READ THIS: Dennis Morgan began working with Neil when he ran the San Francisco office for MCA/Universal Music Group. Neil appeared regularly at the Circle Star Theatre in San Mateo. And they were the most sought after highly prized ‘ticket-comps’ Morgan had in his promotion arsenal for use with the radio and press crowd.
Truth be told, he probably generated more airplay and press in the Bay Area for other–more needy Universal recording artists by leveraging Neil Diamond concert tix.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, Neil was one the more successful rock music performers, scoring an extraordinary number of charted hits. Morgan recalls how distressed his mentors at Uni Records were (Russ Regan, Pat Pipilo, and Rick Frio) when Neil decided to leave the label and sign with Columbia Records/Sony Music. At the time, there may have been a turf battle underway in the corporate suite–especially after the late Artie Mogul and his A&R staff headed by Don Shane signed Andy Kim (Sugar, Sugar) who had reinvented himself in the image of Neil Diamond with the mid-chart hit single, ‘Rock Me Gently’. In the end, Columbia Records won simply by making an offer Neil couldn’t refuse.
As critic William Ruhlmann once wrote: “Neil Diamond claims worldwide record sales of over 140 million copies, and he was ranked third, behind only Elton John and Barbara Streisand.” Neil’s songs have been recorded by a vast array of performers from all musical genres.
He posted the ‘Cherry Cherry’ video as a reminder that Neil has been continually passed over for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since his eligibility in 1989. And that is a shame.
From the forthcoming Dennis Morgan semi-autobiography, ‘All The Dark Horses; All
The Kings Men’.
Duration : 0:3:2
Wow. I was 2 when …
Wow. I was 2 when this came out; Was in L.A. at the dawn of (and through) the Punk Rock movement, and Neil Diamond was ALWAYS respected by true Artists and creative folk. Maybe they wouldn’t run around shouting his name from the rooftops (because part of coolness” sometimes involves denying anything that came before, but I can’t count the myriad hushed admissions of the “dirty secret” that Neil is a master.)
Start singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ at any event. Everybody of every age joins in.
Comment by SchmedleyDoRight — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
this is one of my …
this is one of my truly all time favorite songs! why has Neil been ingnored?
Comment by caramelturtles — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
im 30 now and this …
im 30 now and this is still the best song
Comment by cisco760ca — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
NEILS OLD 60S SONGS …
NEILS OLD 60S SONGS WERE EXCELLENT
Comment by john111257 — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Oh, I love my Neil! …
Oh, I love my Neil!!! HIs was the first concert I ever attended and I’ve loved him ever since! He should TOTALLY be in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame!!
Comment by poeticjewel — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Neil Diamond is …
Neil Diamond is such an abundantly gifted individual!
Unique sound, incredible talent for writing, amazing entertainer, intelligent, such an interesting man.
Comment by jbrandiwine — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
I still like to ” …
I still like to “Neil Out” after all these years while our beloved 60’s musical groups and singers are in the ‘ole Social Security line signing up for a little extra “lunch money”.
Imagine a belligerant 65 year old Jim Morrison signing up for his retirement benefits and running over to Monaco Liquors for a “Botte of Gold” as they say…Dan O’Niallain, Grafton, Mass.
Comment by oniallain1965 — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
One of my all time …
One of my all time favorites of his as well!!
Comment by Jane19631 — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
that guy wrote many …
that guy wrote many songs that made rock and roll history. AND he has inspired many more songwriters. he should be in already
Comment by MattCockburn — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
My favorite Neil …
My favorite Neil Diamond song.
Comment by DasBlood — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Tellllll your momma …
Tellllll your momma girl I can’t stay long…
Comment by asdfreii — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
INDUCT NEAL DAMNIT! …
INDUCT NEAL DAMNIT!!!!!!!
Comment by suckmycod — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Its my best …
Its my best pals song (mER”y) hahah you got the way to move it baby
Comment by DRUMMERxGURU — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
amazing song
amazing song
Comment by qnibb — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
yes this is what i …
yes this is what i call music too
Comment by missmarplefan — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
This is what I call …
This is what I call music
Comment by imflyinn — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
One of the few …
One of the few singers / songwriters for The Monkees ( I’m a Believer, etc )
Comment by hydraIX — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
görgotttttttt !!!! …
görgotttttttt !!!!!!
Comment by oreeivalo — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Absolutely a shame, …
Absolutely a shame, then you get crap in there. I have mentioned his name to the R&R committee along with Tommy James, the Moody Blues, and the Turtles to name a few. But Neil is definitely deserving of the honor and recognition.
Comment by Planktontwo — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Compare with …
Compare with acoustic licks for “A Little Bit Me A Little Bit You” by Monkees. Both were by ND.
Comment by IanHunedoara8 — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
I won a dance …
I won a dance contest to this song in 1967, at the age of 9. My father introduced Neil in 1966, as an MC and popular Disc Jockey in the Quad Cities in Davenport, Iowa. Those were very special days! Saw Neil perform at Arco in Sacramento a few years ago and was in heaven! Such a great performer, with so many hit songs that will remain with generations forever!
Comment by tahoemom3 — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Not to mention …
Not to mention they’ve nominated LL Cool J, but Stevie Ray Vaughan hasn’t gotten in, yet. Neither has Alice Cooper. Jann Wenner and his little group are pricks.
Comment by rangerzep83 — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
I love this song! …
I love this song! Niel looks so darn handsome in this video!!
Comment by pookeeeee — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
This doesn’t look …
This doesn’t look like the CIrcle Star, which was, by the way, in San Carlos, CA; not San Mateo.
Comment by TONORAD — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
It’s why the R&R …
It’s why the R&R Hall is a joke.
I’d like to know why someone like Mandona is in for her 5 years of crappy music and people who has spanned 30+ years and are still selling out aren’t.
I guess the Hall stands for music no one will care about in 10 years or sooner.
Comment by as435943 — February 25, 2010 @ 5:53 pm