FIRST TIME REACTING TO | NEIL DIAMOND "AMERICA" REACTION 

I was not born in America so this song resonates powerfully with me. Freedom is worth everything.

Neil Diamond, one of Brooklyn's best exports, is often called "The Jewish Elvis." Listen to all of his stuff. You won't be disappointed.

Used to do all my exercises to this song. It's from the movie The Jazz Singer. The old man you see plays his dad. That is Lawrence Olivier. ❤❤❤❤❤ He wrote it in tribute to his grandmother who came to America.

You're right about both. Neil Diamond IS a total showman. But not quite this glam. This clip IS from a movie. The Jazz Singer (1980). I haven't seen it since I was a kid at camp, but as I recall Neil Diamond plays a young man who is the son of a cantor. His father wants him to follow in his footsteps and he wants to sing - - well - - I guess Jazz. As I recall it was a very good movie; I've only thought of it again in recent years since I started watching reactions to this song. It's a beauty. He wrote it in honor of his immigrant grandparents. Hope you enjoy it. BTW, interesting tidbit alert: this gentleman went to the same high school (Erasmus in Brooklyn) as Barbra Streisand. They were in different classes and didn't know each other too well, but they WERE both in the school chorus. Thanks for reacting to this. All the best!!

This is from a movie. The Jazz Singer. Neil starred in it. It was amazing! It also starred Lucille Ball’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, along with the great Lawrence Olivier. The music in the movie was SO great!

Coming home from desert storm in 1991 , they played this song when my ship USS Saratoga past the rock of Gibraltar into the Atlantic ocean head back to MayPort Florida. I didn't realize how much I truly love this country till that moment.

When the Statue of Liberty was re-dedicated in July 1986 (after three years of having it cleaned up and renovated), this song was part of the festivities.

I have a friend who came from El Salvador and she tears up every time she hears this song. Shoot , so do I.

If you want to know this man's effort...as far as the work he puts into each performance... just listen to his song "Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show" from the live album "Neil Diamond: Gold - Live at the Troubador" (the best version of the song...if you can find it.) You can hear the sweat pouring off his face as he belts it out. (Not literally, of course.) Another fantastic song from The Jazz Singer..."Love On the Rocks" You should make sure you don't miss that one.

This was from a movie called The Jazz Singer.

Every song he sings is equally wonderful. His concert was the best I ever attended.

This was Neil Diamond at the height of his powers. The Jazz Singer was a powerful movie. There were lots of dramatic conflicts and a lot of really great music. Please, please, please do Brother Loves Travelling Salvation Show! That song is one of Neil's early hits in the sixties and it will take you to church. I promise you'll be pulling out the church flag for that one. I've seen him in concert three times, but I would not go to see him again. The voice is no longer what it was, and I want to remember it at it's best. He wrote nearly every song he sang. He did a few covers, and wrote songs for other groups too. He wrote I'm a Believer for the Monkees, and Red Rubber Ball, and several others. I'm a diehard fan, and have been for over 50 years.

This is a scene from the film "The Jazz Singer" if you haven't seen it, it's well worth watching it. Neil Diamond is a fabulous singer/songwriter ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

this song and singer NEIL DIAMOND are greatness 😍😍😍😍one of the few songs that bring tears to my eyes😢😢😢

As the proud son of an immigrant, this always reminds me of my father coming to this, the Greatest Nation, America.

This song wouldn't work today. Our country has lost its way. Neil Diamond always brings me back to a simpler time.

Yes this is based on the movie The jazz Singer I love Neil Diamond for over 50 I've been to and it brings me such joy to reacting to him. Keep listening to Neil Diamond you will totally fall in love ❤️❤️❤️

Please react to Neil’s duet with Shirley Bassey…Play Me. That sparkling red outfit…Diamond necklace and melting adoring gazes. Shirley was asked upfront she fell in love with Neil…she said she fell in love with his Diamond necklace. She can have the necklace!🔥❤️💎

Neil Diamond was touring in 2001. The Brooklyn boy scheduled his NY homecoming at Madison Square Gardner for October of 2001. It was only a few weeks after 9/11. My parents purchased tickets months prior. They debated whether to go out of fear, but with a strong NYPD presence, they went. On the backdrop of the stage was the American Flag drapped with a Black Ribbon. And it was this song that he opened the concert. Everyone was on their feet, singing with tears of sadness and pride. I wish I was there. To this day they still speak of this concert as a moment they will never forget.😢❤

Hi! Love your reactions! Neil Diamond is so talented, I think you will really enjoy reacting to him. I was lucky enough to see him in Houston in 1976, and he really did have the audience on their feet clapping and having a ball and I think this was the song that did it. Others are "Sweet Caroline", "Holly Holy", "Play Me", and "I am, I said", just toname a few. It's easy to get carried away! LOL

The original "The Jazz Singer" was the first "talkie" movie. It ended the silent movie era. It starred Al Jolson in the title role. Of course, Neil can really wear the hell out of a sequined shirt.

You would never know it by all of the hatred that abounds today, but there was a time, not that long ago when we, as Americans were proud to be that beacon of light that everyone wanted to touch! We recognized that diversity actually made us stronger as a country, as a society. I'm afraid too much damage has been done to tarnish that benevolent nature that used to thrive within us. We are jaded now.

The song is about his grandmother escaping to United States of America, at the time she was nine years old, she was not a grandmother yet that's what this is about Neil Diamond was born and raised in Canada.

I saw him in concert in the early 1980's. This was his opening song. He rose up from under the stage and started belting out this song - Goosebump moment - plus he was wearing a bright white shirt with beaded fringes down each sleeve and they had every spotlight on him! Very magical! I had great close up floor seats because I went to the concert with Neil Diamond's drummer's cousin! We also had backstage passes for after the show to visit with her cousin , the drummer. Didn't get to meet Mr. Diamond but it was still cool going backstage! That drummer also happened to be Elvis Presley's drummer as well. He was a pretty well known drummer! His name was Ronnie Tutt.

You definitely need to see the movie. At this point the audience had no idea who this character was. This was like his introduction to the world. I saw him in Detroit in 2001 and this song was the intro to the concert - it was about a month after 9-11. We were screaming.

Yes , he's talking about coming to America he was an immigrant,his family are immagrants!! He is so proud to be an American!!❤❤

The smitten kitten in the audience is played by Lucy Arnaz the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz of I Love Lucy,

Neil was such a showman. This goes way back!

Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes (Secret World Live)

You nailed it. Yes. An anthem. This song came out when I was a child, and it moved me then. Great song, and awesome reaction.

Neil Diamond is awesome one of my favorite live albums "Hot August Night I got it on vinyl as a kid and also have it on cd and listen to it all the time he has so many great songs

Listen to the prologue of Neil's legendary Hot August Night concert. The build-up is magnificent. You will love it! Neil Diamond is one of the most successful artists ever, yet remains in my opinion grossly underrated. What a voice, what a charisma on stage. This man broke attendance records wherever he performed, all over the world. Fabulous!

You're right on all counts! Neil's "Love On The Rocks" from the same soundtrack next maybe? It's a mature kinda song, similar to you don't bring me flowers.

This song never fails to give me goosebumps.

He knows how to do it! He’s a master, the best there will ever be!❤️♥️💕

Check out the movie. You will love it Enjoy Neil Diamond singing "Love on the rocks," and many other songs he wrote for the movie he started-in.

Neil Diamond has sold 130 million records. He is 82 in 2023. This is a live concert...

Neil Diamond is another legend. Thus song still gived me goosebumps everytime i hear it.

So you're starting to like Neil Diamond, huh? If you keep listening to his music you'll start to love the guy. You won't be able to help it. Great voice, talented singer and musically brilliant. Luckily he has a huge list of awesome songs to discover. I'd recommend one but it really doesn't matter. While I may have my favorites, he's never recorded a bad soong.

Neil Diamond and his parents were immigrants to America and he is so patriotic for America freedoms!❤❤

Britt, I think you would really like Neil Diamond’s 1971 BBC concert. I think Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show and Holly Holy are outstanding.

He was basically a good songwriter with a good looks and distinctive voice and he had to be trained to be a performer which he did really well.

Neil could sing the phone book to me and I’d be happy!🔥❤️💎

Neil is great he has a whole bunch of great stuff. PLAY ME is probably my favorite song from him it's sooo good thx...♡

Neil Diamond could write songs hes voice this guy is a legend

He always had the best orchestra and presentation.

This is from the new version of the "Jazz Singer". The young woman and old man pictured are his co-stars, Lucy Arnez, and Sir Lawrence Olivie.

The smitten girl is Lucy Arnaz…daughter of the infamous Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The older gent is Lawrence Olivier,who play his father in the movie. He wanted Neil to become a cantor in the Jewish temple. Great movie you need to see it!

Oh Please do his song Brother Love's traveling salvation show. I know you'll love it ☮️

There is no explanation for the performances Neil Diamond would give. It definitely gives Elvis vibes. No one sings like Neil Diamond.

He has a fantastic repertoire of great songs! Try Beautiful Noise or. Cracklin’ Rosie.

If you really want to get into Neil Diamond songs, just start with the album Tap Root Manuscript. You and any of your naysayers will be won over. I promise you will not be disappointed. I forgot about this album. Please do Done to Soon. But the album is a must. Thank you, TY, TY, THANK YOU.

He wrote this song to honor his grandma who came to this country by boat when she was eleven years old! Does this at every concert!

Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show

Neil Diamond 's (America) is a very patiotic song!!❤❤

Neil wrote this song for his grandma,who came to this country by boat when she was 11 years old! He always showed her pucture and paid tribute to her at his concerts!

For a Little Gospel feels, Might I Suggest Neil's "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show"... The Lyrics, The Texture... You are THERE... In that Tent!

ELO does a lot of orchestra pieces in their rocknroll

This is from the Jazz Singer

I have been in love with this man since the 60's! I had every album made by him that I could find. I saw him in concert 3 times and he was fabulous! This scene from The Jazz Singer (1980) is the end and culmination of the conflict. It's a remake of The Jazz Singer from 1927 which was the first "talkie" -- the first movie with synchronized dialogue with sound. There is one other remake done in 1952 which stars Danny Thomas. I've seen that one but not the original. I think both are on RU-vid. Diamond's Jazz Singer didn't do well (not from lack of trying by me!) but the soundtrack was fabulous and has many hits on it and sold millions and millions! Songs like Love on the Rocks, Hello, America (which you just listened to) and many more were all over the radio. I saw this movie 27 times in the theater and would have seen it more if I could have found the time! I was a single mother with a full-time job and was going to college full-time! I have watched it many more times on CD and streaming. Anyhoo, I think you'd enjoy the movie (screw the reviewers!) -- we Diamond fans loved the movie. Give us a review; nobody else has. I would watch and I bet a lot more would, too. 😊

You are cracking 🤣me up #Britt! But you are spot on. Neil started wearing those "sparkling shirts" back in the late 70's. They didn't have or use large screen monitors back then (at least Neil didn't use them until the 90's) Anyway, he said the shirts we're worn so the audience way back in the 'nose bleed seats' could see him better on stage. The song #America is from the movie soundtrack and remake of #The Jazz Singer. #The Jazz Singer originally came out in 1927. It starred Al Jolson and was the first talking film. Remade twice before Neil tried his hand at acting and remade it a third time in 1980. Neil was 40 y/o. Neil plays a Jewish cantor who sets out to become a singer/entertainer against his fathers (who is also a cantor) strict wishes that he remain faithful to the family and synagogue. Neil's version has nothing to do with jazz music. The 1927 movie may have because there was no pop/rock genre back then. This was the first and only time Neil did a lead acting role. He had a cameo in #Saving Silverman with Jack Black and Jason Biggs. Neil wrote the entire soundtrack. Other hits that came off of it we're #Hello Again .. #Love On the Rocks .. #Summer Time and of course #America. The album sold well over 6+ million copies earning Neil a 6x Platinum award/recognition. The band in the video is Neil's real band. Many of whom he has recorded and toured with for over 35 years. The old man and woman in the audience is the late great actor Sir Laurence Olivier who plays the father. He passed away July 11, 1989. The woman is Lucie Arnaz and she plays Neil's love interest. Lucie Arnaz is the daughter of TV actors/legends Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. This scene is filmed at The Pantages Theater in L.A.

Please react to more.Neil Diamond. Play Me,Beautiful Noise,Hallelujah,Morning has Broken,Hell,Yeah,Story of My Life,The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind,Song of Life,Love on the Rocks!….so many. Go down thatNeil Diamond Rabbit hole…you will not regret it

Would love for you to react to Neil performing Hell,Yeah and The Story of My life. These songs are underplayed and he does them magnificently!🔥❤️💎

TALKING ABOUT IMMIGRANTS HE PLAYED AT THE 💯 YEAR OLD ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY 🗽 I BELIEVE IT WAS IN 1986 ITS ON RU-vid , HE SHOWS THE IMMIGRANTS COMING OFF THE BOAT 🚢 GREAT 👍🏻 TIMES I WAS JUST A KID 👦

One that you have to listen to: "Holly Holy" from his 1972 Hot August Night album at the Greek Theatre in L.A. A really good studio song: "Soolaimon" Definitely listen to the studio version of it.🤙😎

I was fortunate to have seen him in concert at the Hollywood (FL) Sportatorium on November 22, 1982. This was his opening song and... after his set and two encores...was his 32nd and closing song. After over forty years, I can still feel the pulsing vibes and remember seeing the American Flag unroll behind him! Thank you for the memories.

BRITT just a note for you , the lade in the audience ---is the daughter of LUCILLE BALL & DESI ARNES

Perfect a cappella harmonization: Voctave's Disney Princess Medley. Please!

Neil diamond has many great songs but if you want to listen to one of his tracks that probably never gets requested ,try Neil diamond " Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show" x 😊

Oh, such a sexy man. My older sister had all his albums. Sometime, look up his album, Johnathan Livingston seagull. Close your eyes and listen to the whole album.....such peace, you'll love it.

I did see him in concert with a friend (and grown kids) and we acted like kids!! You never miss for audience participation when he starts Sweet Caroline. What a showman!! America was the cherry on top for The Jazz Singer. I have the Soundtrack CD and there are many very memorable songs.

Couldn’t take her stopping the video every 15 seconds. Click off after 4 minutes.

I liked the movie… I had the soundtrack….

America was made what it is by immigrants. For 200 years, brought here as cheap labor or coming as legal immigrants, they all learned the language and communicated with each other through that common tongue. This song celebrates the immigrant and America's welcoming shores. Alas, now there seems to be more illegal immigrants than legal and the common tongue is no longer common. Communication has suffered and the contribution of the immigrant has been slowed. But Mother Liberty stills stands at our shores welcoming the huddled masses longing to be free.

He has performed America at the Statue of Liberty and the White House on the Fourth of July!

I had such a crush on him... that voice!

The movie is indeed The Jazz Singer, and it's fantastic!! You MUST watch it! My favorite song from the movie is Hello Again. You can listen to him for days on end - you won't find a bad song. Simply the very best singer/songwriter ever.

Have been to at least thirty Neil Diamond concerts…three hours of uninterrupted Heaven,no opening acts…no intermissions! Never sat at one of his concerts!🔥❤️💎

BRITT your right this is from the JAZZ SINGER

I have always loved this song, but it makes me very sad that our country that at one time was so welcoming to those seeking a new home, has become so divided and unwelcoming.

The duet with Shirley Bassey was Play Me…so stinkin sexy!

Definitely an awesome showman and I love this song and I am I said 😊😊😊

Neil Diamond is so talented that he has a fabulous song that he wrote named "Crunchy Granola Suite." Yes, it's about Granola and it sounds great, and it's so much fun.

The Jazz Singer

Neil aint no joke!! What happened to music??

More Diamond !!! YES !!!

I don't know why but I always held Neil Diamond in high esteem because he was supposedly Lady Dianna's favorite musician. That and sweet Caroline...

Neil was amazing and he was backed up by an ahhhmazing band. They were like family!🔥❤️💎

I had the pleasure of seeing this man in concert twice. His songs range from the spectacle of this song-America and Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show to the lovely poetry of I Am I Said. He is a prolific songwriter. He sure knows how to put on a show! He’s partial to those sparkly shirts! Enjoy.

Sweet Caroline was my favorite.

The Video is from the Movie the Jazz Singer. Neil is a Jewish American and the song is a tribute to the Ellis Island immigrants from the early 20th century.

It is a song about our rich immigrant heritage.

Elvis inspired costume.

You have such a great voice! Please keep that as part of your reactions

Hi, Britt. Good eye for catching the fact that it looks like a movie. That was a scene from the movie The jazz Singer. Oh, congratulations on the three months and you could have knocked me over with a feather when I heard you say three months. I thought you had been doing this for a very long time. Wow!

I enjoy the "full orchestral sound", use of the violins helps set it off. Neil Diamond has been setting the tone for decades. Yes, this was from The Jazz Singer.

Yes, from the movie The Jazz Singer from 1980. About immigration and family. Neil is SUPERB!!!!

I love Neil Diamond. When I was 20, he was impossibly old and corny. Then I was 30 and he was someone talented and outspoken and a little mysterious. Then at 40, it was WHOA he's amazing. Now, honey, he can be 80 and bald or frail or anything and I still think he's one hell of a man. He can reach right into you and grab you with that rich voice and that presence and delivery. He has written so many hits for so many bands and artists. He's a once in a generation talent.

It is a movie - "The Jazz Singer." But even when he's low-key in concert, it feels so much like this. A concert like none other.

I agree with you this is one of the best patriotic rock anthems there is. Neil Diamond had the "swagg" he could give some spectacular concerts. But I wonder if you'd like to check out some of Tina Turners' music. She is definitely worth checking out. Another incredible performer and fabulous singer. Here's a live performance (with good video quality) "Tina Turner - live in Wembley - Rolling On The River - 1080p klara" Fun reaction, thanx 4 sharing