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Post by brownjb81 on Nov 30, 2011 16:04:10 GMT -5
As a lot of know that Neil Diamond is an American singer-songwriter whose music career has spanned 5 decades. He has sold over 115 million records worldwide including 48 million in the United States. He is the 3rd most successful Adult Contemporary artist on the Billboard chart behind Barbra Streisand and Elton John. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. Why am I bringing all of this up? Well, last night, I discovered that I have something in common with The Monkees, Janis Joplin and the very first Long Distance Dedication that was aired on American Top 40. What could it be? Believe it or not, it's Neil Diamond. Here are the connections:
He wrote the Monkees' number 1 song from 1966, "I'm A Believer".
His song, "Cracklin' Rosie" was the number 1 song on Billboard Hot 100 the day that Janis Joplin died (October 4, 1970). By the way, Janis Joplin is one of my favorite singers.
His song, "Song Sung Blue" was the number 1 song on Billboard Hot 100 on the day that I was born, (June 29, 1972).
His song "Desiree" was played on the first Long Distance Dedication that was aired on American Top 40 the week ending of August 26, 1978.
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Post by OldSchoolAT40Fan on Dec 1, 2011 6:24:48 GMT -5
One of Neil Diamond's last top ten hits was Heartlight (#5 in 1982), which came from the movie E.T. The Extra Terrestrial.. If he had top 40 hits after Heartlight, they were very few and very far between. He was a great singer. It's surprising he is still alive today.
But Sweet Caroline is my most favorite Neil Diamond song, IMO. Cracklin' Rosie is a close second.
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Post by dukelightning on Dec 1, 2011 9:31:29 GMT -5
Actually, "Heartlight" did not come from ET, was not in the movie and is not on the soundtrack. It was INSPIRED by that movie. Songwriters Diamond, Carol Bayer Sager and Burt Bacharach had to pay Universal Studios $25,000 for the use of ideas from the film however. Yes it is his last hit of any consequence as the followup "I'm Alive" peaked at 35 for his last top 40 hit.
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Post by Big Red Machine on Dec 1, 2011 13:10:59 GMT -5
Sweet Caroline is probably BME's and PonderousMan's favorites since they are Red Sox homers....lol. Interesting to see how Bobby V. will manage the team with his ego. The only reason I care is because I'm a Yankee hater. They buy titles, not earn them like other teams, so their 09 title doesn't count in my book. Well anyway, back to music.
My favorites from Neil are Love on The Rocks, Yesterday's Songs, I Am I Said and Longfellow Serenade. And I love his version better of He Aint Heavy, He's My Brother. He doesn't have one no just no from me.
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Post by skyseth on Dec 1, 2011 18:32:03 GMT -5
I saw Neil Diamond in Paris " Palais des Sports " in 1976 and he was fantastic live .
My prefered albums were " Stones " and " Taproot Manuscript " and my favorite song is " Shilo ".
I have just one regret : that the legendary " Hot August Night " live performances in 1972 - issued in a double CD - have never been recorded for a Dvd release.
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Post by bestmusicexpert on Dec 1, 2011 20:07:56 GMT -5
Actually, I hate that song. Sick to death of it. My favorites are I Am I Said and a song called Summerlove from The Jazz Singer. Great album cut!
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Post by dukelightning on Dec 1, 2011 20:13:25 GMT -5
LOL....yeah you being a Red Sox fan that watches/listens to almost every game IIRC must have heard that song a thousand times by now.
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Post by bestmusicexpert on Dec 1, 2011 20:17:54 GMT -5
And being a mobile DJ.....
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Post by mrjukebox on Dec 2, 2011 19:42:34 GMT -5
One of our local radio stations here in Connecticut has been giving away tickets for an appearance next summer at the Mohegan Sun casino.
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