Imagine sitting in front of your television in 1986 along with millions of other Americans. You were likely waiting to hear a serious song from one of the greatest singers in the world. Instead, you got to watch a comedy legend try to steal the spotlight. This iconic moment happened during a massive musical special that everyone talked about the next morning. It brought two different worlds together when Carol Burnett joined Neil Diamond for a
unforgettable version of Love on the Rocks.
The mood shifted the moment Carol stepped onto the stage. Neil was trying his best to stay professional and keep his deep voice steady. However, Carol began her famous physical comedy by clinging to him and making wild faces. She played the part of a fan who simply could not let go of her favorite star. Watching Neil stay in character while she caused chaos was a beautiful display of their real friendship.
Neil Diamond & Carol Burnett — The Full Medley
Viewers today still talk about how much they miss this kind of clean and clever humor. One fan noted that Carol is probably the funniest female comedian to ever live because she never had to be vulgar to get a laugh. Another viewer mentioned that they would have done the exact same thing if they were that close to Neil. It is clear that this performance still brings a lot of joy to people who remember the good old days of variety television.
That funny night showed us a side of the singer that we do not always get to see. While he was happy to joke around with Carol, he never lost the talent that made him famous. To truly understand why that parody was so funny, you have to remember where the song started. It began as a very dramatic story about a broken heart that touched people all over the country.
Neil Diamond — The Original Love on the Rocks (1980)
In the original version, the mood is much darker and more serious. The singer tells the story about a broken relationship. This song was a huge hit from a famous movie. Reaching the number two spot on the music charts, it remains a classic song for anyone who has ever felt the sting of a lost love.
Neil Diamond has a special way of connecting with people through his music. He can make you cry with a ballad and then make you smile by acting silly with a friend. His journey from a young songwriter to a global icon is a story of hard work and staying true to himself. You should follow Neil Diamond on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep up with his legendary career.