Over the years Neil Diamond has shown that he is one of those rare singers that has staying power. Real staying power is not just when a singer has some hits and then rides off into the sunset. It is the ability to perform in venues over a period of many years and still bring in a packed house.
Quite a few years ago I remember seeing Garth Brooks in an interview where he said that a true test of an artist is how long they will last. He said how many of the current artists do you think will still be around with the longevity of singers such as George Jones, Merle Haggard, George Strait, and others? Garth understands the music business because he studies his craft which is an admirable trait to have.
In Neil's tour dates he has another rare trait that never ceases to amaze me. Because of his magnetism he connects with his audience almost like no other. His fan following borders on being cult-like in nature. In concert I see him not just singing to the fans but with outstretched arms and body language saying to them, isn't this great, here we are being together and enjoying this great music. Even as I am writing this for you I can feel the magnetism of his performance. It's so much there, so connected!
I remember reading an article by David Browne in Parade magazine for an interview he did with Neil.
I learned of some wonderful personal traits that Neil has such as his being good to his mother. When he could find the time during his busy schedule they would get together and he would have her favorite meal waiting for her which was hot dogs and potato salad.
He also doesn't mind waiting in line at a Coffee shop as he likes to still be grounded with people. This does not surprise me. A man that's good to his mother and enjoys being with people.
Neil has recently been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It certainly seems long overdue for this performer who has left us with an indelible impression of his music. Songs like "Sweet Caroline," "Forever in Blue Jeans," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Touching You, Touching Me,"and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" will be around for a long time to come.
By the way, for Trivia fans, did you know that the inspiration for Neil when writing "Sweet Caroline" was the daughter of President John F. Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy?
Quite a few years ago I remember seeing Garth Brooks in an interview where he said that a true test of an artist is how long they will last. He said how many of the current artists do you think will still be around with the longevity of singers such as George Jones, Merle Haggard, George Strait, and others? Garth understands the music business because he studies his craft which is an admirable trait to have.
In Neil's tour dates he has another rare trait that never ceases to amaze me. Because of his magnetism he connects with his audience almost like no other. His fan following borders on being cult-like in nature. In concert I see him not just singing to the fans but with outstretched arms and body language saying to them, isn't this great, here we are being together and enjoying this great music. Even as I am writing this for you I can feel the magnetism of his performance. It's so much there, so connected!
I remember reading an article by David Browne in Parade magazine for an interview he did with Neil.
I learned of some wonderful personal traits that Neil has such as his being good to his mother. When he could find the time during his busy schedule they would get together and he would have her favorite meal waiting for her which was hot dogs and potato salad.
He also doesn't mind waiting in line at a Coffee shop as he likes to still be grounded with people. This does not surprise me. A man that's good to his mother and enjoys being with people.
Neil has recently been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It certainly seems long overdue for this performer who has left us with an indelible impression of his music. Songs like "Sweet Caroline," "Forever in Blue Jeans," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Touching You, Touching Me,"and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" will be around for a long time to come.
By the way, for Trivia fans, did you know that the inspiration for Neil when writing "Sweet Caroline" was the daughter of President John F. Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy?
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