Artist:Neil Diamond
Song:Longfellow Serenade
Album:The Ultimate Collection
Neil Diamond was already very successful when he switched from MCA Records to Columbia in 1974. The top five single Longfellow Serenade was his biggest hit in his early days at Columbia. The label switch came after the huge success of the 1972 live album Hot August Night. At the time Diamond was probably the hottest concert draw in the music business. After 20 consecutive nights at the Winter Garden in New York, Diamond decided to take a break in late 1972. He would not tour again until 1976. Meanwhile his contract with MCA ended and Diamond signed a lucrative deal with Columbia. His first project for Columbia was the score for the film adaptation of the best selling book Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Though the film was terrible and flopped at the box office, Diamond's soundtrack album was very successful and won a Grammy. Still, Diamond sued the producers of the film for butchering his score and he vowed never to score another film unless he had complete control. The 1974 album Serenade was Diamond's first solo album for Columbia. Longfellow Serenade reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was certified Platinum. The song is about a man who woos his woman with poetry. Hence the reference to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Diamond's other big hit in the late 70s was the 1978 chart topping duet with Barbra Streisand You Don't Bring Me Flowers. Diamond faded in the 80s after he starred in the 1980 remake of the Al Jolson film The Jazz Singer. Though the soundtrack did well and there were a couple of hit singles, the film was terrible and did poorly at the box office. Diamond continued to record for Columbia though he wasn't as successful after The Jazz Singer. Diamond still tours and he switched to Capitol in 2014. He released a CD last year. This 2CD comp covers Diamond's Bang, UNI/MCA and Columbia recordings. Here's Neil Diamond performing Longfellow Serenade on the German TV show Star Parade 1974.
I love Neil Diamond. I have a CD of his greatest hits and still listen to "Cracklin Rosie" and "Cherry Baby". There are others as well. One of big favorites is "Play Me". He had a good run in the 70's. I wish him nothing but the best. David.
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