Glasgow's East End and started his first band when he was 14, according to his website. He was heavily influenced by soul musicians Ray Charles and Otis Redding.

It was only when he moved to London at the age of 15 that his band Bandit was signed to Clive Davis' Arista Records, which has had soul greats Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston on its books. This brought him to the attention of British Blues producer Alexis Korner, who invited him to work with him on his "Just Easy" album.

After writing for a number of other musicians and producers in the US – including Eddie Kramer, the legendary producer of Jimmi Hendrix – Jim returned to London to form Ph.D, along with Jeff Beck band's Tony Hymas and Simon Phillips. The trio had a number of hits and the second album "Is it Safe?" also included a European hit, "I Didn't Know", which featured Jeff Beck on guitar.

When Ph.D split up, Jim signed to A&M records, where he released the number one hit "I Should Have Known Better". In more recent times, Jim had continued to tour and write music with the likes of former M People saxophonist Chris "Snake" Davis.

Jim was married to New Zealand-born Christine Bailey in 1978, and he fathered two children with her. At the time of writing the cause of death was unclear.