Rare Interview with Neil Diamond in 1968

[@MicheleHuffman-d8c]

I love Neil so much. So handsome and sweet. Love you, Neil.

[@marym.garcia4147]

No matter the nature of the questions during his numerous interviews, Neil is always respectful and a gentleman. His humanity and compassion, then and now, is otherworldly. His music is a gift to the world.

[@teresadbrownbrown3785]

I agree

[@ambsat]

Agree. 100% Well said.

[@maryallen1017]

Mr. Diamond, You did exactly what you wanted to do. Your songs have affected me deeply. Your concerts are an experience I will charish forever. You were meant to be exactly who you are a Singer/Songwriter. The best there ever was. The one and only Neil Diamond. I am blessed to be alive to enjoy the beautiful gift you gave to the world. God Bless you Sir.

[@teresadbrownbrown3785]

Yes. I agree

[@kimberlysmith8299]

Been listening to N.Diamond for 52+ years...all I can say is his music definitely did effect me in a lot of ways.He sang the stories of my life.

[@ambsat]

@kimberlysmith8299 Same.

[@fredericrodiere8359]

❤Neil Diamond IS a perfection in his own style...love him...honey dripping times

[@oliviadriver1362]

I am affected deeply by his music. That song of his, I Am, I Said tells the story of my life.

[@thenewhorizons]

What a very articulate, intelligent and goal-oriented young man. It's no wonder he became the superstar he became.

[@renniedavis2455]

The New Horizons NeilDiaCollectinthe257 7 NeilDiaCollectinthe257

[@teresadbrownbrown3785]

Exactly

[@leslieabrassart4236]

Excellent analyse.! The essentiel in a few words ...

[@adamhughes4442]

I Began listening to his music 40 years ago - I never stopped!

[@ambsat]

@adamhughes4442 I began 54 years ago, at age 12! I never stopped also. I remember as a young teen, my girlfriends all made fun of me when one birthday I asked for Neil Diamond albums. They all got me some, but giggled...he just wasn't considered cool then for a young teen. He was someone your older "housewives" and "jewish men" listened to. I was an old soul and an introverted kid...ND "spoke" to me at an early age. He was and is always, deep, poetic, introspective...those things appealed to me, I guess because I had a similar nature. Anyway...love him still. He's always been one of a kind, what a prolific career. I wish him well.

[@kimberlysmith909]

I love this rare interview. Very interesting, informative and impressive. Thank you for posting this.

[@DeniseLaFranceCDNpainter-z9g]

Raw & real. Deep, innovative thinker. Compassionate, kind & talented artist. HUMANITARIAN. 💎 in the rough.

[@rslitman]

He definitely was able to give his audiences a great experience over the next almost-50 years!

[@fredojoaquim4764]

Neil Diamond💎💟 is the best Singer / Songwriter.🤩☀️😍

[@jimmyb1559]

I think Neil accomplished what he set out to do when he says he wanted to affect people deeply. I know there is a lot of showmanship in his concerts for entertainment purposes but, especially early on, he was able to express and convey what he was feeling or thinking through his music in a very relatable way. I saw him in 1972 and in the nineties. I think his earlier music and live performances were more personal. Just my opinion. And I’ve always enjoyed his recorded and live music about as much as any other artist. Thanks for posting this.

[@solitaryman8602]

I saw him in the 1980s, 1990s, and noughties but I wish I had seen him in 72. On Hot August Night he seems like a different person to the one I saw in concert. Totally focused and singing as if discovering the songs for the first time.

[@jimmyb1559]

Imran Younus I agree👍

[@ilonahesseling4821]

Jimmy B., you explained it perfectly. I also prefer the early Neil Diamond.

[@jimmyb1559]

@@ilonahesseling4821 Thank you. I always wondered if other fans felt the same way.

[@johncook7281]

Interesting, seriously. Knowledgeable comments by Neil. A look at who He was then and who He grew to be. I became familiar with his music around '73 forward . One of the more revealing, insightful interviews with him I've seen.

[@omapam162]

Reading through the comments and they are all over the place, lol. I find this interview fascinating--a really rare look into how Neil was thinking at the time. I know later in life he admitted to smoking weed as an antidote to boredom when he was traveling. And he seems to have stayed true to his feelings on performing as anyone who has seen him live can attest to--he gives his all on stage and then some. All told, Neil is Neil and you either love him or not. I happen to love him and have for 47 years.

[@omapam162]

@ApplePie Yep, on the eve of his Vegas debut in 1976. They found less than half an ounce. Probation for a year and a rehab class I think.

[@sergioorea2905]

QUE CONTRADICCIÓN, CUÁNDO TIENES UNA VIDA INTERIOR MUY PROFUNDA NO TE ABURRES........ EL ESPECTÁCULO ES UN MUNDO DE MENTIRAS...............

[@HowardPaulblasingame]

Wonderful interview. Thanks for posting.

[@phillipsolesky2677]

Nice that you found this. for 26 years old, he was pretty insightful. In fact, considering he had both feet in show business and didn't seem to be a shill, I think his comments about how the young kids at that time were being neglected were pretty clear.

[@willemienaheyns6522]

No matter the question Mr Diamond always has the correct answer MR DIAMOND VOICE is so beautiful i just want to hug him 💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@ladyjane3660]

He makes some very profound statements. He was quite a wise young man. He's always been Number 1 in my music world. For years, I never bought anybody else's music but his; and I mean for like 40+ years...

[@johnson235]

Thank you KZbin and, especially, thank you Jennert! What a lucky post for Neil Diamond fans!

[@frutuosomaiadasilva6426]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🤴🏻💎

[@elenewentzel610]

I found these interviews very interesting. Gave me insight into what Neil Diamond is all about. Thankyou for letting me watch all the interviews🌟👏👌🕊🌹✨

[@blastergiants5372]

ERES UNICO EN EL MUNDO NEIL DIAMOND Y POR SU MUSICA ERES GRANDIOSO.

[@rowanparmiter7622]

Very intense, very focused

[@bagirabagira9967]

que buena esta la entrevista que voz tenia Neil en ese tiempo estaba muy joven gracias saludos jennert

[@blastergiants5372]

hola soy de chile me encanta Neil Diamond es unico en el mundo y por su voz perfecta por siempre por su musica.

[@bessierojo4583]

Hola a los fans a todos por el video esta muy bueno la entrevista por favor puedes sacar mas NEIL DIAMOND.

[@1234pouvez]

52 years ago there were all these frustrated young people protesting in American. Today in 2020 we have young frustrated people protesting around the world. Today we have the aid of social media to express our frustration, which they didn't have in 1968.

[@dianabeurman9937]

HE'S GREAT!!!!!

[@bessierojo4583]

Saludos a España y Chile a todos grande Neil diamond a los fans.

[@Judithleaver]

aww Neil you affected so many people effectively!

[@misabelgarciaruiz5618]

eres el mejor cantante y mejor persona del mundo te conozco desde el año 82 ,te sigo siempre felicidades Neil por ser como eres estupendo ,que Dios te cuide y te proteja de todo mal bess ,cuidate guapo

[@blastergiants5372]

hola me encanta neil y es mi favorito y su voz por siempre.

[@misabelgarciaruiz5618]

Si sí nunca nadie como Neil ,

[@misabelgarciaruiz5618]

saludos a la gran Chile saludos afectuosos

[@Hy-Brasil]

humm... so things haven't changed at all have they...and he is absolutely right. and his words are still true today.

[@larrywakeman4371]

Super! ...and wht he said at the end is the same exact mindset Jim Morrison had regarding the Doors live...Kim

[@adammaybloom1260]

I assume this interview was prior to Neil's signing to the MCA label if I'm not mistaken. And during that same year, Brooklyn Roads became a single.

[@jackiebinns6205]

You have what it takes and then some !!!

[@solitaryman8602]

A brilliant insight into the young mind of a genius. This short haired look was captured on the cover of his Uni debut album Velvet Gloves and Spit. swky.co/BrDQyE Neil signed to Columbia Records for a record breaking £1m per album in 1973 but it was the eight gold certified albums he released over five years with Uni (1968-72) that yielded his biggest hits and culminated in the career defining "Hot August Night" that launched him into super stardom. Neil seemed to become less self assured over time and the 80s and 90 passed him by creatively. He still had his huge catalogue of hit material from the 60s and 70s and remained a big concert draw. The resurgence of his recording career began in the 2000s with two Rik Rubin inspired albums that suddenly made him cool. He was Inducted into the Rock and Roll in 2011 before retiring from touring in 2018 due to the onset of Parkinsons disease. Neil remains active behind the scenes however, and there are plans for a movie and musical based on his career.

[@margotwanicek2704]

❤

[@anonex]

al parecer al sur de América también reconocen la calidad musical de Mr diamond

[@bessierojo4583]

Neil Diamond a CHILE

[@floriancasper4959]

Yo estoy buscando una presentacion que hizo en un show que se llamaba algo asi como Paradise donde un ballet se pone una ropa muy pintoresca y bailan y tocan un tema de el que me parecio soberbio el arreglo ,es muy antiguo parece ,de fines de los 60 o principios de los 70, alguien me ayude, cualquier informacion la agradeceria para encontrar este archivo . Saludos.

[@frutuosomaiadasilva6426]

Sim o BRAZIL América DO Sul sempre AMOU NEIL DIAMOND. Ele brilha até hoje por aqui também. Bravo NEIL DIAMANTE. Você não é só Brilhante é LUZ e SOL na nossa Vida. Ana Maria SP BRAZIL. 💎💎💎🙋🏻‍♀️👏👏👏👏🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷💘💘

[@misabelgarciaruiz5618]

Buenos días desde España ,gracias me gusta. lo que dices del gran Neil Diamond ,es unico buenisimo , los llamados cantantes de ahora no valen nada, en España no hay nada de nada, y fuera pues tampoco,no tienen voz. las letras espantosa ,gracias por todo blaster giants

[@dianacoulter4053]

Mª Isabel García Ruíz

[@Maria-z3mp]

In 2024 now, seems somethings never change, just the generations.

[@rowanparmiter7622]

@ 27 years old

[@myself989]

Can you imagine that people used to smoke so openly & blow smoke in other people's face? Lol

[@nolavout3025]

Love this guy but how times have changed, smoking dur ing an interview

[@sxymike12]

Well he achieved that goal for sure.

[@1234pouvez]

I may be wrong, but when he spoke of drugs, I don't think he was speaking of marijuana. I think he may have been referring to psychedelic drugs acid, which had become popular during that time. I think what he was saying was, when you came down from acid, the psychedelic drugs, the problems people were escaping were still there. I don't think marijuana has ever been considered a major drug. Illegal but not major. The fact that his home was raided in 1976 for drugs, and nothing was found, except less than an ounce of marijuana would indicate that he didn't indulge in serious drugs. Again I may be completely wrong.

[@solitaryman8602]

You are right 👍

[@sounder9393]

The original "straight-edger"?

[@rosaelodianeiraaguayo3642]

Jajaja qué raro se ve a Niel fumando y todavia fumara hoy dia en la actualidad ya no se ve gente fumando y si las hay son muy poca .

[@donaldcook3112]

. . . He stopped smoking cigarettes in the late '80's or early '90's. Had become a chain smoker in his mid '20's (?) Began smoking , no doubt , the best quality cigars after the cigarettes for a few years until his beloved mum was treated successfully a form of mouth cancer . His doctor warned him about the quite obvious risks to his voice in particular , added to his mum's serious health scare . He broke , what is for so many and no doubt himself , a most difficult habit , by going " cold turkey ", I have heard told by someone who would know .

[@John-mk3oe]

Young adults, 18-21, might be physically mature, but they don't have a clue about life yet....about there own....or life in general. Average parents don't have much wisdom and knowledge themselves...so not surprising their kids are "lost".

[@Daniel-yo5es]

well, they knew enough to know they didnt wanna get drafted and die in the jungle of vietnam... so, there's that.

[@John-mk3oe]

Love Neil, but OMG.....he was a premed student and he's sitting there smoking?????

[@journeyon1983]

Wow. This, perhaps, his very first interview and only interview I didn't like. I would have said to Neil, back then, "The world doesn't just revolve around you." Didn't know that he smoked back then either. He talks about drug usage by young people yet his choice of drug was nicotine and we all know what that does to a healthy body and lungs.

[@CaptainHaddock2]

In 1968 people didn't regard nicotine a mind altering dangerous drug and guess what it still isn't. I think you need to go fuck yourself you self righteous ignorant twat. In 1968 most doctors smoked cigarettes.

[@maryrosed8475]

Back then cigarette smoking was very common. Saw another interview when he was 30 and he was still smoking. But he gave up smoking rarely drinks and keeps fit. Sad about the Parkinsons. He gave everything in his concerts. He always seemed nice and easy to interview. A very intelligent man.

[@lilise3965]

I think at the time smoking was still considered a very cool, very sexy thing to do in front of a camera.

[@Lamneth1975]

Well, we know in retrospect that Neil Diamond did not involve himself at all in the activism and protests of the late 60’s. That really was never who he was. He was a performer/song writer who’s themes were intensely introspective, personal and completely non-political.

[@paintitblack6728]

Wow ! Fabulous find jennert! :) Neil Diamond is what they use to term as being a 'square' hahaa. For a pre med dropout he certainly had strong opinions on what he thought how others were 'feeling' whether he knew or not , sounds like he was a very opinionated youngen not quite sure whether i liked the arrogant streak about him though... But his music sure stirs me.

[@sarahfooth6725]

This is fabulous, thanks for posting...he's incredibly thoughtful for such a young man...I don't see the arrogance at all tbh...very insightful on what he was HOPING to achieve when he performed...he did it:)

[@DeniseLaFranceCDNpainter-z9g]

A self assured deep thinker. An artist with a plan. A genuinely compassionate individual. *Not arrogant.*

[@nancybenton5635]

You have to gauge his answer for the times. This was during civil unrest by young people over the war.

[@darianmartin_666]

Who is this sexy young girl?

[@EvelynPecio-bm9gu]

He's smoking no nooo you hemave fantastic voice don't do it 😮

[@cherroffee3488]

🍣🏆🎗 🏹