Neil Diamond announced today that he is retiring from touring. The American legend is hanging up his guitar and sequined shirts immediately to confront a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Diamond will fade from public review as he dives into treatments he hopes will extend his life.
The movie world keenly knows him from the blockbuster 1980 film, The Jazz Singer. Long before he graced movie screens and saw his popularity expand exponentially, he was among the bestselling singer-songwriters of all-time. Diamond had 38 top 10 songs over his career. Thirty-Eight! And eleven of them went to number one.
The Brooklyn born artist came up during the folkie movement of Greenwich Village in the early ‘60s and it largely shaped him. But, in the end when all is said and done (and let’s hope that it is years and years from now), history will look back at Neil Leslie Diamond as the crafter of pop songs in an artistic way that mirrors the greatest who ever wielded a pen, paper, piano and guitar.
His songs transcend time, borders and generations. Look around at the many live concert videos that exist and when the camera shows the crowd, it is a cornucopia of ages and peoples. Diamond brought us together with his gifts. In fact, a song from his one huge film moment, The Jazz Singer, has grown over time to personify the musical sentiments our entire country, America. Ever attend a July 4th event and not hear it?!
His music may be among the highest sold in the popular music era and he also enhanced the soundtrack to countless movies. With all that songwriting success, Diamond could have stayed home and counted his checks. But, he loved playing live and we loved seeing him live. The ultimate showman, his tours were events the world over. That is why this news today is just so sad. The fact that future generations will never experience a Neil Diamond concert is a crime. There will never be concert like a Neil Diamond concert.
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. That must mean that Diamond is one beloved cat. Diamond’s work will last forever on record, CD, digital recordings and of course, on celluloid. One can understand why there is such love for this man from those who adore his work. Let’s take a moment and witness Jack Black and Saving Silverman.
Who could forget David Spade’s version of Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show in Lost and Found?
One more… Kevin James’ unique choice of intro music (Holly Holy), that winds up whipping up the crowd in Here Comes the Boom?
This is not meant to be an obituary — far from it. It’s just that the news is striking. The voice, it has gone silent. There are so many aspects of this talent that will be missed. Most of all, it will be his voice. That baritone with Jewish bravado belting the hits is something that will now cease to be… and for that reason alone, this is a tough day.
In one of his most classic songs, I Am I Said, Diamond said all he had to say about his life in a matter of four lines. Perhaps it will one day (long from now, G-d willing) adorn his headstone.
“Did you ever read about a frog who dreamed of being a king,
and then became one?
Well except for the names and a few other changes,
If you talk about me, the story is the same one.”