I saw a documentary in which Neil said it took about 45 minutes to write Sweet Caroline. He came across as such a nice man. He said he was a 1970s/80s star, now faded, when he was asked to do Glastonbury. And something like “Who knew me now? I walked on stage to see 100,000 faces smiling back at me and they knew the words to all my songs.”
Neil was singing Sweet Caroline here in 1969, the year he wrote the song. The part where the audience came in with So Good, So Good, So Good, did not start to happen until years later, when Neil went on more tours. The song was about his then-wife Marcia (divorced in 1994), but he needed a three-syllable name to fit the melody. Diamond said that a magazine cover photo of Caroline Kennedy as a young child on a horse with her parents, created an image in his mind, and the rest of the song came together.
I grew up with Neil Diamond always playing, especially when we cleaned the house on weekends. Now in my 40's, I still put Neil on and listen while I clean. My husband will walk through the doors and turn back around. He knows cleaning is happening. I know all his songs, Mom was a die hard fan. His eyes are the same as my dad's were.
Funny about your hubby. My mum was a huge fan as well. While living overseas (dad was in the USN) I used to melt and get goose bumps listening to Coming to America.
@Vincent Schmitt banana seats and cool hsndle bars before BMX bikes came around. No ear buds for us back then. Took that radio, pre- boom box, everywhere, didn't we? My older brother says i am stuck on the 70s. Happy Slurpee Feet and Willy Wonka Spruce bars, carbonated Gatorade in pull tab cans, ahhhhh, yes
@Vincent Schmitt, That brought back a memory... I used to lay in bed at night with a transistor under my pillow because my dad wouldn't allow "any of that damned hippie music in this house". LOL
Neil Diamond is a deeeep rabbit hole filled with incredible songs, mostly songs he wrote himself. Please react to I Am...I Said, my personal favorite of his. Another beautiful song is Love On The Rocks...sad but beautiful.
"I am, I said" "Shiloh" "Brother Love's traveling Salvation Show" All good Neil Diamond songs worth a listen. He has at least 20-30 more but those 3 are a good start.
@@wonder5487 Red, Red Wine (he is the writer of this song later popularized by UB40), Song Sung Blue, I Am a Believer (the Monkees made this famous but is another Diamond classic), America.
' Forever in Blue Jeans ', ' Solitary Man' , 'Craklin Rosie ', and ' Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show' are only a few songs in a deep Neil Diamond well.
A lifetime ago I had the weekend before getting back to Ft. Benning. So I did a little bar hopping in Atlanta. I settled into one bar with a beer. A few minutes later this song started up. Everyone in the place erupted singing along. Laughing and smiling, it was amazing to me. A great memory every time I hear this.
I was fortunate enough to see Neil 5 times, he never disappointed me! Great singer and definitely related to the crowd at his concerts. So good, so good!
I would probably like this song had that infernal audience participation crap never become part of it. Instead I loathe it. But not, actually, this version from before. This one I like. (I'm keen on karaoke, and this is one of "the" karaoke songs, mostly because of the stupid audience participation thing; nice to hear it without that...I only ever sing "Sweet Caroline" as a deliberate joke.)
This video was designed like a 1970s variety show - where you'd often get the singer/guitarist performing live over a pre-recorded band backing. Such a deep, sweet voice, and so many great songs. "Crackling Rosie" and "Crunchy Granola Suite" are other gems, and one which I sometimes sing (and fail to do justice to) at my own gigs, "Holly Holy", is a must.
That's what I was thinking, too -- although sometimes, the band was live as well, but they were either in a separate section off to the side of the stage and the camera angles would be chosen to keep them out of frame, or they were behind a dark gauze stage curtain and the stage was lit such that you couldn't see them. (Similar to the way a 2-way mirror works; the key to the effect in both cases is that one side is brightly lit and the other side is kept darkened; people on the darkened side can see through to the lighter side, but people on the brightly-lit side can't see through to the darkened side.)
Neil Diamond is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter and a hit-making machine. He has so many great songs that it would likely take you months just to scratch the surface of his catalog. Here are a few you should definitely check out sooner than the rest - Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show Solitary Man Shilo Cracklin' Rosie Song Sung Blue I Am...I Said Cherry, Cherry
The inspiration for Sweet Caroline was Caroline Kennedy. The song was released in 1969, but he never told who it was about until 2007 (on a talk show). I'm not sure who made up the story about his wife, but I saw the interview and it's all over the internet. He told a sweet story about seeing her with a horse. She was asked about it later and told about all her friends teasing her. I understand that he sang it for her on her 50th birthday. Keep listening to Neil Diamond - He has sold over 100 million records. I have seen him twice in 1976 and again 1in 1992 he's an awesome performer. I understand that he has retired from performing now due to health problems.
Neil was my dad's favorite. Any time we went on a road trip he'd play Hot August Nights over and over. I literally know every word on that album just from hearing it so many times. Tree People!
My youngest brother is a dyed in the wool metalhead. He’s followed bands on tour round Europe. And he says Hot August Night is the best live album ever recorded.
I saw Mr. Diamond a couple of times in big arenas. He always had amazing musicians and singers. Very professional and excellent performances. I’ve never seen so many performers on a stage. But he can take that all down to just him and his guitar and entertain the crowd. Amazing entertainer. Try Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show and Coming to America. I think you’ll love them. Thanks!!
I am a huge ND fan but if I never hear that song again it will be too soon. I think it got played so much when The Jazz Singer came out that they really over did it.
I love Neil version of his song, best version for me is from his concert HOT AUGUST NIGHT from Hollywood. Elvis also included sweet Caroline into his live shows, it's a real crowd pleaser. Definitely worth your time to react to
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this forever! Neil Diamond is a true artist. Cherry Cherry, Holly Holy, and the best is Brother Love’s Travlin’ Salvation Show. Live performances, please!
This song was playing on the radio as my dad started up our Pontiac to travel 1200 back home from our grandparents farm in the midwest. We only saw them once a year. Big Gramps was a gentle giant and Little Grams the best cook hands down. As I looked out the back window with Neil's words....hands touching hands in my ears, there they were waving goodbye. Gramps was crying and Grams was stoic. Everytime I hear this song I cry but I also open up my catalogue of memories and feel them with me. What a lucky life I've had. I miss them so .... and my parents. Music never leaves though. Such a comfort that.....
@@saragodres-tomes1032 yeah ... back in the late 50’s &60’s there were publishing houses that had in house songwriters. Some duo like Jerry goffin & carol king that wrote songs that were recorders by others and and you had all the Motown song factory’s as well made hit songs .. Boyce & Hart had some songs for the monkeys ... Neil also wrote many for others to record ... day dream believer the monkeys recorded as well , a lot of music publishing around the country hits makers like Hoyt axton , Joy to the world .. never been to Spain for three dog night ...
Niel Diamond is one of the greatest songwriters ever. He's written #1 songs for so many people, from the Monkees to Anne Murray. He didn't feel confident enough in his own voice when he was young. Then, after a successful writing career, one day he decided to share his own voice. Here's a couple that have probably been requested already, "Coming to America" and "Turn on Your Heart Light." That second song was inspired by the movie "E.T."
He is an amazing artist with so many lovely songs, it is a shame that so many seem to have been forgotten. Any of the following would be a great song to listen to. Maybe a new one for you to add to your known Neil Diamond songs. Love on The Rocks Hello Again Forever in Blue Jeans Play Me September Morn America I Am...I Said Longfellow Serenade If You Know What I Mean Beautiful Noise Heartlight Cherry, Cherry Shilo Desiree Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon You Don't Bring Me Flowers (ft. Barbara Streisand)
So glad someone finally did Neil Diamond. One time when he came to Salt Lake City, they had to have 2 extra shows, his shows sold out that fast. He's amazing live!!
This song was quite popular when it first came out. But it's current sing-along popularity started when it became a sing-along at Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox. That's where the "so good so good so good" sing-along part started.
Unknown to Red Sox fans Neil went to Boston the Sat after the Marathon Bombing , and performed the song live for the Fans during the 7 th inning strech. They went wild and help cheer the city up.
Neil always has backup singers, and yes, the songs are about Neil. Not the violin players or the choir. Next to Bob Seeger, Neil Diamond is one of the most prolific songwriters of our time. Hear Holly Holy or Shilo or Play Me or You don’t send me flowers / with B. Streisand.
Okay. "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show", "Done Too Soon", "I Am, I Said", "Song Sung Blue", "Soolaimon", "Stones", "Girl,You'll Be A Woman Soon", "Holly Holy", "America", "Heart Light", "Hello Again", and "Cracklin' Rosie". Can't really go wrong with Neil Diamond. oh, and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" with Barbara Streisand.
I saw him at Fenway, (after he took a "red eye flight" to sing this live) at that first game after the Boston Marathon bombing. To all of us who did not know until 24 hours earlier that this game would even be played...It meant ALOT. Music can heal.
There are videos on RU-vid of impromptu Singing at malls and in outside parks of sweet Caroline. There's an old movie called the jazz singer. It's stars Neil diamond who is a cantor For A number of generations before him who were cantors .. It's the families business.and wants to leave that behind to pursue his own music, jazz. A cantor sings everything that the rabbi has just read from the Torah. Coming to America or America is another really good Neil diamond song. I'm really glad you have done some reactions on Neil diamond.
That's why it's fun to watch a Neil Diamond concert video. The best live performer in my opinion is Pink. Start with her 2010 Grammy Glitter in the Air performance. Amazing!!!
Neil was a badass. A truly great great American songwriter. At age eight or so I discovered Neil's Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack. It changed my life, giving me my first taste of alternative spirituality.
Absolutely love Neil Diamond....such a calming voice 💗. I remember 7th and 8th grade chorus that's all we sang was his songs ☺️. This was one fave but imagine my surprise when I learned few weeks ago it was about Caroline Kennedy 😳. Don't forget when he sings Sweet Caroline it's mandatory to say bom bom bom 🤷. Oops guess I should've waited for your intell......
There's something about this song. Everyone has a story. Mine is on the subway with my brother and some friends going back from a Springsteen concert in New York. It was quiet...my brother started humming, "Was in the spring..." Our whole car was shouting the song before the end of the first verse. It's just...it's just a thing. :-)
Thank you for watching, enjoying and reacting to Neil Diamond. Please react to his "Solitary Man". Such a great song. I saw him live in Dallas... amazing! Such a wonderful entertainer.
There is so much to pick from with Neil. Love on the rocks, from the Jazz Singer. Duet with Streisand. The best live album he did was hot august nights. So much to pick from, enjoy your journey.
I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert twice. It was fantastic. There will never be another like him. You should check out the Neil Diamond movie “The Jazz Singer”. Every song in the movie was great. He has 10 number 1 songs. There’s your homework! LOL
The "So goo, so good, so good" chant originated with the fans at Fenway Park, where this song is played at the 7th inning stretch. It is said that the song was written for Caroline Kennedy, and those Massachusetts folks love their Kennedys.
You heard the original version of the song Jamel. The other words you are thinking of "so good , so good, so good" and "Ba, ba, ba" were only added by those who sing it at a Red Sox baseball game! Love Neil Diamond! Thank you for reacting to this song! Neil Diamond won't let you down if you react more to his songs! Until the next time! Peace! ✌🏼☮🎵
This is the 1971 BBC concert. You can find the whole concert here on YT. It's only 40 minutes and it's well worth the watch. He has a fantastic sense of humor, too! I like him live better than studio recorded.
LOVE NEIL DIAMOND ! I WAS A KID IN THE SIXTIES BUT I REMEMBER THIS SONG SO WELL ! PEOPLE HAD THEIR TRANSITOR RADIOS PLAYING AND IT WAS SUCH A GOOD TIME TO GROW UP IN ! 🌷🌻🌷
I’ve always loved Neil Diamond and his music. I always watch his mouth…when he is really feeling it he purses his lips! He made a more recent video, with a whole bunch of puppies from humane society…he fell in love with one and ended up adopting it! Now that’s cool! He is a genuinely good person. The song had the word blue in the total but I can’t remember the title.
@@David_Theisen He already did Sympathy. Search RU-vid for this channel name and sympathy for the devil, and you'll find it. It's an easy way to see if he's reacted to a song....search the song name or the artist to see all the songs from that artist.
If the story is true he wrote this after seeing a picture of her taken when she was about seven. It was about five years before he got it recorded and released. I hope it's not true because that's creepy. Now whenever i hear this song I think of that.
@@tracypaxton1054 It's not creepy, he was singing it to a girl who just had her father assassinated and had the whole world talking about nothing else but her father's death.
@@platonicdescartes lol, it's a tad sexual. It's a beautiful love song, IF he was singing it to his wife as he sometimes claims, but not if he's singing it about a seven year old.
In his later live concerts, when he’d play for 25, 30,000 people, the crowd would go wild and sing every word with him. That’s where you find the ”so good, so good!”
My favorite song from him, I had never seen/heard this duet.. but I have now. HAVE MERCY!!! I feel like they feel in love right then and there, if only while they were singing. That was amazing! And smoking hot 🔥
Jamel AKA Jamal I too like to see a live recording. Want to see a singer's expression too. For every song I downloaded, I make sure that I look for a Soul Train video to also download.
Jamal, when in about 9th grade, this song came out. I was a hard rock kid, but Neil Diamond was the exception. Everyone, across the musical spectrum, respected him.
Neil Diamond. What an artist. Besides other hits, he wrote "I'm a Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" for The Monkees. Ever since that movie came out when I hear this song, I picture Jimmy Fallon as that obsessed Red Sox fan.
I've read, from multiple sources, that "Caroline" is Caroline Kennedy. This song was released in 1969, Diamond was approximately 28, and Caroline Kennedy was about 12. That made the song just a little weird for me. Fortunately, I like creepy songs. "Vehicle", from Ides of March, is another good creepy song. So is "Every Breath You Take ", from Sting. Sting was actually appalled that people thought the song was a sweet love song.
@@gotham61 In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with writing a song and dedicating to someone. But, it's not THAT the song was dedicated to Ms. Kennedy that's concerning; it's the lyrical content that was dedicated to a 12 year old. Those lyrics imply some intimate behavior, which would be inappropriate for a girl that age, regardless of how well known she may or may not be. That's just a little on the creepy side. In fairness to Mr. Diamond, the perceived creepiness may not have occurred to him. He may have taken a whim to offer the dedication, for some inexplicable reason, without giving it any deep consideration. I don't know. I DO know that I am far from the only one who sees a level of creepiness in it.
My parents were huge Neil Diamond fans. We had his Live album playing so much in my house they wore the grooves out. He's such a great performer. Check out a live version of "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" some time!
I grew up listening to this great artist. He was a phenomenal song write, singer, and performer! I pray for a cure for Parkinson’s disease! Love ya, Neil! ❤️
Jamel, "Red, Red Wine" is a song written and performed by Neil Diamond in 1968. Tony Tribe covered the song in 1969 in a reggae-influenced style, and UB40 covered the song in 1983 in a lighter reggae-style. Although Bob Marley never covered the song, the reggae cover versions have often been incorrectly attributed to him.
Neil is playing and singing live to a recorded orchestra and backup singers. Fun fact: he sang in his high school choir with Barbra Streisand in Brooklyn.
THIS IS KARAOKE SONG FOR SURE SOME PEOPLE JUST CAN'T HELP THAT CHORUS LOL SING EVERYBODY "SWEET ............. AIR TRUMPET HANDS LOL THANKS JAMEL_AKA_JAMAL ✌& LO💚E
I was watching Game #7 of the 1971 World Series--and the organist in Baltimore was playing this song between innings. So it has a history at ballparks before the Red Sox made it a fixture at Fenway Park.
After the Boston Marathon bombing, Neil surprised Boston by unexpectedly showing up at Fenway and sang this song. The city was still in shock and hurting and here he had the entire stadium swaying and singing and crying together. Very generous of him to help Boston.
The Wave at Kinnick in Iowa City!! Not music but it is a BIG newer tradition! After the 1st quarter of the football games EVERYONE in the stadium turns towards the Stead Children’s Hospital and WAVES!!! it’s humbling and sweet
This is the greatest sing-along song ever. I'm sure there's video of crowds singing along at high volume. Happens in any bar with it on a jukebox, lol.
The one that got me hooked on Neil Diamond was, Coming To America, and one of his best songs also Forever In Blue Jeans, Sweet Caroline. Again a simple reminder to react to The Moody Blues, Hey, Jamel, check this band out, I know you have done a reaction to other songs, from this band this us early Moody Blues and this song is the first song on this Album. This song is called: In The Beginning. When I first heard that opening, I didn't at first listen to the rest of the album I just started the first song, over and over and over again. I was 13 or 14 at the time. Then after I got what I needed for that first intro I went on to the rest of the album. All I am gonna say it get ready, long intro, and long outro, the words will make you think. Get ready for.........hmm you'll find out. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uuNGVxw33tA.html
G'day Jamel, Back in the early 2000's a friend and I went to see Neil Diamond in concert. He was performing on a revolving stage, we were about half way up the nose-bleed section, and all we saw was the back of his head... all night... he kept moving back around to the were the big money ticket holders were... he sounded pretty good, but... Add up the cost of the tickets, transport, munchies and everything else, we could have had a better time just staying home with with a couple of VERY good bottle of something and copies of his last 4 or 5 albums... Needless to say, I haven't been to one of his concerts since...
Everyone always reacts to the 2 songs that I consider not his best. Try Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show, Holly Holy, Morningside America, I am I said.,
