On this day in 1975 {July 31st} Neil Sedaka performed "Solitaire" on the Philadelphia-based syndicated television program 'The Mike Douglas Show'... And also on that day the Carpenters' covered version of the song was in it's first week on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at #76, seven weeks later it would peak at #17 {for 1 week} and it spent 10 weeks on the Top 100... On August 31st it reached #1 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart... The song was composed Neil Sedaka and Phil Cody, and was track four on side two of his album of the same name... Neil Sedaka celebrated his 78th birthday four months ago on March 13th, 2017...
Saw, Neal Sedaka last night at Hot August Nights in Reno Nevada. He was Great sang this song everyone stood up and applauded after he sang Solitair. Still singing after 50 years. Still has the voice.
I had no idea until recently just how many great songs Neil composed often to be made famous by other performers - this is one. The man is genius. Denis
I think this is absolutely fantastic! Definitely one of the greatest live singing and piano playing performances I've ever heard! I only really liked a few of Neil Sedaka's songs before, but I heard this on BBC4 in the early hours of this morning and I just had to stop and listen to it before going to bed. Simply superb, and many thanks for uploading this true gem of a song!
Hadn't seen this one yet. Wow, what a rendition! I don't think he was even in his best voice it actually cracked at 1:24. Much harder to sing high and soft than full voice. But he was totally unfazed. Classically trained pianist, plays the hard accompianment part with ease. Each hand totally independent parts. Alternating back and forth. And halfway through when he shifts into high gear he really lets it out. What talent. My fav Sedaka song of all.
my second wife wrote me one day after the divorce, and told me the reason she didn't want to go on was because of my indifference,that I lost her love because of it, so I really relate to this song...thanks for posting it..
I agree with all the sentiments, but the most incredible contribution is to write a song of this quality in the first place. That being said, Karen Carpenter is the greatest female vocalist of all time---as far as I am concerned. Music!!
Considering that Niel Sedaka said on National TV that he had forever lost the song to Clay after hearing him sing it, I'd say your assessment is slightly off.
What? Better? You know NOTHING about the capabilities of the human voice! You know nothing about resonance and vibrato! My guess is you just fancy the pants of that Clay (typical of 90% of the silly tarts on YT). In fact, I guess you're a black diva too, seeing as they seem to spout the most rubbish on here. Next week you'll be raving about someone else you fancy. Leave commenting to those who KNOW what talent is!
One of the finest musical geniuses ever..writer, musician
Performer etc. SHOULD BE IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME
Easily the best version of this great song. I've only recently begun to appreciate how wonderful Neil Sedaka is and was.
Agreed 100%
Same here
And I am the same, but again a few years later. I have only recently discovered just how enormous is his talent!
What a beautiful melody with a brilliant emotional lyric. Legendary artist.
On this day in 1975 {July 31st} Neil Sedaka performed "Solitaire" on the Philadelphia-based syndicated television program 'The Mike Douglas Show'...
And also on that day the Carpenters' covered version of the song was in it's first week on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at #76, seven weeks later it would peak at #17 {for 1 week} and it spent 10 weeks on the Top 100...
On August 31st it reached #1 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart...
The song was composed Neil Sedaka and Phil Cody, and was track four on side two of his album of the same name...
Neil Sedaka celebrated his 78th birthday four months ago on March 13th, 2017...
Few musicians can come close to this level of performance. Truly breathtaking.
this guys voice is pure and wonderful ... genius definitive version
one of the best songs ever written
A genuine master of his craft.
Neil Sedaka at his best. One can feel The words to this song.
Saw, Neal Sedaka last night at Hot August Nights in Reno Nevada. He was Great sang this song everyone stood up and applauded after he sang Solitair. Still singing after 50 years. Still has the voice.
While i love all versions of this wonderful Song, Neill Sedaka's is Unmatched!
seen Neil Live a few times, probably decades ago now, truly some of the best shows I have seen, amazing voice and piano playing.
Mr Sedaka's (original) version is the best version. One of the most poignant songs I've ever heard!
Probably one of the best performances of all time. Amazing songwriter, amazing pianist (Juillard!) and - more than ever here - amazing singer!
top ten live performances if ever seen
Nice song. One of Neil's best songs.
A voice from Heaven!
I had no idea until recently just how many great songs Neil composed often to be made famous by other performers - this is one. The man is genius. Denis
Such a beautiful song filled with so much truth. I know.
What a talent. Neil Sedaka has given so many so much wonderful music.
Beautiful, beautiful song...
Beautiful, but sad song. Well written. I love it for what it means.
Genius songman, excellent. Perfect.
I think this is absolutely fantastic! Definitely one of the greatest live singing and piano playing performances I've ever heard! I only really liked a few of Neil Sedaka's songs before, but I heard this on BBC4 in the early hours of this morning and I just had to stop and listen to it before going to bed. Simply superb, and many thanks for uploading this true gem of a song!
Hadn't seen this one yet. Wow, what a rendition! I don't think he was even in his best voice it actually cracked at 1:24. Much harder to sing high and soft than full voice. But he was totally unfazed. Classically trained pianist, plays the hard accompianment part with ease. Each hand totally independent parts. Alternating back and forth. And halfway through when he shifts into high gear he really lets it out. What talent. My fav Sedaka song of all.
One of the best video and sound versions of this song on youtube...thank you for posting..
Such wonderful lyrics and melody and so meaningfully sung.
Hauntingly beautiful...
Neil had the fortune of having an angel perform this song in Karen Carpenter.
Beautiful, bringing back fond memories
stunning great performance
BEAUTIFUL!! OMG!! Thanks for posting.. AMAZING Voice...
my second wife wrote me one day after the divorce, and told me the reason she didn't want to go on was because of my indifference,that I lost her love because of it, so I really relate to this song...thanks for posting it..
@7blackbird Excelente música, excelente compositor, excelente interpretação.
Story of my life ...
Maravilhosaaa!!!!!♥
O melhor de todos os tempos 😍😍
Beautiful.
Mi canción preferida!
I agree with all the sentiments, but the most incredible contribution is to write a song of this quality in the first place. That being said, Karen Carpenter is the greatest female vocalist of all time---as far as I am concerned. Music!!
@hrpman That sucks. Those are my favourite lines! It's such a wonderful image he shows us in a few words...
The bio of this vid is interesting. The poster of this was in the audience
His is a voice that just lasted and lasted because he didn't abuse it. He just sang.
Hey, I looked for Jane Oliver singing Solitaire but could not find it on TH-cam...
please anyone knows where i can download the audio of this song? tks so much
i do love the carpenters but i think neil is the best version of this song
Considering that Niel Sedaka said on National TV that he had forever lost the song to Clay after hearing him sing it, I'd say your assessment is slightly off.
Clay sings this a bit better, but God...Neil's PLAYING PIANO at the same time! Way more talent!!
What? Better? You know NOTHING about the capabilities of the human voice! You know nothing about resonance and vibrato! My guess is you just fancy the pants of that Clay (typical of 90% of the silly tarts on YT). In fact, I guess you're a black diva too, seeing as they seem to spout the most rubbish on here. Next week you'll be raving about someone else you fancy. Leave commenting to those who KNOW what talent is!
@Freddie9384 Yeah, right.
@ReadMeReadYou neil sedaka is a talentful composer and a great singer but i think elvis version is better,love them both
He looks like the actor Robin Williams
i think clay aiken was secerative clone of neil sedaka.. laughed.. sorry. but. they almost sound the same when neil was at clays age.
anyone who thinks that the elvis version is better than neil's need their ears syringed
You shouldn't wish ill will on anyone.
Música triste