NEIL DIAMOND - BROTHER LOVES TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW | REACTION

[@filminginportland1654]

An early Johnny Cash show appearance, from three years prior, had Neil talking about this whole story. He was down south (I think Mississippi), experiencing new things while on tour, and he went to a tent revival show. He had some college by this time (he was pre-Med at NYU, on a fencing scholarship - he grew up a poor Jew in Brooklyn - prior to dropping out one credit shy of graduating to do music full-time) and combined with youth, thought he would lay some answers on these people. However, once he got there and got into it, he realized that the preacher gave people something he could never give; he gave them hope, even if for only a week, a day, even an hour - he gave hope. So he realized he had nothing to offer. He was greatly humbled by it all. The power of that meeting and the music made an indelible impression on him and, true to his soul, he wrote a song about it. This is the New York Jew’s experience at a southern revival show, experiencing that sort of gospel music for the very first time and being blown away by the power of it all. He’s always been very respectful about it and uses it as a way to show love for all people, as he does with all his music, appreciating various music styles and incorporating them into his music. It’s always about love in one fashion or another (or lack thereof, loneliness), about seeing the best in humanity and seeing all as equal. The song America shows a lot of this as well. A backstory most don’t know about one of Neil’s most popular songs, always an amazing closer for his concerts. Especially on Hot August Night.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

Why would there be controversy? He was just paying homage to the old time traveling tent revival shows, I was even dragged to a few myself as a small child by my Pentecostal great grandma. For me this song brings back memories of my childhood in the South and Neil was just creatively (and rather accurately!) describing another part of culture from earlier days. That's what songwriters do. Neil Diamond is a great guy, he would never disrespect anyone's faith. Back when this song came out eveyone at live concerts really got into it and had their own revival experience, ha, no one was offended cause it was just a great song. If you were born after the 70s everything really changed concerning political correctness, etc so it's hard to explain this song from my personal historical context as a fan of this music back when it was new and how a younger person might view it NOW in this current culture.

[@tinypurplefishesrunlaughin8052]

Yep everyone now wants the world to know how virtuous they themselves are by blaming everyone else for anything they see as wrong. I’m so glad I don’t live in the thick of cancel culture. Backwoods Texas saved my sanity. Hallelujah!!!!!!!

[@wolfen26]

@@tinypurplefishesrunlaughin8052 this happened long before the internet too.

[@SportyOtterPop]

Exactly, Sharilyn! It's telling a story that he experienced, through music! Anyone having issue with that is just choosing to do so, imho

[@BobbiTopacio]

@@SportyOtterPop you said it so much better than I did I really like this song and have love neil for so many years and this one of my favorites

[@nothingbutlove40tis]

I've always loved this song! This is what he says about the song, Diamond performed this on The Johnny Cash Show, where he explained: "This song was written about a revival meeting I was at in Jackson, Mississippi. I went there because I was curious, and also because I was a college kid who had all the answers - no one was going to teach me anything and I could lay a few answers on them. I sat in the back of this tent meeting and I got really caught up in the music - clapping, the singing - tremendously exciting. After a while I felt something about the people - there was a tremendous yearning, looking for answers. Trying to ease a very hard burden of very rough lives. After a while the music stopped and a preacher walked out. I remember thinking that all the education I had, all the books, all the words, all the learning I went through at college didn't mean anything to these people, I had nothing for them. So I found myself pulling for this man who was about to give them something that I couldn't even begin to give them."

[@GrowingUpJersey]

no controversy. people didn't get offended easily then. this song was a big hit on the radio. Listen to Solitary Man, You Got To Me, Shiloh, Kentucky Woman

[@jacobskinner3522]

Those are great songs, but people ABSOLUTELY got easily offended back then, as they always have. It's just that the things people are offended by change and evolve. That which offended in 1970 doesn't offend today and vice versa.

[@debjorgo]

@@jacobskinner3522 Who got offended? I was around back then. I don't remember one time hearing someone was offended by this song or Neil Diamond. That's ridiculous.

[@jacobskinner3522]

@@debjorgo I didn’t say Diamond or this song offended people.

[@franchk8372]

No controversy around Neil Diamond at all, at all, at all. The bigger controversies of the sixties were long hair and the Vietnam war. Possibly long hair was the biggest ... it reached more people around the world with the Beatles from children to the elderly.

[@debjorgo]

@@jacobskinner3522 Okay. I misunderstood. The sixties WERE turbulent times. Neil was pretty safe though.

[@anthonyf8121]

No controversy dude. Nobody cared and no thin skin. He has a lot of material to listen to. Do “I am I Said” next.

[@susiealles5878]

Neil Diamond is phenomenal. I could care less what religion he is. He can be whatever faith he wants. I will still love this song. People need to chill.

[@barbaramay1866]

Neil has always been a spiritual man. That is evident in his songs. This song was written after he attended a revival in Jackson, Mississippi while he was a college punk. It humbled him and he realized that the people who attended were mostly unfortunate and that the preacher was actually a paramount force in their lives because he offered love and hope. Neil was inspired by the energy of the revival and was humbled. Neil is one of a kind, the very best kind of man.

[@vanessalore9942]

This is one of Neil Diamond’s biggest hits, although he has a vast catalogue. There wasn’t any controversy I can remember. And it’s one of my favourites as well.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Wasn't any controversy that I remember - Neil isn't religious, but he went to a revival show and got so caught up in the emotions of it that he felt he had to write this. And yes, he's great entertainer - his "Hot August Night" album is regarded as one of the greatest live albums ever - if you want a faster one, try "Crunchy Granola Suite" (especially the version from that live album).

[@vcole7611]

"Kentucky Woman", "You Got To Me", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Solitary Man", "Cherry, Cherry"

[@marksmith7610]

Big rabbit hole here. One of the best singer/songwriter ever. Added note. Also a great showman in concert.

[@acemodez3169]

True story

[@supasoulproductions]

I would not describe Neil as 'not a believer', he is Jewish. This song is a direct description of his first experience in a gospel tent. To me his very best songs all have a strong spiritual vibe. (Holly Holy, Soolaimon, I Am I Said, Done Too Soon) BTW, his being Jewish didn't stop him from putting out a succesful Christmas album either. His biggest hit is probably Coming To America from the soundtrack of the movie The Jazz Singer, a remake of a classic about a Jewish singer, played by Diamond, who breaks from his father and the tradition of being a cantor in the synagogue for a career in show business. The movie was a bit of a flop, but the soundtrack was a smash with 3 singles. The other most important thing about Neil Diamond is that he was a very successful songwriter before he ever had a solo career. He worked in New York's Brill Building and wrote hits for many top acts.(The Brill Bldg is a whole book in itself, you can look up the amazing history of that enterprise). Sadly, a Parkinson's diagnosis has caused him to retire in 2018.

[@terrimobley6067]

He was NOT a believer. He wrote this song considering the people that attended as tragic and demented. He found it an appalling spectacle ... Saw no faith. Didn't see God. Saw only weak deluded people and malicious users feeding off their weakness. That may describe some aspects of tent meetings but certainly not the bulk of gospel meetings

[@supasoulproductions]

@@terrimobley6067 I've seen him speak on the song. Interesting that you know what he saw and felt better than he does. Isn't that special.

[@robertserrato3596]

I like his song"walk on water"but he doesn't say he walks on water, he says she walks on water.

[@lutdesimpelaere2947]

Where is the controversy? He’s singing about watching a preacher preach and sing. Also, I’m not sure why you said he’s not a believer, he’s not a Christian because he’s Jewish. He has an album that’s called Jonathan Livingston seagull that has very religious overtones and is a masterpiece. Worth listing to. HOLLY HOLY may be a good song to react to next.

[@nebbindog6126]

God didn't ruffle feathers back in those days. Neil Diamond come from a family of cantors from the Jewish faith. The fact hat he's not a bible thumper doesn't negate the message of the song or make it not heartfelt. He takes the message of helping your brother and honoring God to a Christian setting and should not cause upset, unless you're an athist, IMO.

[@supasoulproductions]

Actually, Diamond was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family descended from Russian and Polish immigrants.His parents were Rose (née Rapoport) and Akeeba "Kieve" Diamond, a dry-goods merchant. The 'descended from cantors' thiing comes from his role in the movie The Jazz Singer.

[@debrakron9049]

I am an atheist and I love this song!

[@patrickhaag3352]

I have been praying for his salvation!

[@karenj3611]

Never any controversy. Great song at the time.

[@vickielewallen3799]

Loved it! No controversy, just a good song, and message. "Kentucky Woman" is great, also "Cherry Cherry, and "Thank the Lord for the Nighttime." Thx for the music!

[@tomm2907]

Some other great songs by Neil Diamond, Cracklin' Rosie , Sweet Caroline, I am I Said , America, September Morn .

[@ethelynchristopher6995]

He's an incredible showman. I saw him in a sold-out concert at the now defunct Capital Center near DC. There were limos pretty much end to end around the arena. He draws you in and holds your attention throughout the entire concert. He has a great live concert album called "Hot August Night" which was recorded at the open air Greek Theater in California.

[@CFGossettAbbasHealingArts]

This song was far from controversial back in the day. It's one of those songs that has brought people together and reaching out to help others. I think that's what Neil intentend.

[@davidroberts4769]

The studio version is MUCH better. I don't remember it being controversial at all.

[@j.jennings1722]

Neil has been called the Jewish Elvis. He's a great artist, with many terrific songs, but his fellow Jews are not happy he made three Christmas albums. I think its hilarious. Singers love to sing songs and Christmas songs are fun to sing. He even composed, conducted the orchestra and sang the songs in a spiritual movie called Jonathan Livingston Seagull, about a seagull that aspires to be more than he is. The songs are amazing, especially the soaring "Be." Great artist.

[@j.h.3777]

Most famous Christmas songs were written by Jews.

[@elegantirony78]

People were more religious and less prickly back then. Religion was not worn like a badge or wielded like a sword. Before televangelists became prominent on TV, traveling preachers used to do tent revivals especially in rural areas. These could sometimes last a week in some rural areas of the south and southwest. The tent revival and the charismatic preacher is what he is singing about.

[@J_Gamble]

Exactly. It was before certain kinds of 1980s evangelicalism had tied themselves to certain causes and political expression in the public arena and brought other religions and denominations in with them. The American religious arena was wider back then and people weren't so prickly about that.

[@suzannekrause9601]

Yep, no controversy. As a person who was a teenager in the 60’s, I can truthfully say I am pleased that young people are discovering our music. We think it was the best!

[@rhondadananay2106]

Neil,who is Jewish,talked about stumbling upon a tent revival. He stayed to observe and was struck by what he witnessed. Not true that he is not a believer. He is Jewish…but has done MANY Christmas albums. When they asked him to do a Christmas album,he asked his Hewish Grandma what she thought of it. She said,Jesus was a little Jewish boy,too! Had huge respect for his Grandma and his religion. Now married to. Christian woman. Neil saw no race,religion or color. Watch the Hazz Sunger and you will see his friendship with his black friends who he sang in clubs with.

[@franchk8372]

No-one was ever ever ever offended by Neil Diamond. I was so puzzled I decided to do a search and found he has retrospectively offended people who weren't born then ... it was about a 'black face' incident which an awful lot of people would have had no idea was offensive, if not anyone. I was shocked to hear it was offensive a few years ago and some of the reasons why. Everyone became so sensitive, I could no longer buy a black doll wirh curly hair for my granddaughter at my local store. I almost could have wept. It was a beautuful doll for her to love. It was pulled from the shelves. Perhaps in a hundred years or thereabouts we'll all be looking through yet a different and better lens, one that is resilient and brings people together.

[@acemodez3169]

I love Neil Diamond!! React to anything by him

[@suzanneprock7286]

I don't remember this song causing any controversary at all, everyone loved it! Try Cracklin Rosie, Sweet Caroline, Solitary Man, Holly Holy, America, you've got alot to search for with Neil Diamond.

[@SG-js2qn]

There was no controversy about this song. This current time is full of controversy on everything because of social media, where people are screaming with rage into the internet every single day. Back when this came out, the radio was gently spilling out great music of all types for free, and we listened and loved it. You might hear a song from Neil, then maybe something Motown, and then maybe John Denver or Elton John ... just about anything. This particular live performance looks like it could be one of those small studio performances for European television. Around this same time Neil did a massive concert in LA for the live album "Hot August Night."

[@talltulip]

I don't think that it was seen by the public, at the time, as a worship or gospel or religious song in any way. I think it was seen more as a song ABOUT a specific kind of experience that was a part of our historical American experience. His performance of this song on the Hot August Night live album is even more powerfully delivered. It was the finale of the concert.

[@daphneestes8694]

Neil Diamond is a nice Jewish boy. There is a KZbin vid somewhere, I believe, where he does this live at a Hollywood Bowl concert that's just electric. He did all of the music to the movie Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

[@marcfriedman7339]

Probably The Greek Theater not the Hollywood Bowl. They are only a few miles apart, but each has a much different feel.

[@daphneestes8694]

@@marcfriedman7339 you are absolutely correct Marc. Thanks for the correction. 🤓

[@surlechapeau]

Chod, a unique artist. You'll love his "Sweet Caroline", "Song Sung Blue", ""I Am, I Said", "Cracklin' Rosie", and "Holly Holy"

[@nikkicarrington9365]

Solitary man and I am I said are great songs of his, a very classy singer/songwriter, well worth getting into.

[@sheri_bear]

One of the best songwriters of our time. LOVE Neil Diamond. Try Cracklin' Rosie, Sweet Caroline, Forever in Blue Jeans.

[@1satisfiedmind]

This song was written after Neil visited a tent revival. He was blessed and impressed at how the people all came with expectation

[@bigs1546]

A Jewish man from a family of Cantors singing about faith - he doesn't care what faith - most religions have the same basic message. You need to do more Neil Diamond.

[@douglassnyder214]

No controversy. And it's not that he's not a believer. He's Jewish. But, there aspects of Christianity that he has professed to greatly admire, especially musically. He's made a few Christmas albums. He comes from a place of respect, and people back then didnt get offended by silly things, so there never was any controversy. It also helps when you're one if the best songwriters in history.

[@romarobbins270]

There was absolutely no controversy because back in the day that was released. It was a hit, because it was an excellent song. Back then, we were a lot more open to ideas than now, and if you disagreed with someone, it wasn’t a big deal. We were able to agree to disagree.

[@jillk368]

I think people took this for what it was; a person's first experience with something very different for them. Neil Diamond's songs don't cut people down. He is an observant writer. Actually, I'm sorry you didn't watch this with the talk he gave before it. He tells the whole story of how he came about being at the prayer meeting and what inspired him to write about it. Having heard the story, I doubt anyone would be offended. It's actually meant to be a story about a learning experience, and how his mind was opened up to the beauty in it.

[@beckmn1]

I saw him in concert back in the early 80s. Still one of the best concerts I've been to. Great songwriter, great performer!

[@jeanniea3437]

Coming to America is a good song! He has a lot of songs.

[@linzyaz920]

This truly was one of my favorite songs my mom played me growing up. This was soooooo awesome.

[@davidcecil7565]

No controversy. He understood those old salvation shows helped people. For an hour, a day, a week, whatever. He was inspired when he attended a salvation show in 1967.

[@paulw219]

More tolerant back then, so no calls to cancel Neil Diamond.

[@Kim-hc5si]

Ahhhh, everyone loves a good ‘ol tent revival. 😁

[@lisar.6670]

Brother Wilburn ,,, This song caused ZERO controversy back then or today. While on the road down south, Neil went to check out a gospel show with preacher and all. This is where he got the inspiration for this song. Frankly, we all could use a little more Jesus in our lives. It had become one of his most requested and performed songs at his live shows. I have seen Neil live 22 times and I can not recall any show that he did not sing "Brother Loves Travelin' Salvation Show." He has 50 years of music to react to. Keep diving in. The 60's, 70's and 80's are the best. Now that ya know what he looks like .. you should recognize my profile pic.😉😎😁

[@danawinslett7505]

There was no controversy. A Jewish man preaching Christian doctrine like a Black preacher. We all loved it. You should see him in The Jazz Singer.

[@patrician7445]

I'm totally missing why feathers would have been ruffled. Growing up in Arkansas, I went to tent revivals with my Pentecostal grandma who was one of the best people anyone could ever know.. My other grandma (who said she'd go to visit a Buddist temple if one had been nearby) was Presbyterian and enjoyed learning, as do I. When we moved to different places, I went to whatever church I could walk to, knowing that I just needed to be in church loving and being thankful for God. I hear no disrespect in Neil's song. I enjoy all his songs, and what a superb voice!

[@patrickhaag3352]

It was during the Jesus movement in the 1960s in California. Praying for another one. This country definitely needs it!

[@wpollock1]

People didn't have a thin skin back in the 1970's. Everyone understood that artists have poetic license and shouldn't be silenced, unless it was pornography.

[@becksullivan4796]

A great song when you singing LOUD on a road trip

[@StormyPeak]

I read that Neil went to a revival show with a friend, and was inspired to write this song - he thought the experience was soul touching. Also, Neil is Jewish, he has a faith in a God...he's a spiritual person....many of his songs touch up on faith. Also, I'm 58... when this song came out....No One was offended. It's only the 20ish year old snowflakes who know jackshit about the 1970's music who try to make 'controversy' out of so many songs and singers from the past that they have No clue about. I'm 58, and grew up in the 1960's and 70s....and it really ticks me off to hear how this current generation is putting out sooo much misinformation about singers and songs from the 1970s.

[@markallen4637]

This was 1971, people were more tolerant, there was zero controversy.

[@snikkerr1949]

That's not true...there was some...."Some evangelical groups in the American South encouraged the boycotting of this song and of Diamond as they thought that this song denigrated and insulted evangelists and the evangelical movement. When Diamond explained in an interview that it was, contrary to their understanding of it, a celebration of Gospel music and the evangelical style of preaching and worship, the controversy subsided."

[@snikkerr1949]

Contrary to what people are telling you, at the time there was push back from the Evangelical groups. They called for boycotts of him and his music because they thought he was denigrating the Evangelists and the Evangelical movement. Neil explained to them that he actually wrote thesong as a celebration of the Evangelical style of preaching and gospel music and the controversy subsided. Neil is Jewish.

[@rosacerda4275]

¡¡¡ NEIL DIAMOND ES MI CANTANTE FAVORITO,SU CALIDAD INTERPRETATIVA, SUS CONPOSICIONES LLENAS DE SENTIMENTO,Y QUE DECIR DE LO LINDO QUE ES.!!!!

[@lauralee_365]

I just found this reaction and I’m 2 years behind. But I’m curious why you feel there is controversy about his song? Who speaks of it? Neil explains why he wrote this song and how the revival he attended moved him. His songs are amazing! Thank you for sharing.

[@mattosullivan9687]

Neil was given a gift from God and he shared it with us

[@carty43]

My go-to karaoke song! The only controversy about this song is that Neil Diamond is Jewish. There was nearly zero "ripples" caused by this. It was another time, to be sure.

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Thanks for reacting to Neil so much, he's one of my top three singers of all time. These are some good ones of his to do: Cracklin' Rosie Heart-Light Play Me Shilo Beautiful Noise I Am, I Said Sweet Caroline Cracklin' Rosie and Sweet Caroline are a bit faster

[@woedan48]

I’m no believer but I sure do enjoy the music that comes from them. Music is next to godliness.

[@kathyhaught87]

No controversy. I've no idea what his beliefs are, but we were never so sensitive back then. The son was awesome. This was an incredibly popular song.

[@mellymom1121]

No controversy at all. He respected other religions. He is Jewish. His movie was about a man, who goes against family tradition as a Cantor, a Jewish singer of the Torah.

[@jimlokey5901]

Back in those days we were all live and let live. Nobody was "offended" or ruffled. It was music. Like the Doobie Brothers "Jesus is Just Alright With Me" No thin skins.

[@donnabost4445]

One of my all time favorites!!! thank you!!!

[@billbig1417]

I grew to love this guy. In 80s (high school years) I was solidly punk and despised pop. I bought my mom Neil tickets for her birthday in 1981 or 1982 even though I made fun of him constantly to my mom. She picked me to go and I decided to be a good sport. He put on such an amazing live performance I was way hooked. This song simply rocks and I love the gospel backing. It has fast&loud/slow& quieter/fast&loud again kind of like grunge. I went to about 5 more of his shows because I wanted to, and even bought the tour t shirt. I wore it to a Dead Kennedys show. Got some weird looks and questions. But it was consistent with what punk was about back then: do your own thing, screw conformity, and F*** what anyone thinks. (Wearing a Neil shirt to a punk show was as anti-conformity as much as wearing punk attire at high school.)

[@leegarrett1392]

Neil Diamond fell in love with gospel for a while. There's nothing wrong with writing a fictional gospel type song any more that a Christian writer like myself writing "Christian" fiction. Neil Diamond never claimed to actually be Brother Love, he just played that role in a song. And he's not the first to produce a great song this way. Check out Burton Cumming's song: I'm Scared: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaOao56mfZeJbpo

[@joelliebler5690]

Neil Diamond had about 50 great songs that were hits!

[@johnfoster5295]

Neil did a song called Kentucky Woman which Deep Purple covered. Since you like Deep Purple it would be an interesting comparison.

[@acemodez3169]

Quite a few of his songs have been covered. Red Red Wine, Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon, I'm A Believer, to name a few

[@johnfoster5295]

@@acemodez3169 I know, but being how Deep Purple is one of his favorite bands, I thought I'd mention that song in particular.

[@acemodez3169]

@@johnfoster5295 oh yes I get it, good call good call. It just made me think, because another reactor recently discovered Neil and was shocked to learn songs he knew already were actually Neil Diamond originals. Actually he thought Red Red Wine was a Bob Marley song

[@nothingbutlove40tis]

@@acemodez3169 HA! I saw that reaction, that was a fun one!

[@shadykatie100]

I love that song when I was real little! It felt so spiritual, and I definitely lifted my feet.

[@TheCornishCockney]

Studio version of I Am I Said. Magnificent. For live,its got to be the Hot August Night album,also terrific.

[@robertserrato3596]

Hot August night was probably the best concert that he ever did.

[@robert.manhattan9629]

Yes, the concerts from the Greek Theatre 1972 are magic. Unfortunately there's no film footage, fortunately a great album.😍👍🏼 But he released 2 great concerts from 2008 & 2012, available on Blu-ray 😯😀

[@maryswanson9982]

This is a story. You can smell the grass and feel the heat of an August night. The choir! You can feel the joy! I imagine it was like that at the old tent revivals.

[@debb7482]

When I first heard this on hot august night I wanted to find a ragged tent just to experience the preacher lol

[@jojones1082]

You would think it would've been controversial - a nice white, New York Jewish boy signing a southern gospel-themed song - but it wasn't. It was a simpler time then and people took it for what it was - a great song that was very powerfully done.

[@j20tower]

He one of the greatest of all time. Grew up in my neighborhood in Brooklyn NY. Can you play his first big hit? Cherry Cherry. Also You Got To Me, Holly Holy, America, Girl You’ll Be Woman Soon. Thx

[@williamgreco3046]

Some comments how he wasn't religious but he did believe in God pretty strongly. The hate towards religion that exists today didn't exist back then.

[@trudywolfe2795]

I Am I Said...Great Neil song.

[@susiealles5878]

I grew up in the 60s and 70s when Neil Diamond was quite the thing. Back then people just enjoyed music for what it was and didn’t try to analyze every little thing looking for a problem.

[@dlla2661]

Great song, no controversy. Everyone was free to like it or not. And then go about their own life, unbothered. Not that hard to do.

[@BardOfAndromeda]

Puzzled and bemused as to why one would think this a controversial song. We seem to have gone backwards - it's sad. Great song by a great artist!

[@bobblethreadgill4463]

This never caused any controversy, I'm 65 and remember it well. Neil was just some of the best music at the time. He has so much more to listen to.

[@randallhoward3231]

This song was released in 1969. If there was any controversy when it was released, it wasn't considered news worthy. Our family would attend a 2 week revival meeting during the summer back in the 1960s. There was an open air chapel on a massive camp ground. It was near a town named Ramsey Indiana.

[@TheClonemenot]

That entire concert in England in 1971(?) is awesome.

[@Golddust427]

At the beginning of this show he explains his inspiration, which was the preacher at a revival he attended. He mentions that some desperate people may be used by some preachers but said you get a good feeling at a revival & chose to keep it positive.

[@debrakron9049]

Love Neil Diamond! I would also recommend Harry Chapin, What Made America Famous. Great piece of storytelling! And as relevant today as the day Mr Chapin wrote it!

[@elsieanndaniels5040]

He has faith. He is Jewish. It was the 70's and he wasent putting down those of faith but talking about the travling revivals. I also think he wasent sure about it all just knew that revivals were powerful and that people who went were all about the preacher. He does a live version and he explains it before he sings the song.

[@snoopee11]

Listen to the studio version

[@s8150f]

You take one hand and reach out to your brother and the other one and reach up to the lord. What else needs to be said.

[@williamgreco3046]

Back then, no controversy whatsoever. Not like today.

[@user-iv7xp8cr9q]

Nothing but admiration and appreciation for his work and respect.

[@snowbird9660]

No controversy.

[@philstone2627]

I don't really remember as this being a controversial song,but I could be wrong,I usually am,lol.as always ,great reaction ,stay safe

[@tinypurplefishesrunlaughin8052]

What if you found out you were ever rarely wrong, disco DID suck, the government IS corrupt, Micheal Jackson WAS falsely accused by greedy parents wanting a payoff from “too rich” a celebrity, there WERE NO WMDs in Saddam’s arsenal, Enron DID steal millions, the Yugo WAS an awful vehicle, everyone IS stealing music on the internet the artists DO have a complaint, polyester leisure suits DID look cheesy, O.J. Simpson WAS guilty, the FBI DID try to frame an innocent soldier for the anthrax mailings, Paul McCartney IS NOT dead, All priests are NOT chaste celibate servants of God, Martha Stewart DID engage in insider stock trading, fast food joints CAN make you fat, people everywhere including blacks DID love Donald Trump before coming down the escalator, There WAS NO Russian Collusion by the Trump Administration, Hillary IS guilty of many crimes, Epstein DIDNT kill himself, 95% of the media DO push a slanderous narrative, there HAVE been Election crimes committed, Maxine Waters IS low IQ, Pelosi HAS conspired to overthrow our President, Adam Schiff IS a liar, Kyle Rittenhouse IS innocent and a good kid, Chuck Schumer IS a hateful man, Lindsey IS a gay backstabber, The “Abraham Accord” HAS helped a pathway to Middle East peace, dead people ARE voting in mass, there WAS chaos and suppression at voting centers, oversight WAS denied, officials DID participate in fraud, the count WAS manipulated, our votes WERE stolen, Trump DID win by a large margin, the media IS silencing the truth, and you may have never been wrong but the narrative is always wrong. Always. Stupid is as stupid does. Delete the Mainstream or be infected with their lack of values. Oh yeah, uhmmmm unless you’re a moron most people really dislike the daytime show “The View”.

[@philstone2627]

@@tinypurplefishesrunlaughin8052 well said

[@maryellenazack4466]

Starting with this, it's one of his BEST. Please continue exploring his great catalogue . COMING TO AMERICA NEXT. 🥰

[@paulhansberry8168]

He's that good.

[@5stardave]

Neil Diamond while being Jewish wrote this as an homage to (and his appreciation of) the travelling revival preachers. There was a brief controversy with a few Christian leaders until they understood this song was a compliment, not a put down.

[@douglasgonzalez7561]

More Neil Diamond: Sweet Caroline, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (with Barbara Streisand), Hello Again

[@redpine8665]

You are right. There was a period of time from about 65-75 that was just ridiculous in quality - across all genres of music. Singer songwriters, Hard Rock, Outlaw Country, Folk, Motown, you name it.

[@edwarddavis6827]

He was a fucking great singer

[@pamscarr8696]

Sounds very "churchey" for a Jewish man to write and sing, but there you have it. Neil was one of Several Jewish singer song writers in the 60''''''s and 70's. Neil Diamond, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Billy Joel, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan... Irvin Berlin, Ira Gerswin, Carley Simon...and the list goes on.

[@mbradleyc6165]

Really, zero controversy. Even for a jewish guy doing gospel.

[@SG-js2qn]

Neil has a ton of hits, but probably the proper follow-up to Brother Love's is Holly Holy. Do that one live too, like from Hot August Night.