First Time Hearing Neil Diamond - I Am... I Said (Reaction!)

[@dagmar.6954]

One of my favorite singer songwriters spanning many decades. I had so many of his records. He had tons of hit songs. "I Am, I Said" is one of my favorites. It is almost an autobiography of Neil's life. Other songs are "Cherry, Cherry", "Sweet Caroline", "Kentucky Woman", "Red Red Wine", "Solitary Man", "Holly Holy", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Song Sung Blue", "Forever In Blue Jeans", "Longfellow Serenade", "Desirée", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" etc. He has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. I was privileged to see him in concert twice. He was a great showman & his live performances were memorable. Sadly he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018.

[@lilamuzik3385]

Neil considered himself lowly like a frog with a wish to be a King....and he became a the King of the music industry...

[@michaellynch9550]

The frog who became a king is from the fairytale called the frog Prince. You stumbled across a master with one of the most original voices outside of Willie Nelson.

[@bertinernie]

Well said. Love On The Rocks and Sweet Caroline (obviously) are killer too. As far as "singer/song writer... He's up there with Bob Seger, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce.... I could go on and on. But yes, truly a gem

[@Obsessedwithcookies757]

Neil Diamond was a man of class. Love your reactions!

[@loisrogers9042]

"Coming to America " is a terrific song too. The video shows the movie clip with his 'parents ' in the audience. Powerful

[@chuckwilliams6261]

His wife and his father, his mother isn't in The Jazz Singer.

[@loisrogers9042]

@@chuckwilliams6261 I didn't remember that. I saw it so long ago. Thanks.

[@debigiroux1811]

I went to a Neil Diamond concert and honestly it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. He has a lot of beautiful songs like this and a lot of really fun songs. His song writing is fantastic, a National Treasure in my book. Thanks for the great reaction!

[@marningritaguy]

I think that an amazing song from Neil, that is often forgotten, is "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show".

[@LindaAtchison-qi2fm]

I was just thinking the same thing

[@k.e.rudolphevansknightwahl5557]

Neil Diamond - Cracklin Rosie, Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue (my personal favorite), Sooliman (probably spelled it wrong), and so many more. Please go down this rabbit hole. I promise you won't be disappointed. My parents always listened to him when I was little so I grew up loving his music and when I was a baby Song Sung Blue would calm me down and put me to sleep. Btw I was born in 1977. I love his music. And great reaction

[@jimbrown1303]

Deepest rabbit hole you could go down. The entire Taproot Manuscript album is genius and way ahead of its time. Great composer/singer/entertainer

[@lauriemartin490]

My dad played that album on repeat when I was a kid. It's huge part of the soundtrack of my childhood weekends.

[@losha4324]

I wholeheartedly agree! The whole Tap Root Manuscript! 🥰

[@MaryannTurton]

Forever in Blue Jeans next Shon!🎤🎼👖🤩

[@ambrabridges2161]

Everytime I hear Neil Diamond's music, I think of my mom, who passed in 2020 from Alzheimer's. He was one of her favorite singers and she saw him in concert four times. At one of the concerts, he played for over two hours, came back out, and did a 30 minute encore. It was reported in the paper the next day that he was sick with the flu and had a fever of 102 during the concert. My mom said you couldn't tell he was sick at all. My mom also had a huge crush on him to the point that I think it made my stepdad a little jealous, lol. "Cherry, Cherry," "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show," "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie" are some of my favorites but you really can't go wrong with anything from his catalog.

[@N8TiVNewYorker]

I was born in Harlem, NY, raised in Queens, NY, and lived in Brooklyn for over 40 years, then I moved to California and lived in L.A. for 7 years, this song hits me like a truck. Nothing feels better than the comfort of what you once called home, wish I could go back. Fun fact, Neil went to High School with Barbra Streisand.

[@marceyroderick6246]

Sweet Caroline is another good one, he has so many good songs

[@lordylordy886]

Any song sung by Neil diamond is truly soulful.love him.any song for real.

[@CapnBob2010]

You need to do "If You Know What I Mean" - next. Majestic. Enjoy the journey, my friend.. You've got 60 years of Neil ahead.

[@jenniezamek2849]

You will love anything by Neil Diamond. "Craclin' Rosy" is fun. It was a big hit.

[@Festus171]

Neil Diamond is a master songwriter/performer. So many hits, you'll be a long time exploring that rabbit hole. I should also mention that he's got lots of variety in his work, so you can't judge his catalog by a handful of songs. I probably like one of the live performances of "Sweet Caroline" where the audience just about takes over. He feeds it to them, but they are game!

[@germankitty]

One of the best contemporary American singer/songwriters. His duet with Barbra Streisand, "You don't bring me flowers", is epic. Welcome to yet another rabbithole! 🙂 (Oh, and his sparkly stage outfits used to be ridiculed a lot, but the ladies in the audience loved 'em ...)

[@captainkangaroo4301]

The first time I heard of Neil he was a barroom singer on an episode of Mannix in 1967. I knew right away that I enjoyed his music very much and I’ve been listening to him for 58 years.

[@jolenewitzel7919]

Neil's catalog is long and awesome. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@SB-xt3dz]

My favorite song of his is "Play Me." So beautiful!

[@riverlove6820]

Yes.

[@Gekokujo76]

I was with a woman for 10 years and she became my wife and the mother of my child. "Play Me" was our song. I have a tattoo of a sun and she has one of a moon that we both had before we met. One day we got divorced...leaving me lonely still. My favorite band is called Two Gallants and after my divorce I really identified with several of their songs, particularly one called "Nothing To You". I was looking up live versions online and singing away my sorrows when I came across a version of Two Gallants playing Nothing To You at The Independent. The improvised into and outro to that live version is "Play Me" by Neil Diamond. You might not believe in God or The Devil, but Ive seen them both at the same time.

[@pattymckitrick7436]

Yes ! ❤

[@nolansteiner4771]

i appreciate neil diamond more as i get older, as i can see his meaning more now that I have lived life a bit more than when i was a kid. This one is fantastic. I also just heard "Holly Holy" for the first time, which I think is a phenomenal song...I felt that one big time. Try that out if you get a chance next time.

[@barbarakitt5948]

His catalog is immense and very impressive! Time to travel down this rabbit hole 🫶🏻

[@marceyroderick6246]

Love on the rocks is another good one

[@sergioomar9090]

That one hits hard🥃

[@edmonguy]

Can't go wrong with Neil Diamond. Incredible voice, extraordinary live performer. 🔥🧡🎸

[@robertjones6971]

Solitary man ! Neil rocks !❤ Love your reactions 😍

[@GaryCain-qf5vi]

"SWEET CAROLINE" ❤ CLASSIC ❤ SAW NEIL IN SAN DIEGO ❤ A CONCERT I'LL NEVER FORGET! 😮 "CRACKLIN ROSIE"🌹, "FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS"👖 AND MANY, MANY MORE. ✌️PEACE ☮️ AND LOVE ❤ GARY YOUR 70 YEAR OLD FOREVER YOUNG HIPPIE 💃🕺 GREAT REACTION👍

[@maricepelletier2107]

Neil Diamond and Tom Jones were artists my mother and her friends loved. Funny thing is when their daughters finally "listen" to you them, their talent, voices and vibe rub off on us. Timeless. Peace from Canada

[@becksullivan4796]

This song is from his heart -from his soul.

[@JacquelineCollins-x1k]

Saw him in concert 4 times, he's amazing. Glad you are bringing him back. Every song was effortlessly sung. If you don't leave in tears , it's not the Diamond....

[@Laura_Martin42]

Neil Diamond is a legend! Holly, Holy, Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show, Play Me, Girl, You'll Be a Woman, Soon, Kentucky Woman and Porcupine Pie are all fabulous. In fact, all of his are. Thanks for the great reaction.

[@nancykorensek4083]

Neil Diamond headlined my very first concert over fifty years ago. He set the bar high for all other concerts since.

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

A prolific singer-songwriter. "Sweet Caroline" may be familiar to you, as well as "I'm a Believer" which became a huge hit for The Monkees.

[@ChefBarb58]

NOW OLD AND YOUNG, THAT I HAVE BEEN AND AM HERE STILL THROUGH OUT THIS ERA OF ALOT OF GREATS,,, EVEN MY MOMMA'S MUSIC.. ALOT GETS MISSED UNTIL THERE GONE OR ON THERE WAY OUT!!! ALOT OF CELEBRATING ON BOB DYLAN... WHICH WAS ALWAYS SAID HE WAS GOOD WRITER BUT NOT TOO MUCH OF A SINGER.. WELL MY NIEL DIAMOND IS ONE THE BEST STORY SONG WRITERS ALSO FOR HIMSELF AND OTHER SINGERS OR GROUPS. BUT DIAMONDS VOICE IS ONE YOU WON'T GET AGAIN..( HOT AUGUST NIGHT CONCERT IS ONE TO WATCH ) SO JUST GIVING THE MAN A SHUT OUT HOW GREAT OF ARTIST STORY TELLER AND THAT VOICE❤ BLESS HIM WITH STRENGTH AND LOVE.💙💙💙

[@honestone490]

3:01 You can actually see a tear rolling down from Neil's eye when he's singing. Shon this frame you stopped at shows it dramatically. Breathtaking performance.

[@starfire6122]

I see it too😢💞✌️

[@destinyreelly2974]

Dude could write a song. And he wrote many! ❤

[@shirleynoble685]

More than a few hits. One of the most amazing songwriters of the 20th century both for himself and songs recorded by others. He was inducted into the songwriter’s hall of fame in the mid 1980s when he wasn’t even half way through his career. He sold millions of records worldwide. I saw him perform twice, in the mid 70s and again in the mid 80’s. Packed audience but the amazing thing was the way it spanned generations from kids to seniors at a time when most big concerts were teenagers and young adults. (As far as I can tell this is mostly true for some artists today.) One of his most famous performances is a song he wrote called “You don’t bring me flowers” which he sang as a duet with the magnificent Barbara Streisand.

[@karenpowell6063]

Love Neil Diamonds music, and his vocals are so rich

[@writerwade9241]

You WILL like this new rabbit hole.

[@tonyhaylock2223]

The one and only Neil Diamond , a true legend:)

[@Jeffy732]

One of the greatest greatest voices and songwriters ofthe 20th century. Great reaction shon you clearly enjoyed this.massive rabbit hole take yout pick crackling rose.sweet caroline.love on yhe rocks to name just a few.

[@RhondaHill-mi7cw]

His original recording of this is great too and he has so many hit songs. A true musical icon. He toured for decades and finally had to retire because he has Parkinson's Disease. Thank you for enjoying and sharing.

[@carefreescot]

He was considered a giant of the music scene at one time and his songs were on the radio several times a day. Try Cracklin' Rosie and Sweet Caroline as well, see what you think

[@pattymckitrick7436]

I love Neil Diamond. Always have, even as a little kid. I prefer the studio version but this is good too. ❤❤

[@djelibeybi8528]

Neil Diamond a songwriter turned singer with very distinctive voice. He has written and recorded ten singles that reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. No playlist of his songs would be complete without:- Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show, Hello Again, Sweet Caroline, Red Red Wine, I’m a Believer, Cracklin’ Rosie, Love on the Rocks, Forever in Blue Jeans, Hello Again, America, Solitary Man, Holly Holy, Song Sung Blue, Soolaimón, September Morn, Shilo, Beautiful Noise, A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You, Longfellow Serenade, Kentucky Woman, Pretty Amazing Grace & Play Me.

[@SassyIndian]

OMG you found Neil Diamond ❤❤❤ He's a great rabbit hole. Shilo Coming to America Boat that I row Melody Road Beautiful Noise Sweet Carolina Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show Soolimon Solitary Man I'm a Believer Just a few to start you off.

[@JimFlickinger]

He's all good!!! Enjoy more of Neil!!!

[@becksullivan4796]

This song is from the heart - from the soul.

[@davidmullens7565]

Thank you 👍 for reacting to this.❤😊

[@jenniferdickinson3491]

you should watch "America" another great one!!

[@SteveWalsh-qm3tk]

Neil is the man, dive very deep

[@starlette570]

My favorite Neil Diamond song 🌟 You should absolutely check out his catalog, he's incredible

[@dl00076]

I appreciate Neil Diamond more with each year ❤

[@losha4324]

If you like stories, especially about the old "traveling shows" (preachers come to edge of town in tents to provide a church service...sometimes, to "heal" folks). Lots of hallelujahs! 🙌 It is called "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show"! It rocks and is uplifting! Love you, Shon! 🥰🙌🥰

[@flutesong5527]

Big BIG star! Keep going with his songs, you'll love it

[@70sMusicLady]

I would be surprised if you haven't heard at least the chorus of "Sweet Caroline".

[@brigitasiewert1870]

Hot August Night, a live concert double album came out around 1972, has best version of this song, also Holy Holy, great stuff, he really rocks it

[@l.t.6180]

Great reaction! Although you don't know Neil Diamond (of course you do. He wrote Sweet Caroline, Red Red Wine, I'm a Believer among many others) you completely got it right. One of the best singer-songwriters ever. Period. Sold more than 130 million albums worldwide and broke attendance records wherever he performed. A charismatic and dynamic performer with one of the most distinctive voices in pop/rock music. He has a huge catalogue to choose from, from his early beginnings with songs like Solitary Man, Holly Holy and Brooklyn Roads, over Dry Your Eyes and America, to late-career gems like Pretty Amazing Grace and Hell Yeah. If you want to get to know Neil Diamond, just listen to the lyrics. They are amazing! In that respect, I hate it when the lyrics shown are wrong. He doesn't say "And I can't even say why", but "And I CAN even say why". He knows exactly why he's feeling lost!

[@Delet322]

I love to watch you discover the music the boomers grew up with. We loved music and listened to a wide variety on am radio.

[@MaryannTurton]

Oh yeah, there’s only one Neil Diamond! Never gets old!🎤🎼😍

[@jlynnmiddlebrook4676]

best male vocals ever!!!!

[@robeskridge7948]

One of my cousins, David Lindgren, was Neil’s pianist and wrote “Hello, Again, Hello”. One of my favorite songs by Neil is “Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show”. Check it out, you’ll love it!

[@konradv7]

Coming to America, Red Red Wine, Sweet Caroline and others all great by Neil.

[@maureentavares6488]

Holly Holy!

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

Beautiful song!

[@andreasmith6528]

I always wondered if he expected the chair to hear. The best Neil song is Sweet Caroline.

[@njbiker2008]

you need to do Skid Row I remember you, You will put it on your playlist!!

[@KevinWalsh-m7w]

Sweet Caroline is almost The National Anthem at many sporting events.

[@ricellisfrost620]

Known this song all my life... never listened to the words... WOW!!

[@jamesmartin1010]

Crackling Rosie

[@kerrycronin3581]

Words. The words hurt and feel good at the same time. It's just like he's thinking my thoughts.

[@Levanott]

Stars in The Jazz Singer in the 70s or 80s. Love all the music in this film!!

[@KC-bv9kf]

“…not even the chair…” referring to his therapist. We all have those moments.

[@jamescofer3261]

"The Frog who dreamed of being a King" is a funny little zen fable about a frog who isn't happy with who he is, and what happens to him when he tries to change the conditions of his nature.

[@albertscanlon2005]

Hi Shon. Neil Diamond wrote many songs that hits you in different ways. He is one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. You are in the presence of greatness. This man has it all. His songs are still sung today some 50 years after being released.

[@lauriemartin490]

Neil Diamond is a national treasure. He is master songwriter and storyteller, and his voice is so rich and warm and a pleasure to listen to. When I was a kid, my parents played his music a LOT. I Am...I Said is my favorite. The lyrics hit home as a military child and then spouse who moved frequently. You should check out Cracklin Rosie, Cherry Cherry, Song Sung Blue, and Soolaimon. Also, the one song you have probably heard, Sweet Caroline. Bah, Bah, Bah. 🤣

[@garrymoore2161]

Hey, world! I matter; I exist. I am! !

[@Loveduff]

Your funny. You said you cut it on..anyway I used to see him and his wife up in Lake Arrowhead CA at the Hilton. He always appeared to be nice. He was respectful of others anyway.I had family that worked at the Hilton. I have watched him in concert always fantastic.n My dad had a voice like Neil. And the story of the frog. Ever hear of "Kissing a frog that turned into a prince!"

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

A beautiful story, love Neil, thank you Shon

[@bobbiecrawford3245]

Hey man love your channel. I’m so in love with all those Chicago nbc shows. The scenery is so awesome. I can see how you miss it.

[@dazzaustralia4618]

Get a kiss from a Princess if your a frog 🙆‍♂️ Crown Town 👑

[@laneykehel5057]

"Play Me" and "Solitarity Man" are unforgettable.

[@jeanniea3437]

You are the sun, I am the moon You are the words, I am the tune play Me 🎶

[@rayrodriguez8417]

Shon , great reaction as usual . Try Love on the Rocks from Neil , One of his best songs

[@dillodefense]

You might want to check out the movie called The Jazz Singer. Neil acted and sang in it.

[@honestone490]

8:10 Most of us know about the "Frog Prince" story where a frog is kissed by a little girl and becomes a Prince. 9:29 Of course, Neil references the word King instead. However, Neil in any of his interviews over the years he's never referenced that story to the meaning of that line in his song. Comically he admits that after the release of this song for many years he's received thousands of frog related items sent to him and jokes that he has a separate room for them called " The Frogatorium." He even goes further to suggest in one interview that he plans to write a song about a Rolls- Royce and hopes that song catches on as well. A down to earth guy is what Neil is and always will be.

[@jeffjones6221]

Live...Neil Diamond...Sweet Caroline

[@cynergy4]

Deep hole you are diggin' now! You know it's an old song when he's singing about the rent being low in L.A.! Neil Diamond has a multitude of incredible songs. My personal fave is "Shilo"

[@leannmiller7153]

The line “not even the chair”, refers to the mental health professional he was seeing during this time.

[@psa727]

He's got so very many great songs. Many I'd suggest, but here's just two: "Forever in Blue Jeans" "Solitary Man"

[@BaritoneRocks]

Tap Root Manuscript is my favorite of his albums. If You Know What I Mean is my favorite song. You can spend days listening to his music catalog.

[@ScottGoodsell-o6j]

Neil Diamond singing America in the movie The Jazz Singer is outstanding. You said we need more new music after hearing Jackson Brown do Load our and stay. O.K. do the group Train singing Drops of Jupiter

[@marceyroderick6246]

Hello again was a great one

[@carla68]

Funny California is the only place that felt like home to me. But I do know the feeling after living like 10 different places. Great live version. Honestly you will usually want the studio with Neil. His concerts aren't always this clean. Great reaction!

[@sandramiller6752]

👍🏻👍🏻💯❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥👏👏

[@pamabernathy8728]

Shon, many fairy tales were about a princess looking for her prince, befriends a frog, kisses the 🐸, who turns into a prince . . .

[@MaryannTurton]

He just makes you feel a certain way…😩

[@elainemariesmith5433]

Definitely check out Holly Holy live version from 1971 if you want a gospel , soul version of Neil Diamond.

[@NetVoyer]

Neil Diamond is a very deep rabbit hole you can climb into, too many hits to list but well worth the journey.

[@minneyruth]

❤❤

[@pamabernathy8728]

1971 I was in high school. 😮

[@thatinvisibleguy173]

Dude this is my Dad's shit, i seem to remember one called Jazz Singer or Play Me....maybe worth a look. Neil is a fucking legend.

[@bubbahomeskool]

Do "Sweet Caroline" or "America"...... so many good ones, but these two are BANGERS!!!!