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5 Reasons Why...Neil Diamond Will Always Rock...Softly

Posted Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:59pm PDT by Gil Kaufman in GetBack

1) He's Seen 100 Million Faces...And Rocked Them All

Diamond's sold more than 100 million albums over the past 40+ years, but the bespangled man they call The Basher notched his first #1 in May of 2008 with his second Rick Rubin-produced return to form, Home Before Dark.

 

 

2) All the Cool Kids Are Obsessed With Him

He might seem square to you, but some of the coolest people you know have total man crushes on him. Cases in point: Quentin Tarantino used a cover of “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon” in Pulp Fiction, Johnny Cash covered “Solitary Man,” and hip French DJ duo Justice walk onstage to the strains of “Sweet Caroline.” Oh, and he performed at The Band’s Last Waltz

 

 

3) Caroline-a on Our Minds, All the Time

Speaking of good ole “Sweet Caroline,” everyone you know has warbled that one at the karaoke bar at some point in their lives. Including you. Don’t bother trying to deny it. Plus, it’s the theme song to the Red Sox Nation, which totally rocks.

 

 

 

4) He Nearly Became The Original Eice, Eice Baby

Diamond was thisclose to picking the big pimpin’ stage name Eice Cherry at the start of his career. It was between that and Noah Kaminsky. But the man they call the Diamond Cutter and the Jewish Elvis was actually born Neil (ahem, Leslie) Diamond, which is the greatest stage name. . .ever. Well, except for the Leslie part.



 

5) Even If You Hate Him, You Still Kind Of Like Him

He’s the subject of one of the greatest comedic put-downs/compliments in film history, courtesy of the 1991 Bill Murray phobia laugher, What About Bob? In that film, Murray’s character states why he’s divorced explaining: “There are two types of people in the world: those who like Neil Diamond and those who don’t.

 

 

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118 Comments

61. Tony -
Isn't this guy who crooned about no one being there not even the chair and about "songs she brang to me?" Ouch!

62. i -
Unbelievable artist that Neil but I do have to say he could teach his son a few things you can't just say it runs in the family because here that is just not the case

63. James -
I was a real Neil Diamond fan , still like his music. I saw him in concert in San Antonio. He chose a young Girl from the front row of the audience, brought her onstage, and sang to her. When her mother tried to take a photo of what was a real once-in-a-lifetime happening, He (Neil) said "No photos,Please". At least he was polite.

64. matt -
NEIL DIAMOND TS THE SHIZNIT MY GRANDFATHER BLASTED HIS MUSIC AT 6 O'CLOCK AM SAT MORNINGS YOU COULD HEAR IT THROUGHT THE NEIGHBORHOOD

65. K -
What a choir that must have been in high school in New York. Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand both in the same high school glee club.

The first song I could play and sing on the guitar was 'Play Me'. My 9 year old son performed in his first talent show this spring and he played and sung, you guessed it, 'Play Me'. Of course he had to tell the teachers and students the song is about a guitar.

What a beautiful noise comin' up from the park. It's the sound of the kids and it plays until dark.

66. Marci -
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a Diamond fan. Every concert he would give in my hometown I was there. I shared these memories with my mom who was also a huge fan. She was suppose to attend his last concert in Ft. Lauderdale in October 2005 but wasn't feeling very well. So I took my daughter. Unfortunateluy- my mom passed away in Jan. 2006 and every time I hear a Neil Diamond song, I think about my mom and how we danced and sang and had so much fun at his concerts!

67. Yahoo! Music User -
I'm a local bar hopping musician...If you ever need to turn a crowd around just play some Neil...young or old you can't deny his simple, catchy, fun songs. Rock on Neil!

68. beginning to wonder -
I've always been a Diamond fan.I wonder about his latest single which he did on A.I.: What
is "Pretty Amazing Grace" all about? Did he become a Christian? Thanks!

69. Yahoo User -
I am not very close to my father but of all things...he taught me to love Neil Diamond. It is that one link that holds us together. :-) Plus...for an old guy, HE IS HOT!!!!!!!!!!! :-) Great Article~~

70. Niki -
I have always loved Neil. My kids and coworkers make fun of him, but I think that they just don't want to admit that they really like him too.

71. Donovan -
Saw Neil sitting on a stool with his guitar at University of Wisconsin, Whitewater back in 1969. No band, only his guitar. He just had his first song on the radio. I think it was "Cherry." He was so excited that he heard his song on the radio. He didn't know what a success he would become. That was pure and true. Loved him ever since.

72. Sally -
Yes. I AM I SAID. And, let's not forget the 4th of July immigrants' theme song, AMERICA!!! God Bless Neil, God Bless America!

73. Hey, You! -
Neil Diamond... sigh... he can do no wrong. Long live the Diamond Cutter!

74. Italianstallion10 -
Mr. Neil Diamond is a classic artist who has ORIGINALITY! I WISH I was "Gifted & Talented" as Jesus Christ granted him.Stay true Mr Diamond & never be a follower in society. Keep the Faith!...God bless you!

75. Red -
Growing up in the same neighborhood at this same time...who knew a Nice Jewish Boy from Brooklyn who kept his nice Jewish name would become one of the all time best songwriters of all time. I certainly did not. Yet he is, and that rocks me. I have been to many of his NY concerts with friends and with my kids...I have spent endless hours listening and dancing to his music, deeply moved by his words. Neil is a poet, some of his poetry has been used in theraputic settings to help the mentally ill "speak" their feelings. And oh, what a showman...glizzy, yeah...we want glizzy sometime.

I once had a husband...who I had to drag to a ND extravaganza...he said later...it was what he thought a religious service must be like...all that standing and sitting and standing and sitting...and singing and swaying and shouting and loving...yes he is a religious experiece...and he is still sexy...his voice, his words...oh...I am fahklempt.

76. Yahoo! Music User -
My 66 year old aunt thinks he is hot. LOL

77. Red -
addendum...hey Neil, don't you think your oldest fans...I mean us senior citizens...should get senior discounts to your concerts...??? Just a thought!!!

78. KinkyK -
Omg - This confirms what I have been saying for years!! It is impossible to hate Neil Diamond. Everyone secretly likes Neil Diamond. It's like a genetic predisposition at this point.

79. jennyt -
His songs have touched my heart since I was young in the 70's; one of my friends nicknamed me Shiloh after that beautiful tune. This summer my husband and I will see him in concert in Green Bay, WI. I expect it to be a special event.

80. Julian -
Oh come on people. This is the guy who sang "You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore" and made The Jazz Singer. I'm sorry, but Neil Diamond is kitsch.
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