I could not forgive Neil Diamond for having left his Orthodox Jewish background as I thought was depicted in “The Jazz Singer”. I felt he betrayed his heritage and therefore, me. I tolerated enjoying his music when it played on the radio but never bought any. I did love his work and his songs but felt tormented by his choice. I absented myself from him like I would a beloved elder cousin that I fell out with…still loving him but with disapproval and distance.
This past year, I replayed that video with George. George is a film buff and informed me that the “Jazz Singer” was based on an earlier rendition “Jazz Singer” movie with Al Jolson. Oh my G-d! I was so wrong! I totally apologize, Mr. Diamond…for my clearly opinionated naive stupidity.
Now I openly adore Neil Diamond’s music. What a freedom it is to admit my faults and get on with enjoying what’s good.
So I went back into the archives of Neil Diamond’s music and realize I have no idea who he is. Yes…he is a popular song writer and musician. That’s what he does. But looking and listening to his words and music in an encapsulated study of 40 years has me astounded and curious. His words can vacillate between banal rhymes to profound exquisite combinations of concepts. Although he has certain repeated musical phrases, his music turns out varied and fresh. His words don’t always make logical sense which is the daring of the true poet. He’s distinctively ‘sweet’ as in gentle and tender and moody.
Video interviews of him did not give insight to him because he was very closed about his personal life and what inspired him. He was uncharismatic in interviews. His superstar status did not fill the screen with an equally gigantic ego. He spoke humbly. Even on stage when he talked to the audience, there was an honest guy. How could he be that balanced a being? What enabled his centeredness? Was he complete in body minerals?! He never talked about faith or spirituality. There’s a spiritual brothel of forgiveness in his music. I can’t figure out what he is saying but phrases touch my heart. “Lady Magdalene” Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” “Captain Sunshine” are examples of what I can’t figure if they’re for real. I have never heard him sing the sarcastic. He presents his pieces in a “what you hear is all it is” straight forward manner.
Being THE most consistently adorable man on stage and photo also baffled me: who can be that cute throughout his life? Was he genetically descended from Joseph who was the pick of Potipher’s wife? Daniel of the Persian captivity of the Jews might be my second guess whose good looks and talent won him a permanent place of honor in the palace.With all his handsomeness and gentle charm, Neil Diamond was never written about being a womanizer. The only admittance from him was that he was hard to be married to. I bet that was true and reminded me of the line in the “Jazz Singer” when his film wife thought her rivalry was with the character’s female manager. The female manager pointed to the crowds cheering him and said, “There’s your rival.” In that way, the movie did echo his real life. Understanding that with true intelligence, Neil Diamond didn’t publicly blame his former wives. He seems to be a gentleman. That makes him noble and rare.
“Melody Road” is his latest CD album and I bought it immediately: my first Neil Diamond album purchase.
I do not know who Neil Diamond is on the multidimensional level. He is the boy from Brooklyn but I know Brooklyn: it was a great, raw energy center when I lived there. I can only conclude, like many great artists, there is more in the work than the person.
I count myself as touched by the “more than the person body of work”. Thank you Neil Diamond for your commitment to beautiful songs.