Neil Diamond Picks His Gems

From the Miami Herald: http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/people/story/739220.html

Neil Diamond Picks His Gems by Howard Cohen

Even when superstar acts avoided the region in the '70s and '80s before we scored a number of world-class venues, Neil Diamond's tours seldom missed Miami-Dade or Broward. On the heels of his first No. 1 album, the critically hailed Home Before Dark, Diamond performs Oct. 26 at Bank Atlantic Center.

Plus, he has to come to South Florida. His mom, Rose Diamond, lives here and is often in the house soaking up all that Neil love.

''Unfortunately, Dad passed away. But both of my parents were big supporters and it was nice to have them at my show,'' Diamond, 67, said in a phone interview. "Now, my mom, it's great to have her there. She doesn't watch me. She's facing the audience and seeing how they are responding. She never watches me.''

Besides being a home for your mom, what does South Florida mean to you?

"I've been playing Miami and South Florida and Florida, as a whole, for years. Since the beginning of my touring, my first professional dates were in Florida. I played Tampa and St. Petersburg and Clearwater was my first professional paid date. I love Florida. The people have been great to me. It's a beautiful state. I'm looking forward to bringing my tour there.''

Do any Miami hot spots stand out for you? Any must-visits?

"Not really. I'm down there to sing and we focus in on that. Occasionally, I have the chance to travel around and spend days off. But we're moving fast on this tour so we will do the shows and that's the focus.''

Can we count on Mom watching us, watching you at the BankAtlantic Center?

"No. Mom will be in California at that time.''

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Tulsa World: Songwriter still going strong

Tulsa World: Songwriter still going strong

Review of Neil Diamond's October 21 concert in Tulsa.

"Neil Diamond is completely resigned to one point in his more than 40 years of performing: Women love him."

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Diamond gets ready to reconnect with S. Florida fans | MiamiHerald.com

Diamond gets ready to reconnect with S. Florida fans MiamiHerald.com

Great article in anticipation of Diamond's show in Miami on October 26th.


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Neil Diamond to receive major industry award | News | NME.COM

Neil Diamond to receive major industry award
Veteran singer will be honoured in LA
Oct 22, 2008

Neil Diamond will receive the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year Award at a ceremony and concert that is set to take place in Los Angeles during Grammy week.

The veteran singer, whose most recent album 'Home Before Dark' hit Number One on the US chart in May, is being recognised for "his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work," according to a statement issued by the Recording Academy.

Most recently, Diamond donated all the proceeds from sales of his merchandise at three concerts to hurricane relief efforts in Texas.

The fundraising event will take place February 6. Proceeds will go MusiCares, a music-industry charity that ensures that music people have a place to turn to in times of financial, medical and personal need.


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Elton John - Cornflakes & Classics updates

The Cornflakes & Classics web site, featuring the musical history of Elton John, has been updated for recent and upcoming shows. Including three scheduled already for 2009! Check out the 2008 Elton John page for all the information.

Also updated:

• Two People Magazine articles from the August 18 1975 and January 16 1978 issues. Many thanks to Elizabeth for these treasures.


• A review from John of an early Red Piano Show.


• Speedymjb's recap of the historic Captain Fantastic show from Madison Square Gardens.


• An entry for a 1969 Tina Charles single with backing vocals by Elton John. I'm looking for a release date for this single. Thanks to David Burrows for this information.


• Also from David, the addition of Rod Stewart's Gasoline Alley album (Elton sings uncredited backing vocals on Rod's cover of Country Comfort) and a timeline correction for Elton's piano session for The Hollies I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top single. I had the session a month after the release date. Now I need the correct session date! Both these events are on the 1970 Elton John page.


• From frequent contributor Steven Betts, two ads from the summer of 2007 UK concerts on the 2007 Elton John page. Here's a sneak peek:


• A great concert poster from Paul Canvin from Elton's Halloween concerts in Boston on the 1970 Elton John page.

And don't forget the great new deluxe remastered versions of the Elton John and Tumbleweed Connection albums... two CDs including dozens of bonus tracks. Read the details on the 2008 Elton John page.

As always, please send your album and concert reviews, articles, comments, corrections and new stuff to me. I'm always looking to expand Cornflakes & Classics!

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.../Paul