First Time Hearing Neil Diamond - I Am I Said Reaction

[@richb313]

Neil Diamond is one of the most prolific song writers in American history you have probably heard dozens of his songs but never knew it.

[@lizetteolsen3218]

I was going to say the exact same thing.

[@carolemerckel3461]

I was about to ask him where has he been for the last 40 + years!!

[@jamezkpal2361]

​@@carolemerckel3461 He has Parkinson's.

[@annmariesim1405]

you mean russian polish american

[@danmoyer4650]

He certainly must be one of the leaders in the race to produce the highest number of truly sappy songs.

[@mariaeisenhardt2296]

I made the mistake of going to see Neil Diamond about six months after the death of my husband and I cried most of the performance. I cried happy tears and sad tears, angry tears it was so cathartic. I would like to think 10 years of therapy all wrapped up in one concert. I love this man.

[@jenniferohle7406]

My mom took me after a 20 year promise. She died a year later. Neil brings me to tears now. I absolutely love him and his music and thank my mom for bringing it into my life. ❤

[@CharlesGates-v6n]

Best comment…ever!!

[@pauletteriddle3776]

I'm sorry for your pain, but it means you loved deeply. 🙏🙏🙏

[@retha1875]

This song can bring you back to yourself. One of my favorites. I was a young girl when it cane out but always loved it.

[@lisar.6670]

Neil Diamond had "A HELL OF A LOT TO SAY and sing about" young man ... His music career began in 1966 at Bang Records with the release of "Solitary Man" and ended January 20, 2018 at Columbia Records while on his 50th Anniversary World Tour 52 years later. I was there in Seattle for my 22nd Neil Diamond concert on July 26, 2017. Neil seemed to be having difficulty walking the stage. He moved quite slow and seemed overly cautious with each step. Anyone there with half a brain could tell there was something not right. Neil was showing signs of fatigue (more than usual), possibly some slight tremors and so on. How early into the tour? Who knows. He saw the Dr. and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. With a strong recommendation from his Dr., Neil Diamond had to cancel the last part of the tour and then he announced his retirement 3 days before his 77th birthday . This was the second time in his career that he had to cancel any tour. The first time was back in the seventies. Neil collapsed while on stage at San Fran's Cow Palace. He couldn't move. Cancer was found on his spine. He underwent surgery, had the tumor removed .. and then he had to learn how to walk all over again. From what I've read and heard Neil say in a interview, he had a very difficult time accepting the Parkinson's diagnosis. Who wouldn't? Technically, Neil's career started in 1963 at Columbia Records. Neil and a school friend, Jack Parker, formed the singing duo Neil & Jack .. what else could they call themselves? .. They released a couple singles but they never took off. Neil is considered one of the Top Selling concert attractions around the world. He is sorely missed.

[@jerrybell1766]

Sang in a choir with Barbara Streisand in his early days!

[@ChefBarb58]

MOST DEFINITELY ❤

[@Laura_Martin42]

One of the all time greats! Holly Holy, Hot August Night, Done Too Soon, Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon, Cracklin' Rosie and a million others!

[@darwinllcpower6574]

Neil Diamond's live album Hot August Nite is FABULOUS! I feel his studio recordings held him back.

[@patricknevin7304]

H a n live was electric ⚡️ and soul stirring 😅😢

[@oldrvr]

I’ve worn out at least 4 Hot August Night Albums, and CD’s! Love that album.

[@goosewhisperer6275]

Held him BACK?! He's sold 130 MILLION records throughout his career! He's also performed in sold-out venues for YEARS! That hardly sounds like anything he has done has "held him back"! 😅

[@cherylann9781]

One of the best albums in history. As a kid I wore out three vinyl copies. 🤩

[@catherinebosley7539]

Hot August Night saved me when I was in the depths of depression,thank you,Neil.

[@littleaeros4063]

The point is, see that the great music we grew up with is timeless. Watching the joy new listeners get when they hear the greats!

[@riffgroove]

He has such an incredible voice.

[@marilyngriffith2329]

You absolutely HAVE to listen to him singing America!! This song grabbed your heart, AMERICA will grab your SOUL!! Enjoy!

[@vickygray4268]

Neil Diamond is simply the best!! All ages listen to him and love him!!

[@michaelbradley7529]

Neil Diamond starred in a movie called The Jazz Singer, basically the story arch of a singer/song writer. It's well worth a watch even just for the music. It's like a trip down memory lane for me.

[@kenchristie9214]

The Jazz Singer is a remake of the first talkie starring Al Jolson.

[@michaelbradley7529]

@@kenchristie9214 Correct.

[@reneeeiier4818]

Every time I hear America in recent years, it is hard not to relate it to current times. To hear this big vibrant song, telling about the hope immigrants feel about coming to the land of opportunity and freedom. Then to compare it to a faction of our country who profess to be the "party of family and Christian values" speak of these same type of people in such negative terms. How as a country, our values could have changed so much in 40 years. It makes me sad.

[@lisehearn6020]

Love the music from the Jazz Singer!

[@vickigarvie4093]

I loved that movie and Neil Diamond ❤❤❤

[@lisagriffin4725]

I love Neil Diamond, every song is a masterpiece to me. That rich baritone voice and handsome face still makes my heart swoon.

[@robertbailey5239]

This song was written while Neil was battling depression. The phrase "no one heard at all, not even the chair" encapsulated his feeling of not being understood even by his psychiatrist. Other songs of his explore more facets of his writing and singing. "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" is rock/gospel. "Red, Red Wine" became a reggae classic when U2 covered it. "Sweet Caroline", "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "Kentucky Woman" are all more upbeat. "America" is a must listen to song, especially in counteracting a lot of the anti-immigrant attitudes of today. His greatest hits fill up all four sides of a double album set without anything being less than stellar. His song catalog is indelibly imprinted on the hearts of people who grew up in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

[@sapnapudding]

UB40 not U2.

[@carolynschweitzer7901]

As someone who grew up in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, I think this comment is top tier.

[@laurenvisovatti2066]

I. Agree

[@sharonwarren4479]

One of , if not my favorite song, by Neil Diamond.

[@rickr442]

Robert, the sentiment today isn’t anti immigrant, it’s anti-ILLEGAL immigrant. NDs grandma came in LEGALLY, and THAT was worthy of proper celebration. Surely a grownup can grasp the difference.

[@Imathomebored]

I grew up with Neil because he was my mother's very favorite. To this day (I'm 55 now) there are few performers who can touch me like he does.

[@l.t.6180]

Yes, Neil Diamond is a storyteller. If you want to know him, just listen to his songs. I recommend deep cuts like Brooklyn Roads, an autobiographical song about his youth, or Hell Yeah, Neil's own My Way, but he has a huge catalogue to choose from: Solitary Man, Holly Holy, Stones, Beautiful Noise, Be, America, Dry Your Eyes... One of the best singer-songwriters ever and a phenomenal performer to boot.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

One of the deepest of songs ever written. In spite of the simplicity. Sometimes presentation carries a lot. As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.

[@brendafreeman522]

Wonderful singer/songwriter! One of my favorites! ❤

[@ninamaggs6304]

One of my fav along with "Play Me". Check out his duo with Roberta Flack singing Play Me...omg I just melt! His music saved me when my son died. God bless Neil Diamond...

[@TheWynch]

Neil Diamond is one of the greatest singer song writers ever. If you watch baseball you have heard Sweet Caroline, bum bum bum, He had hits from the 60s through the early 2000s, every time he had a concert near our home we went and except for a few songs we never heard the same show. His stage presence is engaging and impressive. He has retired, he suffers from Parkinsons, the last interview I saw with him was very sad, I wish him well but I don't think we will have him too much longer.

[@larynanntapp6333]

I can't imagine someone not knowing Sweet Caroline!

[@laurenvisovatti2066]

Me either

[@Linky100]

I love Neil Diamond since the 70's! Always will

[@ravenmccall5486]

I have been a Neil Diamond fan since he began and I was just a young teen! I finally got to see him in concert, in the round in the late 90. This man was on stage singing his songs for over two and a half hours, seriously! He writes his own music and has been a powerhouse in the music industry for decades! I encourage you to listen to the songs Brooklyn Roads, Gone Too Soon and Holly Holy just to name a few. But the music he wrote for Jonathan Livingston Seagull is spiritual to me! I loved watching you face as you listen, it was as if I was just discovering this gifted man! I keep him in my thoughts as he is fighting Parkinson Disease and no longer performs! Blessings to you Sir!

[@stevelavender1421]

I saw Neil Diamond live in the late 1970s and it only took once. I saw him again every opportunity I had. Live, he is the master showman. He takes the audience where he wants, through an emotional journey in a way that no other artist I've ever seen can do. If you like this song, I recommend listening to his Hot August Night album. I really wish that they had filmed the performances - they are remarkable. Thank you Neil!

[@mr.willywinker4u849]

Neil diamonds music is some of the best ever. Dude had style and class

[@billboth6572]

His concerts were some of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. FULL Orchestra, full choirs, breathtaking shows

[@bonniest.pierre2045]

And that wrap around stage that he brought with him - ensuring that everyone could see the concert.

[@mtinta2000]

This song captures perfectly that feeling of not belonging anywhere anymore. I know that feeling. I call it the eternal exile, because when you go back home, there were so many experiences you were not a part of. It's easier now with social media, but before it was brutal. My home is Puerto Rico, I live in Utah.

[@andreabradley5837]

I grew up in Utah. I was in Puerto Rico 6 months ago, so beautiful there.

[@ericzeichert511]

There is a deeply spiritual component to most Diamond songs. He has been seeking something for most of his career. I hope that now that illness has forced him to slow down, that he uses the time to find what he has been looking for.

[@chrispavlich9656]

Do any of us really find what we are looking for in life? Truly?

[@ericzeichert511]

@@chrispavlich9656 I actually believe most people do, but it almost always winds up being something different than you though you wanted.

[@michaelfisher1825]

I love your reactions… you are very gifted at it, and Neil Diamond is a rabbit hole with going down… one of America’s best singer song writer…!

[@judithsands2737]

I turned 78 last Saturday. I love Neil Diamond. He gave us all so much. May he be Blessed now in his time of need.

[@jackmandu]

This is absolutely one of my favorite songs. Other classics from Neil include Sweet Caroline, America, Song Sung Blue, Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show, Cherry, and many others.

[@laurenvisovatti2066]

I can sing along with almost all of these

[@prepareyourself6728]

Neil Diamond is a BIG MUSIC STAR of my generation! I was surprised that you hadn't heard of him and then I remembered you are younger, a different generation!

[@PaintingandExercise]

Neil Diamond is a National Treasure who wrote tons of beautiful songs.

[@kathyboyce3277]

Love Neil Diamond forever ,

[@kathyboyce3277]

NEIL DIAMOND IS A LEGEND !!!!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

So young! Wow. You can really see his range vocally and emotionally on "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show."

[@johnthegreek5836]

Definitely my favorite song from Neil Diamond

[@xScooterAZx]

This man's voice chokes me up with it's beauty.

[@pamscarr8696]

One of the MANY great Jewish singer, songwriters of our time. Neil even starred in a movie The Singer and wrote the entire music score for the movie Jonathan Livingston Seagull. He has always been a deep thinker and perfect at putting his words to music. Cherry Cherry, Sweet Caroline, Kohl Nidre (sung in Synagogues all over the world) he did not write that. Traveling Salvation Show, written during the years the Jewish people flocked into the deep south thinking they were bringing civil rights to Alabama and Mississippi and a plethora of other great songs.

[@lindabrewer3243]

Any song you react to by Neil will be amazing. His song "America" is a really good one !

[@murielbarker4311]

You need to the Jazz Singer with Neil Diamond so many hit songs came out of that movie he is just brilliant

[@jstmez]

Neil was number 25 for highest ranking sales but Taylor Swift just recently took that spot so he's 26. This is one of my favorite songs by him but he's had dozens in the billboards and wrote the very well known "I'm a Believer". The Monkees made it a hit but it helped him move from song writer to singer.

[@lisar.6670]

That's okay ... Taylor won't last 30 years let alone 50+ and I will be the first to clap about it to when it happens. Nothing personal. I just can't stand the twit's music and her 'nails on a chalkboard' vocals.

[@queenofwater8783]

This is my very favorite Neil Diamond song. Favorite album: Hot August Night

[@robinbeerman4726]

Talented singer.

[@catherinemelnyk]

I keep forgetting as a nearly 70 year old who knows so many artists like Neil Diamond as my HISTORY of half a century ago that younger people are only NOW DISCOVERING these artists for the FIRST TIME. Yes, this song is from my WAY past but nice to hear it again...

[@krisschobelock4973]

I love Neil Diamond - I'm 70 and when I was in my teens/20's he was huge!! I went to a couple of his concerts! I know you've heard Sweet Caroline!! or Jonathan Living Seagull! I'm so glad for KZbin allowing a whole new generation to hear these wonderful artists and the talent they let us enjoy!! (Like John Denver!!)

[@cindyharris8098]

Neil Diamond and Kris Kristofferson are two of the greatest poets in my opinion. They both carry you on wings of emotion.

[@nrsvlda70]

Had the absolute joy of seeing Neil Diamond in concert 5 times over the years. He’s an amazing singer/songwriter.. and his live shows were simply off the charts!! I’m sure you’ve heard his songs (and didn’t recognize it) - Sweet Caroline, America, Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show (which you should react to next)!! My favorite album he wrote/produced is Jonathan Livingston Seagull.. it’s not high on too many lists… but it’s a treasure! Love, love, love his music.. miss that he can no longer entertain us (live) due to now suffering with Parkinson’s disease😢!

[@heatherjohnson955]

It's really beautiful to watch you experience the joy that is Neil Diamond.

[@marilyngriffith2329]

HE WILL PULL YOUR HEART OUT AND THEN......give you the emotional sting to start your life again. Its amazing to see your reaction.

[@tomdifrancescaiii5197]

Neil Diamond was an icon in so many decades! He wrote songs for others, he had hits in the 1960's, 1970's, and the 1980's and despite debilitating illnesses performed all the way up until 2000. I owned his albums as a teen in the 1970's, my very own father-in-law is 87 years old and Neil is his favorite singer!

[@alexnicole5657]

Love, love, love me some neil diamond. Great singer song writer.

[@AncientActivist]

If you miss your home country, please listen to Neil Diamond's "America". You will cry. It makes me cry every time. ❤❤❤

[@sadiegirlson8122]

One of the greatest song writers of my time. Neal Diamond is golden

[@anitabishop6520]

I’ve seen Neil D in concert in every city we’ve lived (5)…..our daughter grew up with him and attended & sang along with every song……as a musician myself, he truly is amazing..never takes a break….just sings for about 2 hours. Here in North Carolina, when he sings one of his hits, “Sweet Caroline”, it becomes, “Sweet Carolina”….watch a concert and you’ll see what the crowd does after those words. It’s deafening, even outside, after..”Sweet ‘Carolina’ ”……

[@REL3712]

This song is one he confesses takes him time to regroup after singing it. He was battling loneliness & depression as musical artists do. He felt lost & wrote a beautiful song that conveys that loneliness. Gets me everytime. A masterful song writer & very unique voice. Neil Diamond is one of a kind.

[@glorialange6446]

My mothers favorite all time artist she had every one of his albums including live versions. We grew up listening to him, and many many others... mom was so diverse in her music taste...thank you mom!

[@davidshattock9522]

Good few years ago my wife's friend came to see us one day said her.other half w ant ed to play golf and she had a spare ticket for Niel diamond at the O2at Greenwich my wife is a bit of a metal fan and said no ,so I went to see Niel diamond. Got to say I saw first hand his ability skill and talented performance his reputation is of musical talent and he delivered in spades on all counts what a great performance from a great performer ,I will not forget I saw him sadly he is not well and probably can't perform to me having seen him he has nothing to prove he is one of the greats truly

[@vicki9929]

ANY of his songs on the album All-Time Greatest Hits Neil Diamond! ALL are fantastically fantastic!

[@deboraharmstrong3002]

We are the undeserving (and SO fortunate) beneficiaries of Neil's determination to make his life better. So many performers self-destructed, many just before getting the fame and adulation they'd tried for and burned up getting to.

[@quintondees4501]

He was absolutely incredible

[@dianesorensen2549]

Neil is another old GOAT. I would be very surprised if you had never heard him, even passively.

[@williamcabell142]

Iconic Artist! 👍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@pjg58x]

Probably my favorite Neil Diamond song. I’m sure you’ve heard some of his songs but aren’t aware of it. Almost everyone has heard Sweet Caroline or the reggae covers of Red Red Wine.

[@kwesting4]

All of his work is excellent! More!

[@debbienockels7568]

I love Neil Diamond, especially his earlier songs. I may not understand the lyrics, per se, but I love the emotion and the musiicality. Thank you so much for reacting to this song!

[@donaldcook3112]

. . . How can you NOT ‘understand the lyrics’-?.. No-one wrote or sang more clearly than Neil . Is perhaps , English not your first language?..

[@debbienockels7568]

@@donaldcook3112 No, English is my first (and only) language. I understand the words just fine. I think I have a tendency to take things too literally sometimes. “No one heard at all, not even the chair”??

[@NurseEmilie]

Wait until you hear him sing Sweet Caroline ~ LOVE him !

[@Almaintx]

I have seen him in concert several times. He is a fantastic artist!

[@janeymagee8695]

Oh it's a beautiful song. I totally got it when battling depression and loneliness.❤

[@doily6134]

I just saw A Beautiful Noise on Broadway, the story of his life. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen!

[@toniharris2143]

Lucky you. Would love to see it also Lea Michele in Funny Girl.

[@maryannweitzel5636]

My favorite Neil Diamond song is Coming to America. Its well worth listening to.

[@gilliantempleton3253]

when Neil leaves us, the whole world will mourn but he will be sitting up their at Gods right hand. No one has written as much music as him in living memory. He has a voice with timbre and feeling. He is also a modest man. Had he been bornin the U.K. or the British Commonwealth he would be at least a knight maybe even a Lord. To people of my generation he is MUSIC he feeds our souls.

[@dinaghikas7933]

I was born and raised in the US, but there's no place there that feels like home to me. I never stayed anywhere long enough to put down roots, and at 26 I left it for good, and moved to a small, rural town in the mountains of northern Greece. I had no family here, no job, just a backpack. That was 17 years ago, and I've never regretted it. This is the only place where I have ever felt at home.

[@mikehigbee2320]

"Play Me" is a favorite with an amazing melody. His soundtrack score and songs for the movie "Johnathan Livingston Seagull" is some of the most beautiful, inspiring music ever written. You will fly.

[@Calumetto]

He's a giant. His marks everywhere -- even the old Monkees TV series. Thanks! PEACE!!!

[@elaineremains]

this is my fave song by Neil Diamond, i think it's his best, tho some would argue about Sweet Caroline and such...

[@lesleyd2448]

Grew up to this song, great memories ❤

[@iainsmith2434]

Neil Diamond performs one of my favourite songs intros on Crunchy Granola Suite, worth a listen!

[@OGQueenMedusa]

I grew up listening to Mr. Diamond and basically music from the 40s to current in all genres. I love it when people discover new music.

[@kathywood8649]

This song takes me back to a time when life was simple.

[@karenleblanc9510]

I'm old and I loved Neil Diamond. So glad you were introduced to him. Hope you get to listen to more of him.

[@sooome9294]

I grew up hearing Neil on the radio daily. if you wanted a romantic night, Neil's music was the record to play. Have not listened to this song in a long time. How nice you live in Spain.

[@jimnicosia5934]

One of the great poets.

[@ramongoroth]

Great reaction. Neil Diamond doesn't get enough love IMO. Such a great song writer.

[@par500dragon7]

Have been a fan for decades. Especially love Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show! And of course, Holly, Holy.

[@rickymack2611]

This song always brings a tear to my eye....

[@robinwatson4330]

September Morning is one of Neil Diamonds best.

[@dansmedstadmedia]

A true giant...this is one of my favorites!

[@timothyjohnson6258]

I was just out of high school when this song was released and I can tell you it doesn't matter if you are from Pumpkin Center Missouri or Burr Oak Wisconsin, this song will reach inside you and grab those feelings of loneliness and yearning. Your age doesn't matter, or your color or income level or education, those feelings are in all of us.

[@rhysmaybrey7739]

Great singer, conveys great emotion. Still popular now. Even new generations appreciate him and sweet Caroline is frequently sung at football matches in the uk.

[@nicolumium7292]

More please. I think you’ll enjoy it.

[@wallyllama2926]

I had this one 9-year old student who seemed so effortlessly sophisticated that I told his mother she should send him to school wearing a tuxedo. That’s how I feel about MrLBoyd.

[@jonathanwright9613]

Huge Catalogue, and great music. Definitely a rabbit hole you need to chase

[@leoniemusgrave9322]

Isn’t he fabulous. The wonderful Neil Diamond.

[@jordimoore2167]

I love Neil Diamond, my mother-in-law loved Neil Diamond, he was SO popular in his time!

[@jenniferkoster1942]

I know I’m late watching this reaction but I was born in 71 so I grew up listening to Neil Diamond (on 8 track no less), I’m not a horribly emotional person but there are two of his songs that will bring tears to my eyes and there is no particular emotion attached to those tears it’s just the reach of the songs. “I am I said & “Holly Holy” is the other one, he just has an immense catalog of fantastic songs that it’s difficult to pick any single favorite.

[@nancyhammons3594]

I love Neil's "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show".

[@reginastevens1014]

Seeing you tear up while tears were streaming down my face was impactful. And I have heard this song hundreds of times (my mother was a fan). This song was about his search for his spirituality in the face of all of his success.

[@aragorn50th]

Arguably the greatest singer/ songwriter of all time, definitely the most prolific. Unbelievable list of hit songs.

[@dwightdvass5581]

He made a movie called "the Jazz Singer".he was raised to be a Cantor was about to take his father's place. But wanted to sing his way. The show was an autobiography.

[@membel]

I never really understood this song but when my little 15 year old heart would hear it I understood the emotion for sure and at that time, it was an emotion I was experiencing. Our family had moved to a new state and left all my friends behind along with some family. Hard on a young teenage girl but best thing that ever happened to me in the long run. All unnecessary but this song just brings out these memories!

[@leebex100]

'Brooklyn Roads' will always be my favourite by Neil Diamond.