In 1966, Neil Diamond was just another face in the crowded Brill Building trying to sell songs. Then he recorded a song in a key moment that no one expected to work. It was a moody piece that broke all the rules of upbeat pop music at the time. You should see the archival footage of this young man from Brooklyn finding his voice for the very first time.
This early performance captures a man who is not yet a legend but is already a master. He later said he did not even realize he was writing about his own life until years of therapy passed. This moment is the birth of the Solitary Man we all grew to love.
Watch the full video below:
Neil Diamond · Solitary Man (Remastered 2011 / Mono)
One viewer said the song brings back the best memories of their childhood. Another person mentioned that it remains their absolute favorite track after all these years. People still talk about how that simple acoustic guitar rhythm hits them right in the chest
The lonely boy from New York did not stay in the shadows for long. By the time he reached the Greek Theatre, he was a force of nature who knew how to command a crowd.
Neil Diamond – Cherry, Cherry (Live At The Greek Theatre / 1972)
That 1972 show at the Greek Theatre made the crowd cheer up. The way Neil moved and led the band showed a man who had finally found where he belonged.
Neil Diamond’s journey from a quiet room in Brooklyn to the biggest stages in the world is a true American story. He never lost that honest touch even when the crowds grew to the thousands. Follow Neil Diamond on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. You do not want to miss the next chapter of this incredible life.