Neil Diamond
By: Caroline T
How Neil Diamond Changed Rock and Roll/Rhythm and Blues forever
Neil Diamond was/is best known as a successful pop music singer who scored a number of hits during the 1960's, '70s, and '80s. Some of his most popular hits during that time frame, were "I'm A Believer" (1966) and "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" (1967) for the Monkees, and had his own first No. 1 hit with "Cracklin' Rosie" (1970).
What made him so appealing?
Neil Diamond had a still unlike any other artist during his time in the 1960's, '70s, and '80s. He was known for being able to write his own songs that became hits and being able to perform his own way. He was referred to as a singer/songwriter, being one of a couple able to write their own songs. One person once described him as, "an original writer and performer ", as he was one of a kind. He also drew more of the younger generation type crowded, that grew up loving him instead of appealing more to the older generation.
Summarize the Roots of Rock "n" Roll
Rock and roll developed as a characterized musical style in the United States in the ahead of schedule to mid-1950s. It got most specifically from the beat and soul music of the 1940s, which itself created from before soul, boogie woogie, jazz and swing music, and was additionally affected by gospel, nation and western, and conventional society music. Rock and Roll thusly gave the principle premise to the music that, following the mid-1960s, has been by and large referred to just as rock music.
What makes him still popular?
He gives me a great down to earth feeling, that all people want to feel. But when listening to Neil Diamond live, people just forget about everything and have the best time listening to the best oldies songwriter. Most of his top hits are done in an alternately smooth and cracklin' voice. He doesn't tease his audience like Tom Jones, doesn't bring out any fancy moves like Elvis Presley or Micheal Jackson. He is a simple performer type guy that many people pay money to go watch and listen to. Rick Frio, the vice president at MCA Records, describes Diamond as an outgoing person and the best kind of artist to be around families.
What are some of his top songs?
- "Cherry Cherry"
- I'm A Believer"
- "Solitary Man"
- "Kentucky Woman"
- "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon"
- "I Thank the Lord for the Night Time"
- "Sweet Caroline"
- "Holly Holy"
- "Shilo"
- "Cracklin' Rosie"
- "Play Me"
- "Song Sung Blue"
- "I Am... I Said..."