Stories of the Top 5 Neil Diamond Songs | Professor of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 มี.ค. 2021
- From the NCAA championship fencing team to rock legend, Neil Diamond, often imitated, never duplicated. There are two kinds of people in this world, those who love Neil Diamond and those who are lying through their teeth. The master of that amazing, incomparable voice, and the brilliant writer of some of the most endearing songs of all time. This video celebrates his majesty with his top 5 songs including America.
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The original Hot August Night is one of the greatest live albums ever. The version of "Holly Holy" from that album is spine-tinglingly intense.
My childhood in a single record. Brother Love still gets me after all these years. Just before quarantine started we visited the Griffith Observatory and we walked past the Greek Theater on the way to our car and I completely relived Hot August Night just seeing the location where the concert was held. It's so beautiful. The perfect marriage of the music and the place.
Indeed. That album is the main reason I was able to make it through my last two years of high school!
I recall the album cover alone leaving a lasting impression on me as a child.
Also covered by UB40…
I agree. Hot August Nights was probably my all time favorite album. I never get tired of it. In fact, I still listen to it. I know every note, chorus, background vocals, etc. I fell in love with ND's music when I was a kid. It's just amazing how much talent one person can have. Thanks for the years of entertainment. 💕💋💋💋
" There are two kinds of people in this world, those who love Neil Diamond and those who are lying through their teeth." - SO MUCH TRUTH
“I am, I said”. This is a pop existential masterpiece! He seemingly lays out the core of himself in a single song. Supremely intelligent songwriting!
It's hard to believe someone would have the courage to write and sing what most people would only say on a psychiatrist's couch.
I love that song. It’s one of my five.
People can mock him, but he is a kind, talented man. My late mother was a huge fan, and he was so nice to her when she met him.
I love Play Me - beautiful, lonely ballad.
Oh I love Play Me....I play it every night and fall asleep to it (I have extremely noisy, inconsiderate neighbors.) Soolaimon, Two-Bit Manchild, I've Got The Feeling (Oh no, no) and Cherry, Cherry off the top of my head. Can't pick just 5 favorites........
Love, love, love Play me!!!!
@@cleverlouanne You are a true fan. How do I know that? You like some of the songs that are less well-known. He did an awesome job on La Bomba when he was much younger. I also love Remember Me, Diamond Girls, Mothers and Daughters Fathers and Sons, Common Ground, Brooklyn Roads, I Who Have Nothing, Smoky Lady, Heartlight; Morningside, Canta Libre, Longfellow Serenade; Dry Your Eyes, all of the Jonathan Livingston Seagull songs, and so many others. There have been many days over the years where I have listened to his music for, literally, hours on end. Unfortunately, there is just one song that I do not like at all: Song Sung Blue.
@@ladyjane3660 Well you certainly are a true fan also! I liked Song Sung Blue, but have heard it so much that I'm tired of it. It receives too much radio play in my city. I've got La Bamba and while I do think he played the guitar great on that number, it isn't the right song for his voice. It is the only song Neil recorded that I can honestly say I don't like. I have a huge playlist on here of his that I play at least once or twice a week. Morningside is another favorite. There is just too many songs that I love so much so that to choose even 20 favorites would be too hard for me. Nice to meet another fan of Neil's. I don't no anyone outside of my brother that is a fan of ND, can you believe that? All I can do is shake my head lol.
In the 70's we had to learn to love him because we had to listen to him every weekend going up and coming back from skiing. 10 years later when I was back from College, bought tickets to a concert, took my Dad. Midway into the concert he asks if I want a beer, and runs up the stairs. All of a sudden Cracklin' Rose started, and he came running back down the stairs singing and dancing. Was his favorite Neil Diamond song. Great memory.
Thank you for honoring Neil with this beautiful video; he deserves it. He has finally gotten accolades and positive recognition from the mainstream rock press that he deserves. I saw the Jazz Singer ten times, and people stood up and clapped every time. That was the first time I had seen this happen, and haven't seen it since. Yet the press and critics blasted the movie, as was Neil. It was a great film, and Neil was awesome.
To me, this man is a true treasure of America, a real diamond and I'm not even an American.
His lyrics, his voice and obviously the music...Neil Diamond it's an amazing artist.
When I was a teenager my mother was obsessed with Neil Diamond but I didn't appreciate his voice nor his genius back then. Since my mother's passing, I have rediscovered his music and listen to it often, I really hear it now and it makes me feel closer to my mom. ❤
I grew up in those years Neil was becoming popular. And still today at 71 and Neil at 83... when I hear his Otherworldly awesome music I go back to the 70's. No way I can pick five...I pick them all! His music got me through life...and still does! I can not wait to get to heaven and listen to Him and Jimmy Buffet and so many others.... that will indeed be a beautiful noise!
A lot of people dont understand the impact of this album in Australia. It spent 29 weeks at number 1 on the album charts in 1973 and 1974. To this day it is still equal 5th for the most weeks at number 1 in the charts. It was a pretty big impact. Hot August Night was the number one charting album in Australia for the 1970s, entering the Australian album charts in late 1972 and STILL charting in the top 20 in 1976. It was the number 1 album of 1973, the number 3 album of 1974. It re-entered the Australian top 10 in 1982, then had another chart run in 1991-92 peaking at number 21. During the 1991-92 chart-run it was listed on the chart as 14 x Platinum. When it was released, it was estimated that at least 1 on every 4 homes in Aus had a copy of the album. It is Australia's "DSOTM" for Adult Rock.
Neil Diamond toured Aus 1975, after his hiatus from live concerts and recording, and he was treated with such adoration, so much so that it concerned him to the point that he didn't tour here again until the 90's. Then to make up for his long absence, he toured here every few years there after.
This is probably the reason why my top 5 is predominantly from this album. Hot August Night is a big part of the soundtrack of my early life. You only had to be at any BBQ / Party at mum and dad's during the 70's and you would hear the album and listening to this album even now is not about listening to Neil Diamond. It is about being back in the family home on a warm Saturday afternoon from 1972 to any time in the late 70's. Dad and mates around the BBQ having a beer, mum and her friends making salads and having a wine, on so many warm summer nights, and this album being on high rotation on the Stereo.
My Top 5
1, 2 & 3. Holy Holy - I Am, I Said. - Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show/Soolaimon. (Basically side 4 of Hot August Night 1972)
4. Cracklin' Rose
5. Modern Day Version of Love (live Hot August Night 1972 - 40th anniversary deluxe edition)
I was living in Australia at that time and I VERY vividly recall the VERY vivid album cover. From memory, I wanted to buy the album but I was too young to afford it.
Even better for memory it is 1 in every 3 homes....
"I am I said" is the number one Neil song for me.
Agreed!
No one heard at all.
Not even the chair
It is the theme song for people who move a lot and don’t seem to be excepted because they are from both places in yet from neither place
Me too!
His absolute best in my opinion! It comes across as being completely honest emotions. "I am not a man who likes to swear, but I never cared for the sound of being alone."
40 years ago, when I was but a lad of 18, I met another guy who was also a music buff.
At the time, we each had about 500 albums.
Are tastes were similar, both being huge Queen fans. But when it was revealed that we were both Neil Diamond fans, that cemented our friendship. 🎙
I've met Neil Diamond , he is one of the most humble men I have ever known ..
He also was one of the first to add an orchestra to rock!
How wonderful, how did you get to meet him?
The simple fact that you are wearing a 'Boys Don't Cry' shirt while discussing Neil Diamond sent my respect for you through the roof!
5 of the first 6 concerts I went to were Neil Diamond, starting when I was 16 in 1981. He had a world-class band, and would do up to a 3 hour set with no opening act. I wish I could experience any one of those shows again.
Dont forget he wrote many songs for The Monkees, particularly I am a Believer.
He also wrote the song Sunflower, Glen Campbell recorded it, if you closely listen to the tune you can tell it’s Neils.
@@patrickking2550 yes, and many othets the prof didnt mention. That is why i tried to tell that other guy, Neil Diamond is way cooler than Elvis. In fact, i cant think of any singer,songwriter,composers more prolific than Neil
I can think of one in the same line as Neil Diamond, but not more prolific, that is Prince, he wrote many songs for others!
@@patrickking2550 yes, Prince was a very deep artist, as well as John Melencamp, Jon BonJovi, Bruce Springsteen. But the only one i can think of that comes close to Neil, is Paul Simon. But Simon hept most of his songs to himself. Bernie Taupin would come close to Neil, but Bernie only does lyrics. Great poet, but doesnt know a lick about music therory, except keep the syllibic rythem steady between verses.
Sorry i forgot to mention Dolly Parton, diffetent genre, but she does have almost 900 songs copyrighted in her name.
I hope Neil Diamond sees this video! You did him justice Professor of Rock it is so good to see someone who loves Neil Diamond and give him his due credit.
Urge Overkill kills it with their cover of, "Girl, you'll be a woman, soon".
great band...saturation is a classic
An overlooked song of his I enjoy is SOMETHING BLUE. I wouldn't list it as his best, but it's definitely enjoyable and deserves more views.
Yes! Fantastic cover!
I won 4 tickets to a Neil Diamond show back in 1983 and was ecstatic. "Hot August Night" was and still is my favorite live album.
Oddly enough I couldn't give the other three tickets away, no one wanted them, I couldn't believe no one wanted to see Neil Diamond.
I asked a lot of my friends if they wanted to go to a concert? At first the answer was hell yea. As soon as I said Neil Diamond they all said AWWWW NOOOO. So I went by myself.
Needless to say, this was a sold out concert and I gave the other tickets to a couple who had been turned away at the door. We sat together and saw the show of a lifetime.
The only concert I've seen that even comes close was the "Eagles" Hotel California tour.
I grew up listening to my mom's Neil Diamond record collection. When I was 8 she took me to MacArthur Court in Eugene, OR to see him live in 1975. He played in the middle of the court. It was so loud and awesome I'll never forget it. My Fiver:
1) Play Me
2) Shiloh
3) Cracklin Rose
4) Sweet Caroline
5) Song Sung Blue
I am, I said - is an incredible song. Saw Neil in concert in Charlotte in 1977. One of the best concerts I ever saw, and I saw many back then.
Neil Diamond showed his character at concert I saw. Henry Winkler sat in the front row of the audience. Neil called him on to the stage and handed Henry the mike. Singing was not Winkler's forte. He was dying on stage. Then Neil came out and told Winkler, "Sing it like the Fonz." Winkler fell into character and killed the song. Big applause. Winkler gave the mike back to Neil with a two-handed handshake, and the gratitude was written all over Winkler's face and posture. I thought that was a gracious thing Neil did to save Winkler on stage.
In early 1972, Neil's agent was called about how much he charged for doing a concert. When told what his hourly rate was, the caller said okay, we want to book him for a half hour. Neil was in the office at the time, and the agent laughed and told him some kid wants him to play his high school prom. The kid said their entire budget could only cover half an hour. Neil talked to the kid, found out he had a concert in nearby Washington D.C. the next night and struck a deal. The kid had to find three different local bands to play 3 thirty minute sets for free, and he would play 3 sets. The money would go to the American Heart Fund. My college roommate was that kid, and he showed me the pictures from his prom in his yearbook. What a classy thing to do for a kid brave enough to ask for the impossible.
For me No 1 is I Am I Said. I’ve loved the song my entire life and then lived a version of it for many years myself. Each time I hear it now it brings me to tears.
My older brother went off to the Navy, and bought a lot of killer stereo equipment over in Europe. He brought it back to the states and had to leave it at our house while he went back out. Before he left we set up the equipment which included a pair of Bose 901s. He had reel-to-reels of Neil Diamond's best albums. I was introduced to "If You Know What I Mean" using those Bose speakers at about 120db. I can't listen to that song without bawling my eyes out, since my brother is no longer with us. It's a happy cry! Listening to "Be" right now. Thanks!
Nothing But A Heartache from Neil's 2014 Melody Road album is among his top songs. Incredible song with amazing lyrics!
Yes, and proof that even in the latter days of his career Neil Diamond continued to write terrific songs 🎶
I Love Neil Diamond. I grew up with his music. He is a part of my life. My wife doesn't like his music. EXCEPT when a song comes on and she says "that's a good one". So there are songs she likes. :-) Everyone knows Sweet Caroline. I loved your stories about Neil Diamond and the one's for America. I know a few people that hate that one. But I have my own story about America. When I was younger I served a two year mission for my Church in Argentina. The prevailing music at the time was the national music of el Tango. After 2 years I missed my music from the United States of America. One day my companion and I were driving our bikes down the street during the hot day at the time of siesta, with no one around we were singing this at the top of our lungs on the way back to the apartment. That and the Star Spangled Banner were two songs that got me through. Thanks Neil Diamond and thank you Professor. You have such passion!
Neil is an Icon, there will always be only ONE.👍 He is not only Jewish, his spirit encompasses every religion on this planet, sharing himself with all of us who love him 🙏 Hallelujah and thank you Neil, God bless always ❤️🌹🙏🌹❤️
Have to include "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" in mine.
Love that song!!!
I saw Mr diamond sing this song live, I'll never forget it, 14 minutes of awesome.
YESSSSSSS 🤘
This is my favorite of his also!
I was just going to type the same thing!
He's got beautiful voice he sung with his heart no can replaced his magical voice no one.... He sung with his heart he's got it all👏💖
I saw him live in California when I was 19 (many years ago) and the concert was absolute BLISS! Everyone enjoying themselves, singing along to EVERY song. My older siblings listened to a lot of Neil growing up but I was still surprised I knew virtually every song he played during that concert. Fantastic memories of an even more amazing artist, musician & poet! I've been a huge fan ever since. Picking five favorites is nigh on impossible, but they would likely be among these six: Cracklin' Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans, America, Play Me, Song Sung Blue & Sweet Caroline.
On another note, if you really need a good laugh, take a look at Neil Diamond's discography when time permits. He (unwittingly) published his first Greatest Hits album in 1968!! Silly man, he had another 30+ YEARS of amazing hit after hit, after hit, after hit! He basically needed a Greatest Hits album for every decade he was writing, singing and performing. Amazing legacy!!
Discovered Neil Diamond 49 years ago. His Songs have been the music of my life.
I first saw him live in Dublin Ireland he sang to 45,000 fans and we sang along with him we knew all the words to all the songs.
I don’t care what anyone says every time I put on a Neil Diamond it instantly brings a smile to my face.
My father was in the same class as Diamond at Erasmus High with Streisand a year behind. When I asked him if he knew or remembered them? He looked up at the ceiling for a moment as if scanning his memory banks and in said, “No”. 😆 Classic dad.
I would have guessed that Barbra was kind of a snob in high school, Neil a quiet but cool guy.
I was exposed to Neil through 'The Jazz Singer' as a kid. I was always hyper-aware of melody and many of the melodies in the film just floored me. "Hello Again" actually made me cry the first time I heard it, and I didn't really understand the lyric (I was 8 or so). However, I always would watch the movie when it was on cable or listen to the cassette and just feel like I was curling up with a good book...cozy and warm and open to the adventure the songs took me on. As a baritone singer in high school doing musicals and choir...I loved singing along to Neil's songs because they were easy for me to warm up with. To this day...any Neil Diamond song I hear...I just stop and listen. Really listen. For me..."Love On the Rocks", "Solitary Man", "Heartlight", "Hello Again", and "Summer Love" are my personal favorites..."Sweet Caroline", "I'm A Believer", "I Am...I Said", and "September Morn" could just as easily be in the list.
I was probably around 12 years old, my dad & I were heading off to our favorite fishing spot in Utah, we had the AM radio on & "Forever in Blue Jeans" played & my life changed. I can't explain how impactful Neil Diamond's music has been in my life, but I basically 'discovered' a couple loves of my life- music in general & Neil Diamond music specifically. I was just a kid, but I just had to get every piece of music he ever made & that includes searching out his Bang Recordings from the 60's (I found them & it took quite a bit of my allowance to get them to me). I wore out all of his records out on my Close N' Play, playing them over and over again. Not to be trite, but he changed my life, anyone who is a fan of Mr. Diamond will know his introspective, romantic, sometimes patriotic & his just...being a human lyrical talent, can rub off on you. I like to think that anyway.
So my top 5 Neil Diamond songs for tonight anyway, probably would change tomorrow & then again the next day....
5. Brooklyn Roads
4. If You Know What I Mean
3. Song Sung Blue
2. Forever in Blue Jeans
& one song that will never not be in my favorites- 1. I am... I said
Great tribute to Neil. I have been a fan since the 60's. His Hot August Night album was such a surprise blockbuster. He really gave a tremendous live performance.
One of the greatest singer-songwriters ever. Sold 130 million albums, received numerous awards and sold out huge arenas and stadiums around the world. Incredible voice, beautiful lyrics, unforgettable melodies. I Am... I Said, Holly Holy, Solitary Man, Brooklyn Roads, Stones among others also belong in a Neil Diamond top 5 😊
I truly believe I love Neil's music more than anyone else in the world! I started listening to his music when I was in 2nd Grade (7 or 8 years old). And, yes, like you, even in the 70s my classmates made fun of me for being a huge Neil Diamond fan. Some of his more obscure pieces are even better than some of the more famous ones.
I grew up an 80s metalhead but my mother and brother bombarded me with Neil Diamond as a child. My personal fav would be "Crunchy Granola Suite". Its the closest im getting to the screaming heavy guitars i crave from every song.
We saw Neil live at Madison Square Garden in 2003.
Best concert I have ever been to.
I love the fact that there is someone else like me that can get so moved from great music and outstanding lyrics that is can bring you to tears. I understand that haters who do not feel the same about a certain song will dis people who feel that way, but don’t let them get you down.
The Jazz Singer is one of the greatest musicals of all time. I watched it a tonne!!!!
He's this rare kind of musician you can listen to his song then and now and still fall in love with it.
I Am I Said makes me cry every time I hear it. My mother loved ND. Don't know how many times we saw him live. If I hear any of his songs, memories of her come flooding back, and it makes me smile...
If you are not moved by Neil's music you have no soul.
Neil came to Tucson in early 80's. I think I was in 10th grade. My Mom SOOO wanted to go see him. Yes,, I went. ( eye roll ) as I was in my hair rock heavy metal days. I was SHOCKED! Neil put on an amazing show. 2 hours non-stop. He had everybody one dancing, clapping & enjoying life. Yes, even some of TPD were dancing in the isles! Like many of days gone by. If you didn't see them, ya missed the boat.
I’ve been a “Diamondhead” since August 15, 1977!! I’ve been lucky enough to have seen Neil Diamond 10 times in concert; he’s actually is the FIRST person I ever saw in concert). I still remember when UB40 came out with their cover version of Red, Red Wine and no one believed me when I told them Neil wrote it...needless to say I had the last word!! I’m such a HUGE fan my oldest son’s middle name is Leslie (just like Neil’s)❤️
When I was in highschool it was all about the Clash, the Specials, The Police, UB40, David Bowie, Bob Marley .... but my friends and I were inspired to learn about the roots of all of the musical styles which lead us to 60s ska, old R&B, blues, cool jazz and it also lead us to Neil along with Frank etc. Neil since the 80s for me has always been part of my life. Thanks for the great review brother!!
1969, cool breeze thru the window,sweet Caroline comes in my small radio,with a great speaker( back then all radios sounded like bose) so clear so beautiful so touching...truly hit my heart
My parents listened to a lot of Neil Diamond when I was a kid, then from about 7th grade through college, I became a “Neil Denier”...but I can remember shortly after graduation putting on Neils Greatest Hits (CD 1 of the 2 CD set) at a party...and everyone knew every word. It may have been a decade since any of us had heard those songs, but from cassettes on family roadtrips, or just dad putting on some vinyl we all had Neil Diamond songs engrained in us. It seem like that’s pretty true for anyone born from late 60s to late 70s.
The #1 song in America the week I was born was Song Sung Blue....to me, Neil Diamond was the 8 track that was in the player in dad's Buick as we took a road trip across the great state of Texas. You couldn't possibly listen to the radio-too far between towns! My parents were Neil Diamond fans.
Forgive me if I missed a comment along this vein. My mom was a Neil Diamond fan, and I count him as my first concert, albeit while still in the womb. I grew up on his records, and my brother and I gleefully listened to Taproot Manuscript on 78 to giggle at Madrigals. When we were older, we listened to Jonathan Livingston Seagull in the car on a regular basis.
Once, when I was a teenager, I was washing dishes and listening to Love Hysteria by Peter Murphy. My mom walked into the kitchen and said, "wow, he sounds just like Neil Diamond." My teen goth self went through about 3 stages of denial and offense before I realized she was right. They are like sonic twins of different genres.
Ive gotten into Facebook scuffles over Neil. I declare him one of my musical hero's. The Jazz Singer is one of my favorite Diamond albums. Hot August Nights is the second. I dont have a top five. How can I? Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show to Blue Jeans? I Am I Said to September Morn? Solitary Man to Red Red Wine.... I'm not sure there is a bad not to be found in his catalogue. Shocked someone the other day just recently informing them that Love Light was written because he was inspired by the film ET. They never knew that.
I thought I hated Neil Diamond, then I listened to his Greatest Hits album and realized how many songs that I had always loved were his.
Had the pleasure of seeing Neil on New Years Eve in Vegas in 2000! He had great energy and sung all the classics. Great show!
ND is one of those guys that grows on you. He was considered a bit cheesy when I was growing up, but some hip musicians loved him. Took me a while, but count me in!
Cheesy is how I've always seen him, a leftover from the old school crooners who I've never cared for. My Dad likes him a lot though, so maybe it's time to put his work through adult ears.
Mike, those words could be my words. It is a bit embarrassing for me to admit.
@@lwaves it took randomly hearing Crackling Rosie as an adult for it to click for me.
Shilo. Period. “SHILO, WHEN I WAS YOUNG I USED TO CALL YOUR NAME; WHEN NO ONE ELSE WOULD COME, SHILO YOU ALWAYS CAME AND WE’D PLAY”.....☺️
Just reading the lyrics, and thinking about this song put a tear in my eye!
Good call! An introspective song of his that is tragic and will make most people shed a tear.
I was a Neil Diamond fan and equally a Led Zeppelin fan. Because I know and appreciate good music! Saw both in concert and loved both equally for different reasons.
Same!! I put ND in the 70’s with CSNY, Led Zeppelin, Leon Russell. All tops in my list for live concerts and excellent music.
DEFINITELY NO ONE else can say/sing “BABE” like NEIL DIAMOND 💎.
I first fell in love with Neil Diamond when I heard Solitary Man on Radio Luxembourg. They played it a lot, so that is one of my favourites. Sweet Caroline came back into the conscious of Britain when comedian Peter Kay sang it for charity and it has been adopted by Newcastle United football club as one of their chants. Everyone knows it. I love Cracklin' Rose too. America is a beautiful song about the American dream, but it makes me sad to think that the descendants of those immigrants have to worry about going bankrupt if they're ill, can be sacked without redress, could become homeless very easily and may be faced with rule by Orange Trump. It sort of takes the glory off it somehow. Not that things are all wonderful here, but at least I don't hate to worry about money when I'm ill.
You are absolutely right. Neil Diamond has obtained “Legend” status without a doubt. My mother loved Neil, I mean she had everything he ever recorded. So I grew up in 60’s and 70’s and woke up many weekend mornings to Neil Diamond blaring throughout the house and my mother dancing throughout the house. Mom had some moves, as she was a professional dancer prior to getting married, as was her mother also. Neil is such a talented person; singer, songwriter, performer, musician, etc. unfortunately I’ve never seen him in concert. But I still blast his music throughout my home , and it’s hard not to dance. Gosh to say only 5 songs. So hard. So I’m going to make it simple....my favorite album of his is The original HOT AUGUST NIGHT 1 album. Love how all of the songs are arranged, sang, and performed. This past Christmas I gave my 16 yo grandson this album and told him he had to listen to a legendary masterpiece. My fav songs; Cherry Cherry, Soolaimon, Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show, Holly Holy, I Am I Said. I have to add these to- Canta Libre, Play Me, Walk on Water, and Girl You’ll be a Woman Soon. There’s so many. All of these I’ve listed are magnificent on the First Hot August Night Album/CD/Etc. Thank you for doing a segment on this iconic talented man. No ones voice will ever compare to Neil’s, truly unique one of a kind voice. And those outfits he wore during the 70’s concerts, oooh la la - Very fine. A beautiful man inside and out. You’ve shared some interesting information about Neil. Awesome. Thank you again.
Man, I'm a big Neil fan and I saw him in concert more than a few times. I even have his autograph on my office wall. When I do karaoke, he's my fall-back. IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN and LOVE ON THE ROCKS are to of my faves. Nice list, Prof. Well done.
Yes! Neil Diamond is wonderful! Jonathan Livingston Seagull is my favorite Diamond masterpiece! "I Am I Said" is my favorite with a favorite line, "I've got an emptiness deep inside, and I tried, but it won't let me go".
He touches my soul!
My high school age son came home from his first football game and the only other thing he could talk about beside the fact that his school team had won decidedly was the enormous response of the entire stadium (including the visitors) singing Sweet Caroline. He was floored that even his friends knew the words. Prior to that night, I'm pretty sure he thought I was just a dork who listened to a huge variety of old music and strangely reveled in the fact that I'd seen so many of my favorites live because I'd been a young man during the concert hey day of the 80s, the most telling story of which actually came in '96 when I saw the KISS reunion tour and Neil Diamond within two weeks of each other. I've never been ashamed of my love for Neil Diamond whose music had been part of my own childhood along with Mac Davis, Don Mclean, Elvis, Barbara Streisand, the Righteous Brothers, and so many others -- music passed along to me by my mother before I began to explore my own tastes (that started with KISS, cut across everyone from Journey and John Denver to U2, Motley Crue, Tesla, Def Leppard, Guns n Roses, Whitesnake, Warrant, and Cinderella to Van Halen, Godsmack, and Metallica) all of which join my nostalgia for Buddy Holly, the Beatles, the Stones, and so many others to be passed along to my kids. Mostly they roll their eyes, but every once in a while something comes along that reminds them their dad isn't as much of a dork a they thought. Like Sweet Caroline at a stadium filled with friends who know it, too.
Neil Diamond was my first celebrity crush. I absolutely loved him in The Jazz Singer also!!! That's where the crush came from. Thank you for doing this!!!
America, Forever in Blue Jeans, Cracklin' Rosie, I am, I said, Sweet Caroline ( I named one of my cats Caroline). I am 57 and grew up with Neil Diamond music. My best friends mom loved and played frequently, Cracklin Rosie. I had the 45 of America. Now I own his Greatest Hits. Thanks for this. Will be listening to Neil Diamond when I get up tomorrow, Easter Sunday.
One of my all-time favorite performers. I have always loved Neil Diamond. We used to call him the Jewish Elvis as a kid. An American treasure! I have seen him live seven times and he was always amazing.
OMG my whole 7 & 8th grade chorus was nothing but Neil Diamond songs....no joke. Love the man and his music 💗🕊️
Went to a couple of Neil Diamond concerts he had here in Australia way back when, there were a number of songs that the audience sang to him, he just stood back conducting.
Great moments.
Neil’s the man! I’m a GenX’r but grew up listening to my dad’s Neil Diamond records and seeing The Jazz Singer!
Of course, I still listen to Tennessee Ernie Ford too!
Man I get goosebumps from beginning to end when I hear those opening riffs of Live In America, if you don't, you are not an American. Love On the Rocks is such a soulful song👍
When he flew to Boston, during that dark time, and performed at the stadium, says it all about what kind of person he is.
Great job, professor. I was born in 1965. I grew up in the 1970s and graduated high school in 1983. I've said before that the greatest decades in music are the 1950s--1980s. Neil Diamond has always been one of my very favorite artists. In fact, If I was asked to list my top 20 music artists of all time, Neil Diamond would definitely be on it. With someone who has such an incredible song catalog as Neil Diamond, it would be impossible for me to narrow a list to just 5 songs. You chose 5 really excellent ones. I'll add some more songs such as ""Cracklin Rosie", "I am I said", "Forever In Blue Jeans", "Hello Again", and "Solitary Man".Of course, I could easily name many more.
One of my favorite movies, like you seen so many times, but most importantly the great memories I have of they records played with two of my best friends that die to young. And the best song played and singed my my sons Wedding, all singing together, was amazing.
So true! Perfect top 5! As a vet, I can account for your recollection. Coming to America, honoring our flag and our spirit is not only to be accepted, but greatly celebrated. Not only is Neil celebrating it, but giving instructions too!
I remember a girlfriend I had that was blown away that I was into Neil, for she claimed that most men didn't get him. Yes, some of his songs were a little cheesy in some ways, but he is a amazing songwriter and singer. He is somehow in the same group as Harry Chaplin to me. Who also was not supposed to be liked by men as well. My absolute favorite is "I Am I Said". Incredible lyrics!
Neil Diamond Gold was my Introduction to his great music. My older Brother wore out 2 8-track tapes of this classic album in his 69 Sport Satellite. I always thought Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show was one of his best. Solitary Man was another one of my favorite songs years ago.
It’s all true, everything you said and felt. Neil is paramount among singer songwriters.
"Stones"...is my best Neil's album.
🎼🎶🎶🎸
"The Odyssey - Be / Lonely Looking Sky / Dear Father" ~ his masterpiece.
Thank for covering Neil Diamond. It's thanks to Neil that I'm a guitar player. I would watch his hands as he played and think I could do that too. So I got a guitar and off I went. Neil has been the butt of a lot of jokes over the years but he's still here. I've seen him in concert and he puts on one hell of a show. It's sad to know he has Parkinson's now and has semi retired. He doesn't tour anymore. I think he's still writing and doing other things in the world of music. I can't pick just 5 of Neil's songs. There's too many good ones out there. Thank you Neil for all the years of your lovely music. Thanks again Adam for covering Neil.
I have that movie too and have seen it so many times i could not guess. I have so many vinyl albums, cds and mp3 iTunes. He is so amazing. Saw him on 50th tour. It was He is phenomenal.. He is really down to earth too. There is a video on You tube of him going back to his old neighborhood. Its a must see....it did not bother him when some young men had not heard or him. He mentions UB40 remake of his song. That one they knew.
My fav’s are America, The story of my life (because it describes my husband and my relationship), Sweet Caroline, have Havah Nagilla which is on Jazz Singer soundtrack...
Love the two kinda of ppl, ppl who love him and ppl whom are lying thru their teeth! Ty for this
Congrats on being able to whittle this down to only 5. You're a stronger man than I!!
Neil Diamond is so far beyond cool that we really need to redefine "cool".
I couldn't have made this list without "Turn On You Heart light". Absolutely takes me back to being a 10 year old boy watching ET.
I forgot how brilliant he is. I went to watch each video as you mentioned them, and now those tears you mention are all over my face
Your dad was a very smart man! I am from Boston and Fenway & Neil are like peppers & onions!! We are honored to play his song!!
5ers for him is tough!! All but your first I feel what your saying!! Especially his “babe” in If You Know What I Mean.
New to your channel and am loving it!!
Great job!!
Thank you!!!!👏👏👏
Love me some Neil Diamond. His music definitely touches a deep part of my soul that no other music does. Neil Diamond is America's #1 Gem. Thanks for covering his music!
I fell in love with Neil Diamond as a little kid lying in bed listening to my older brother play records in his room. My top 5 - I’m Believer, Sweet Caroline, I Am ... I Said, Shilo, Kentucky Woman
What is so amazing about him is you could have a top 5 songs that are about different aspects of the American experience from “I am I said” to “Brother Love” to “Kentucky Woman”. I’d put the first two in ANY top 5 of his.
I HAVE LOVED NEIL DIAMOND EVER SINCE I COULD LISTEN TO MUSIC. MY FAMILY ALWAYS PLAYED HIS ALBUMS AND NOW THAT IM 53 I LOVE HIS MUSIC EVEN MORE. HE IS BEYOND EPIC. HEARTLIGHT IS ANOTHER SONG THAT IS VERY TOUCH LIKE AMERICA. THE STORY OF MY LIFE IS ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAVORITES. I LOVE MUSIC AND PLAY 3 INSTRUMENTS. NEIL DIAMOND INSPIRES ME REGULARLY. I'M ALSO A SELF PUBLISHED SCI-FI/FANTASY AUTHOR AND AN INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER. I'M SIMULTANEOUSLY SHOOTING A MINISERIES AND A FULL LENGTH FEATURE FILM BASED ON MY 1ST BOOK THE TRANS-METRONOME-DEVICE. A TIME TRAVEL SAGA WITH A LOVE STORY HIDDEN WITHIN THE PAGES. I HOPE THAT WHEN I'M FINISHED I WILL BE ABLE TO LISCENSE SOME OF NEIL DIAMOND'S SONGS FOR BOTH PRODUCTIONS. IF I CAN IT WILL TRULY ENHANCE THE LOVE STORY WITHIN MY TIME TRAVEL SAGA LIKE NO OTHER. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. THANKS FOR THIS AWESOME VIDEO ON NEIL DIAMOND. ITS YOUR GREATEST WORK EVER. GOD BLESS YOU. SINCERELY, VINCENT MIRABELLA II, FROM NEW CASTLE, PENNSYLVANIA.
Neil Diamond wrote the soundtrack to my life. I would also have to include "I Am...I Said" in any list of top Neil songs.
Another very moving performance is his live performance of "I've Been This Way Before" from the Greek Theater TV Special in 1977. The audio version on the "Love at the Greek" album is moving, but in the video version, there is a moment during his performance when a young lady in the audience reaches up and hands him a single rose, which he takes from her and holds in his hand during the rest of the performance. That, and the looks on the people's faces as the camera pans across the audience as he sings, could melt a heart of stone.
He is truly a treasure, and I don't think we will ever see the likes of him again.
Neil is one of the greatest singers I’ve ever heard I love his voice and you can almost feel his feelings when he sings
When I hear brother loves traveling salvation show I turn it up and if I can rewind it and sing it again
He has so many great songs it’s hard to pick
I was devastated when I heard he was sick I pray for him
My husband and I share a love for Neil Diamond. We have seen him twice in concert. He puts on a great show. We would love to see him again. Hopefully we can get back to live shows from all of our favorite artist.
I think he has retired. I think he is having memory problems 😥
@@deniserhodes2655 oh noooooo. I hate to hear that.
@@deniserhodes2655 he has Parkinson’s. He did retire in 2018. That is so sad.
I did not learn to truly appreciate Neil Diamond's music until I spent my late teens and early 20s as am AM disc jockey. I knew some hits, and I enjoyed them, but I really dug deeper into his music working there. What a songwriter! My mother-in-law being a huge fan had a some impact as well. My 5'er would probably be "Solitary Man," "I Am ... I Said," "Pretty Amazing Grace," "I'm a Believer," and "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" ... still trying to talk some friends into doing that one at a church singing! Haha!
I'm a 80's Metal Rocker but I like some of his music.
I was 10 when I was taken by my grandmom and mom to see him for my first concert. It was a July night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly and I remember all those songs that night. The crowd going crazy for his songs. It was an amazing show and hes truly amazing.
neil is a very special person there is noone like him he so wonderful he was and is ahead of his time anyone who cant see this is either blind or stupid he is warm and his songs are life itself 🙂