In 1974, Neil Diamond walked onto a Spanish television stage with nothing but a guitar and a shimmering silver suit. Most stars would have played their biggest hits to stay safe. But Neil chose a poetic story about an aging artist instead.
The song is called The Last Picasso. Neil looks incredibly handsome in his sparkling 1970s outfit, yet his eyes tell a much more serious story. He sings about the ‘old man’s hands’ and the struggle to create one final masterpiece before time runs out. The acoustic arrangement is letting every note of his deep baritone hit you right in the chest.
This rare footage from the show Señoras y Señores captures a master at his absolute peak:
Neil Diamond – The Last Picasso (Señoras y Señores, 1974)
Fans who have seen this clip cannot stop talking about how much it moves them. One viewer mentioned that they had never seen Neil look so focused and calm while singing such a difficult melody. Another person noted that his theatrical delivery makes the lyrics feel like a movie playing behind your eyelids.
While that 1974 performance showed Neil as a global sophisticated star, his journey actually started in a much grittier place. To truly understand the man in the silver suit, you have to look back at the boy from Brooklyn who was just trying to find his way.
Neil Diamond – I Am… I Said (Official Music Video)
This shift from the big stages of Europe to the quiet streets of New York is captured perfectly in the archival footage for “I Am… I Said.” This video is a treasure chest of old memories that shows Neil in his youth, long before the world knew his name. It feels like a homecoming for an artist who often felt torn between the bright lights of Los Angeles and his humble roots. One fan shared that seeing the old grainy footage of Brooklyn made them cry because it felt so honest.
Neil Diamond has a special way of making every listener feel like he is singing only to them. His journey from a Brooklyn dreamer to a global icon is a story of staying true to oneself. Follow Neil Diamond on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep his timeless music close to your heart.