Neil Diamond was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family. His maternal grandparents came to America from Russia not long before the Revolution of 1917. It's not only one of Diamond's greatest songs but it's also very personal to him. I always say that if you want to get to know Neil Diamond, you just have to listen to his songs. He's also a charismatic performer with, as you pointed out, a very distinctive voice. One of the best singer-songwriters of modern music.
As others said, this video is from the movie The Jazz Singer. Neil Diamond's character longed to be a jazz singer, but his dad was a strict Jewish cantor. The ones in the audience were his dad and his wife who both were opposed to him going against tradition. I love the song, great reaction Harri. Thanks
The old man in the audience played his father who opposed his music career, however the woman sitting next to him played his second wife and she had actually encouraged him to follow his dream. Also the large man sitting behind them played his manager in the movie.
It is 5:45 a.m. EST. What a way to start July 4th 2022, listening to Neil Diamond singing Coming to America. I'm a lover of Neil diamond music and have been for decades. It is so sad that due to illness he is not performing or recording music anymore. That is such a loss. I am always so proud of America when I hear this song. My material grandmother is German descent and came from Russia my father's people are of Croatian descent. Both my father and my mother were first generation born in the United States and they were very proud of it. BOTH served in WWII and I served during Vietnam War. We have our problems in this country but it is still the best country in the world. We have privilege and freedoms that other people in other countries can only dream of. God bless the USA.
One of my favorite singer songwriters spanning many decades. I had so many of his records. He had tons of hit songs. "Cherry, Cherry", "Kentucky Woman", "Red Red Wine", "Solitary Man", "Forever In Blue Jeans", "Shiloh", "Beautiful Noise", "Holly Holy", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Song Sung Blue", "Longfellow Serenade", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers". One of my favorites is "I Am, I Said" which is almost an autobiography of his life & fame. He wrote the song "I'm A Believer" which became a big hit for the Monkees in 1966. I was privileged to see him in concert twice. He was a great showman & his live performances were memorable.
The old man is actually Sir Lawrence Olivier, playing Neil's father , in Neil's version of TheJazz Singer. The younger lady beside of him is Lucie Arnaz (Lucille Ball's daughter in real life), she plays Neil's love interest in the film. In the movie, Neil's father is a Jewish Cantor and he wants his son to be one, too. But he has 'other ideas' than being a cantor. This is him showing his father what he would like to do instead.
This is the 1980 remake of The Jazz Singer. Lord Laurence Olivier plays Neil Diamond's dad; Lucie Arnaz (daughter of Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz) plays his new girlfriend; in the row behind them is Neil Diamond's friend Franklin Ajaye, a wonderful actor who never really got his due! It is a guilty pleasure movie of mine and the soundtrack is out of this world!
The Jazz Singer is the movie this song was featured, the old man was his father, who did not approve of him singing in this fashion as opposed to being a choir singer at a Jewish church. Over the performance, the father realizes his son was touching far more people in this manner than the traditional way
This is the 3rd version of The Jazz Singer. I think Neil is 1st generation Jewish American and as his parents came from Europe during stormy times This song would have a special place in their heart. So I think Neil wrote this song for his parents.
@@jimreilly917 My Grandma left Poland in 1906 at 16 to escape to America. I understand what his bubba must have gone through to survive and start over.
Cracklin Rose was a brand of cheap wine that the first Peoples in Canada would drink to get very drunk when they had no date. The whole song is a love song to cheap wine.
I saw Neil Diamond 4 times. He did this song live and it was actually better live. He is a great singer, song writer and entertainer. Choose any of his songs, they are all great.
You can't go wrong with Neil Diamond and you should check out the movie "The Jazz Singer" as well, Harri! If you grew up with Neil Diamond's music, you would understand his legend. You have to see the movie to understand who the older gentlemen and young woman is.
The two people in the audience portray Diamond’s Jewish father and second wife in the movie. In real life, Diamond wrote the song honoring his immigrant grandparents. One of the best songs ever!
I absolutely adore Neil Diamond. Holly Holy is possibly my favourite song… but there are many largely unknown gems like ‘If I Never Knew Your Name’. He does extraordinary covers too.
So many of my contemporaries were on the "Proud to be American" by Lee Greenwood kick when I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986. Not me. This song personfies what the United States of America was envisioned to be.
I was a drummer/singer in a Classic Rock band back after 9/11. We started playing this song at that time. Turned even the sour-est of bar patron into a smiling, dancing Patriot :-)
Followed him since the 70’s and fortunate to have seen him in concert 10 times since 1980. One of the best! Watched Jazz Singer over and over….. Big Neil Diamond fan.
The serious gentleman in the audience is our very own Sir Laurence Olivier. He plays the father/cantor who disaproves of his son bring a rock star. Its a good story. I love the song in it called "Songs of Life" . Thanks Hari.
The lady is Lucie Arnaz - daughter of Lucille Ball, the famous comedienne. The old man deep in thought is the late great actor Lawrence Olivier. This is from the 1980 musical film "The Jazz Singer." Olivier in his role wanted Diamond to pursue traditional Jewish things while Diamond wanted to pursue a career in music. Olivier did not want to come to the show and really was there only because his daughter kind of "dragged him" there. As you can see, he slowly warmed up to his son's singing.
No one that you name ever lifted a finger for you, yet their names and actions are ETCHED in your brain. Those out there of ALL colors and creeds have given ALL in OUR names, yet SLAVES neither know nor CARE who they are and what they've done.
I saw yesterday (7/3/22) that you'd reacted to this song, sir, but I waited till today, USA Independence Day, to watch this. Not going to get on a soap box - I will just say that America isn't perfect, but it shines the light of freedom brighter than anywhere else right now. Between 900,000-1,000,000 immigrants come to America every year, from every corner of the globe. Every year, America welcomes 3 times as many immigrants as all other nations COMBINED. America's diversity is its strength. Couple other Neil Diamond songs you may want to check out, sir: "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show" & "Walk On Water", my 2 fave Neil Diamond songs. Thank you, sir, for reacting to a song that will be played at just about every fireworks show in "the land of the free, & the home of the brave" this evening!
Everyone should love their country, with all its faults. I feel sorry for those who don't love their country. It's a true gift to come from a country you can be proud of.
Ah, Neil. My girlfriend and I (she was 15, I was 16) made out to his stuff a LOT in the early 1970's. Saw him in concert too, back then. She's been my wife for over 4 decades and we still make out to his tunes.
This song obviously became a staple of Diamond's set list, and there is a clip of a live Diamond performance in which he explains how personal it is to him.
"America" was the theme song to the 1980 film The Jazz Singer, starring Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, and Lucie Arnaz (daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz). The song was one of three U.S. top ten hits from the soundtrack to that film. I suspect the song and the film inspired the 1988 Eddie Murphy film Coming to America.
Wake-up call: Coming to America was like Crocodile Dundee, Tarzan and KING KONG before it...MOCKERY. "Amazing" how the only TWO positive stories about African countries involve PHONY countries: Zamunda and WAKANDA
How many MCU FANS thought during Black Panther..."That is the first time Shuri has seen T'Chala since their FATHER was killed, so why are they joking and she's giving him THE FINGER?" The King is dead...F*CK the new King!
Bless you, Harri. I only comment very rarely but you are such a lovely and sensitive young man so I will tell you why my late parents came to America. They were both Holocaust survivors whose entire immediate and extended families were murdered by the Nazis-63 innocent men, women, children, and even tiny babies who weren’t considered “human” only because of their religion. I look very white and I know it (only my hairdresser knows for sure) but I can absolutely never forget my history and it grieves me terribly whenever I hear some of my neighbours say the most revolting things about immigrants. We must all band together to fight this scourge of hatred. Peace out! ❤️
America wouldn't be without immigrants (from everywhere). I don't think anyone these days should forget that, but the immigration absolutely must be by way of our laws and no one else's. This was a grand place, with a diamond thought and base, but when it is invaded, the wrong thought will come with it and it isn't freedom. That is what we ABSOLUTELY must protect .... the freedom. It comes with work and determination to continue freedom alone.
From Neil Diamonds autobiographical movie “The Jazz Singer” 1980. The man in the audience is his father a devote religious Jewish immigrant who never wanted him to leave the church and Brooklyn NY. According to the movie this was the first time he saw his son perform as he sat next to his Daughter in Law, Neil’s wife.
Yes Harri, it is a modern re-make of the first "talkie" "The Jazz Singer" with Al Jolsen. Neil wrote and arranged all the music for this and "personally" asked Laurence Olivier to play his father. Sadly Neil is suffering from Parkinson's now...another voice gone that will not be replaced
Great Reaction Harry!! The old man was played by Sir Lawrence Olivier, considered by many tobe the Greatest actor of all time! He was also mentor to a young inexperienced actor named Anthony Hopkins! Just had to add those small factoids! Thanks!
My parents were staying in hotel in Atlantic City where Neil was performing. Mom snuck into his concert just as Neil started singing America. She always said that hearing on the radio or on one of his albums is nothing like hearing it live.
One of the greatest joys of my American life is to look around and see how wonderfully diverse our people are today; many of whom came here to find refuge from global religious/political persecution. And how folks today look for the good in each good person instead of at their race -- and how today we suffer yet survive the verbal and often riotous abuses begat from anti-freedom and partisan rhetoric. Long may our stars and stripes fly for all our good citizens and their children and their children's children.
This movie was Neil's "8 Mile" or "Purple Rain". The actress in the audience is actually the daughter of Lucielle Ball and Ricky Arnaz who had one of the earliest TV sitcoms "I Love Lucy".
Interesting you say it seems Neil's singing as if he's giving a sermon. His wardrobe in this scene is very much meant to bring to mind the Jewish fringed prayer shawl known as a tallis to those in the know.
The father, in the audience, was Sir Lawrence Olivier, and the wife was Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucillle Ball. You should watch the film, The Jazz Singer. Loosely based on Al Jolson, who was known as the Jazz Singer in the 20s. I do a lot of Neil Diamond covers in my shows.
"The Jazz Singer" was the very first talking movie. It starred Al Jolson. Al was also Jewish and ran away to sing. His father was a Cantor. So the movie was pretty much about Al Jolson's life. This Neil Diamond movie is in a more modern setting and I think Neil Diamond was drawn to this movie just like Jolson was because of the similar lives. I like this song, but Neil has a lot of good songs!!
This was a scene from the Jazz Singer. I love this song. I love that immigrants carry with them the American dream. They may not be able to get a job because they don't speak the language yet, but they start businesses and restaurants, do whatever it takes to get a stake to start your dreams so they work as maids, mechanics, etc. Most of us here worry about getting a job but give up the dream. Immigrants refresh us.
The Jazz Singer starring Neil Diamond was a modernized remake of the historic 1927 film of the same name starring hugely popular American (Jewish) singer Al Jolson -- it was the world's first movie "talkie." :)
that was Sir Lawrence Olivier , who played his father in the movie, The woman was Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, she played his lover/gifriend in the movie
SIr Lawrence Olivia played his Father in the Movie. The woman is Neil's character's wife, Lucille Ball's daughter- Lucy Arnaz. I have seen him in concert several times over the years. He is as good live as recorded.
That older gentleman was Anthony Hopkins, played Neil Diamonds father in the Jazz Singer. The young lady with him is Lucy Arnez who played his wife or sister.
Neil Diamond is so recognizable.Love the accompanying orchestra especially the drums. This is a beautiful song for today. Happy July 4th to our American friends. 👍✌️🇨🇦 🇺🇸. Thanks Harri. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦.
I pan the Jazz Singer movie,the elder man,Sir Lawrence Olivier played Neil’s father who is a strict Jewish cantor. The girl is Lucie Arnaz who played his love interest who encouraged him to persue his dreams!
This song is from the soundtrack to The Jazz Singer staring Niel Diamond in the role originally played by Al Jolson in the 1929 film of the same name. Interestingly the female lead is played by Luci Arnaz.
When you listen to more of his work you will discover one central theme in his writing and that is “dreams”. It is especially prevalent in Jonathan Livingston Seagull but in much of his other stuff too.
As you saw at the end, the video was from The Jazz Singer. This was a modern version of the original movie The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson. In this movie 'the old man' played by Laurence Olivia, is Neil Diamonds father who is high up in the Jewish synagogue. The girl beside the 'old man' is Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Harry, you should watch the movie, as there are many of Neil Diamonds songs in the movie.
A man who remembers the true spirit of America: a place that WELCOMES all peoples of the world who seek refuge and freedom. That’s what makes us so strong. I long for a day when we embrace that spirit again.
Ultimate immigrant song. The older gentleman you saw in the video is Sir Lawrence Olivier and the young lady is Lucie Ball, daughter of comedian Lucille Ball in the movie The Jazz Singer.
America, the land of immigrants. I remember this song being played when the Iran hostages came home. We all made a nation. A good song for tomorrow is Aaron Tippin's "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly".
Neil Diamond was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family. His maternal grandparents came to America from Russia not long before the Revolution of 1917. It's not only one of Diamond's greatest songs but it's also very personal to him. I always say that if you want to get to know Neil Diamond, you just have to listen to his songs. He's also a charismatic performer with, as you pointed out, a very distinctive voice. One of the best singer-songwriters of modern music.
And he went to Erasmus High School in Brooklyn; same as Barbara Streisand.
As others said, this video is from the movie The Jazz Singer. Neil Diamond's character longed to be a jazz singer, but his dad was a strict Jewish cantor. The ones in the audience were his dad and his wife who both were opposed to him going against tradition. I love the song, great reaction Harri. Thanks
The old man in the audience played his father who opposed his music career, however the woman sitting next to him played his second wife and she had actually encouraged him to follow his dream. Also the large man sitting behind them played his manager in the movie.
@gigi v Yes, Sir Laurence Olivier, one of the greatest actors.
@@kevinduveneck1504 Thanks for clarifying that. They were actors. I thought they were his actual parents.
In real life that was Lucie Arnaz and Sir Laurence Olivier
Thanks for the 4th of July nod to the USA with this song. It is one of my favorites by him. Thank you, Harri!
Beautiful song n so glad to see his dad's approval of his success and enjoying watching his sin😭😭😭♥️
It is 5:45 a.m. EST. What a way to start July 4th 2022, listening to Neil Diamond singing Coming to America.
I'm a lover of Neil diamond music and have been for decades. It is so sad that due to illness he is not performing or recording music anymore. That is such a loss.
I am always so proud of America when I hear this song. My material grandmother is German descent and came from Russia my father's people are of Croatian descent. Both my father and my mother were first generation born in the United States and they were very proud of it. BOTH served in WWII and I served during Vietnam War.
We have our problems in this country but it is still the best country in the world. We have privilege and freedoms that other people in other countries can only dream of.
God bless the USA.
One of my favorite singer songwriters spanning many decades. I had so many of his records. He had tons of hit songs. "Cherry, Cherry", "Kentucky Woman", "Red Red Wine", "Solitary Man", "Forever In Blue Jeans", "Shiloh", "Beautiful Noise", "Holly Holy", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Song Sung Blue", "Longfellow Serenade", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers". One of my favorites is "I Am, I Said" which is almost an autobiography of his life & fame. He wrote the song "I'm A Believer" which became a big hit for the Monkees in 1966. I was privileged to see him in concert twice. He was a great showman & his live performances were memorable.
Harri, for your 7th & 8th Neil Diamond song, I'd recommend "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show" and "Song Sung Blue" !!
Absolutely right those songs and thank the Lord for the nightie are fabulous
Night time
The old man is actually Sir Lawrence Olivier, playing Neil's father , in Neil's version of TheJazz Singer. The younger lady beside of him is Lucie Arnaz (Lucille Ball's daughter in real life), she plays Neil's love interest in the film. In the movie, Neil's father is a Jewish Cantor and he wants his son to be one, too. But he has 'other ideas' than being a cantor. This is him showing his father what he would like to do instead.
This is the 1980 remake of The Jazz Singer. Lord Laurence Olivier plays Neil Diamond's dad; Lucie Arnaz (daughter of Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz) plays his new girlfriend; in the row behind them is Neil Diamond's friend Franklin Ajaye, a wonderful actor who never really got his due! It is a guilty pleasure movie of mine and the soundtrack is out of this world!
The Jazz Singer is the movie this song was featured, the old man was his father, who did not approve of him singing in this fashion as opposed to being a choir singer at a Jewish church. Over the performance, the father realizes his son was touching far more people in this manner than the traditional way
This is the 3rd version of The Jazz Singer. I think Neil is 1st generation Jewish American and as his parents came from Europe during stormy times This song would have a special place in their heart. So I think Neil wrote this song for his parents.
No doubt you are right!👍🏻☮️
He wrote it for his grandmother Rose, who immigrated from Kiev at 13. His song Crackling Rose is for her too. He may have loved his grandma😎
@@jimreilly917 My Grandma left Poland in 1906 at 16 to escape to America. I understand what his bubba must have gone through to survive and start over.
@@joelliebler5690 yup…my grandparents all left Ireland in the mid 1920s.
Cracklin Rose was a brand of cheap wine that the first Peoples in Canada would drink to get very drunk when they had no date. The whole song is a love song to cheap wine.
I saw Neil Diamond 4 times. He did this song live and it was actually better live. He is a great singer, song writer and entertainer. Choose any of his songs, they are all great.
You can't go wrong with Neil Diamond and you should check out the movie "The Jazz Singer" as well, Harri! If you grew up with Neil Diamond's music, you would understand his legend. You have to see the movie to understand who the older gentlemen and young woman is.
This clip was from the jazz singer
The two people in the audience portray Diamond’s Jewish father and second wife in the movie. In real life, Diamond wrote the song honoring his immigrant grandparents. One of the best songs ever!
I absolutely adore Neil Diamond. Holly Holy is possibly my favourite song… but there are many largely unknown gems like ‘If I Never Knew Your Name’. He does extraordinary covers too.
I can't even express how much I love that song. Wasn't it used in a key moment in the movie, "Holy Smoke?" (Jane Campion, Winslet, Keitel.)
So many of my contemporaries were on the "Proud to be American" by Lee Greenwood kick when I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986. Not me. This song personfies what the United States of America was envisioned to be.
Good for you. I absolutely can’t stand Proud to be an American 🇺🇸
This is my favorite Neil Diamond song.
This is a movie. Luci Arnie’s is playing Neil diamonds wife, Laurence Olivier is playing his dad. The Jazz Singer is a must see movie!
I was a drummer/singer in a Classic Rock band back after 9/11. We started playing this song at that time. Turned even the sour-est of bar patron into a smiling, dancing Patriot :-)
Followed him since the 70’s and fortunate to have seen him in concert 10 times since 1980. One of the best! Watched Jazz Singer over and over….. Big Neil Diamond fan.
The serious gentleman in the audience is our very own Sir Laurence Olivier. He plays the father/cantor who disaproves of his son bring a rock star. Its a good story. I love the song in it called "Songs of Life" . Thanks Hari.
I love Neil Diamond, great singer, songwriter and artist
The lady is Lucie Arnaz - daughter of Lucille Ball, the famous comedienne. The old man deep in thought is the late great actor Lawrence Olivier. This is from the 1980 musical film "The Jazz Singer." Olivier in his role wanted Diamond to pursue traditional Jewish things while Diamond wanted to pursue a career in music. Olivier did not want to come to the show and really was there only because his daughter kind of "dragged him" there. As you can see, he slowly warmed up to his son's singing.
Who cares dude?
You ramble about ACTORS and type "Late great"...SLAVE
12 likes in one hour from other SLAVES
No one that you name ever lifted a finger for you, yet their names and actions are ETCHED in your brain.
Those out there of ALL colors and creeds have given ALL in OUR names, yet SLAVES neither know nor CARE who they are and what they've done.
Thanks for the info!
I saw yesterday (7/3/22) that you'd reacted to this song, sir, but I waited till today, USA Independence Day, to watch this. Not going to get on a soap box - I will just say that America isn't perfect, but it shines the light of freedom brighter than anywhere else right now. Between 900,000-1,000,000 immigrants come to America every year, from every corner of the globe. Every year, America welcomes 3 times as many immigrants as all other nations COMBINED. America's diversity is its strength. Couple other Neil Diamond songs you may want to check out, sir: "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show" & "Walk On Water", my 2 fave Neil Diamond songs. Thank you, sir, for reacting to a song that will be played at just about every fireworks show in "the land of the free, & the home of the brave" this evening!
Everyone should love their country, with all its faults. I feel sorry for those who don't love their country. It's a true gift to come from a country you can be proud of.
Ah, Neil. My girlfriend and I (she was 15, I was 16) made out to his stuff a LOT in the early 1970's. Saw him in concert too, back then. She's been my wife for over 4 decades and we still make out to his tunes.
The most moving song I’ve ever heard. This is what America is about. The dream. It’s still alive.
Best singer, best singer for a fabulous American song. Neil Diamond is so proud about his country America. ❤️❤️❤️
When the pilgrims arrived in Plymouth Rock they had this song blasting from the speakers of the Mayflower.
Made me laugh out loud! Thanks!
@@sonia4641 I made myself laugh, too when I pictured the Mayflower with giant speakers like something out of Fury Road.
Happy independence day AMERICA!!!
This song obviously became a staple of Diamond's set list, and there is a clip of a live Diamond performance in which he explains how personal it is to him.
Watched this now.... Yes this is from the movie Jazz Singer. His dad and his wife in audience.
Totally awesome !
Neil Diamond….an American treasure.
I am in America watching this on July 4th. Thank you for the a perfect song for today. Happy Birthday America and God Bless the USA.
"America" was the theme song to the 1980 film The Jazz Singer, starring Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, and Lucie Arnaz (daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz). The song was one of three U.S. top ten hits from the soundtrack to that film. I suspect the song and the film inspired the 1988 Eddie Murphy film Coming to America.
My mom loved that movie so much we had it on vhs and dvd lol
Wake-up call:
Coming to America was like Crocodile Dundee, Tarzan and KING KONG before it...MOCKERY.
"Amazing" how the only TWO positive stories about African countries involve PHONY countries:
Zamunda and WAKANDA
How many MCU FANS thought during Black Panther..."That is the first time Shuri has seen T'Chala since their FATHER was killed, so why are they joking and she's giving him THE FINGER?"
The King is dead...F*CK the new King!
Bless you, Harri. I only comment very rarely but you are such a lovely and sensitive young man so I will tell you why my late parents came to America. They were both Holocaust survivors whose entire immediate and extended families were murdered by the Nazis-63 innocent men, women, children, and even tiny babies who weren’t considered “human” only because of their religion. I look very white and I know it (only my hairdresser knows for sure) but I can absolutely never forget my history and it grieves me terribly whenever I hear some of my neighbours say the most revolting things about immigrants. We must all band together to fight this scourge of hatred. Peace out! ❤️
America wouldn't be without immigrants (from everywhere). I don't think anyone these days should forget that, but the immigration absolutely must be by way of our laws and no one else's. This was a grand place, with a diamond thought and base, but when it is invaded, the wrong thought will come with it and it isn't freedom. That is what we ABSOLUTELY must protect .... the freedom. It comes with work and determination to continue freedom alone.
From Neil Diamonds autobiographical movie “The Jazz Singer” 1980. The man in the audience is his father a devote religious Jewish immigrant who never wanted him to leave the church and Brooklyn NY. According to the movie this was the first time he saw his son perform as he sat next to his Daughter in Law, Neil’s wife.
Yes Harri, it is a modern re-make of the first "talkie" "The Jazz Singer" with Al Jolsen. Neil wrote and arranged all the music for this and "personally" asked Laurence Olivier to play his father. Sadly Neil is suffering from Parkinson's now...another voice gone that will not be replaced
Oh yeah!!! This was my grandmother’s favorite song!! I luv it too thx Harri!! This guy is a legend.
Great Reaction Harry!! The old man was played by Sir Lawrence Olivier, considered by many tobe the Greatest actor of all time! He was also mentor to a young inexperienced actor named Anthony Hopkins! Just had to add those small factoids! Thanks!
My parents were staying in hotel in Atlantic City where Neil was performing. Mom snuck into his concert just as Neil started singing America. She always said that hearing on the radio or on one of his albums is nothing like hearing it live.
The Story of My Life,Pretty Amazing Grace,Beautiful Noise,Forever in Bluejeans,Love on the Rocks,Red,Red Wine! Soooo many more!
That old man and young lady you talked about is Neil's sister and their father, who finally realized how proud he was of him for this!
That older man in the audience is the actor who plays Neil Diamond's father in this movie. The actor's name is Sir Laurence Olivier.
One of the greatest joys of my American life is to look around and see how wonderfully diverse our people are today; many of whom came here to find refuge from global religious/political persecution. And how folks today look for the good in each good person instead of at their race -- and how today we suffer yet survive the verbal and often riotous abuses begat from anti-freedom and partisan rhetoric. Long may our stars and stripes fly for all our good citizens and their children and their children's children.
This movie was Neil's "8 Mile" or "Purple Rain".
The actress in the audience is actually the daughter of Lucielle Ball and Ricky Arnaz who had one of the earliest TV sitcoms "I Love Lucy".
The lady is Lucy Arnez daughter of Lucy and Desi!
Interesting you say it seems Neil's singing as if he's giving a sermon. His wardrobe in this scene is very much meant to bring to mind the Jewish fringed prayer shawl known as a tallis to those in the know.
Thanks Harry for reacting to this song on such a special day for all Americans. Happy 4th everyone.
The father, in the audience, was Sir Lawrence Olivier, and the wife was Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucillle Ball. You should watch the film, The Jazz Singer. Loosely based on Al Jolson, who was known as the Jazz Singer in the 20s. I do a lot of Neil Diamond covers in my shows.
That was Sir Lawrence Olivia!!💜🇺🇸🇺🇸
"The Jazz Singer" was the very first talking movie. It starred Al Jolson. Al was also Jewish and ran away to sing. His father was a Cantor. So the movie was pretty much about Al Jolson's life. This Neil Diamond movie is in a more modern setting and I think Neil Diamond was drawn to this movie just like Jolson was because of the similar lives. I like this song, but Neil has a lot of good songs!!
Yes, it was from the Jazz Singer movie, you were right. Amazing Song ❤
Yes, I came to say the same 😊❤🇺🇲
Oh man one of his best songs. I try to listen to it every 4th of July. It just seems fitting for that day.
This was a scene from the Jazz Singer. I love this song. I love that immigrants carry with them the American dream. They may not be able to get a job because they don't speak the language yet, but they start businesses and restaurants, do whatever it takes to get a stake to start your dreams so they work as maids, mechanics, etc. Most of us here worry about getting a job but give up the dream. Immigrants refresh us.
had a friend who told me that the plane he was on coming back home from Nam was playing this song and the guys would stand up and shout America
What ever country you love is the greatest country in the world.
The Jazz Singer starring Neil Diamond was a modernized remake of the historic 1927 film of the same name starring hugely popular American (Jewish) singer Al Jolson -- it was the world's first movie "talkie." :)
This movie was very good.
that was Sir Lawrence Olivier , who played his father in the movie, The woman was Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, she played his lover/gifriend in the movie
Nail espectacular en todo los músicos sonn excelentes .
SIr Lawrence Olivia played his Father in the Movie. The woman is Neil's character's wife, Lucille Ball's daughter- Lucy Arnaz. I have seen him in concert several times over the years. He is as good live as recorded.
That was Neil Diamond's Father - an immigrant to America.
In his live performances, he thanks his grandmother for bringing his mother to this country. For which the song is a tribute to her journey.
That man and woma you see the camera pause on is Neil's parents, they look blown away as they look around at the audience.
He now battles dementia and can't preform anymore. Such a beautiful voice 😍
Updated version of the old Jazz Singer, the girl in it is Lucy Arnez is the daughter of Lucielle Balls and Desi Arnez
This is simply as good as it gets…
Great singer great song.
Love all his songs. Great voice.
This is from the movie The Jazz Singer
¡¡ NEIL DIAMOND EN TODO SU ESPLENDOR,TANTO FISICO ,COMO GRAN INTEPRETE Y COMPOSITOR.!!!
That older gentleman was Anthony Hopkins, played Neil Diamonds father in the Jazz Singer. The young lady with him is Lucy Arnez who played his wife or sister.
It was Laurence Olivier
Neil Diamond is so recognizable.Love the accompanying orchestra especially the drums. This is a beautiful song for today. Happy July 4th to our American
friends. 👍✌️🇨🇦 🇺🇸. Thanks Harri. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦.
I pan the Jazz Singer movie,the elder man,Sir Lawrence Olivier played Neil’s father who is a strict Jewish cantor. The girl is Lucie Arnaz who played his love interest who encouraged him to persue his dreams!
The 'Old Man' is the world famous actor "Laurence Olivier" . The lady is Lucy Ball's daughter.
This song is from the soundtrack to The Jazz Singer staring Niel Diamond in the role originally played by Al Jolson in the 1929 film of the same name. Interestingly the female lead is played by Luci Arnaz.
Happy Birthday America, the best place on earth.
My grandmother use to bless herself when this came on the radio
When you listen to more of his work you will discover one central theme in his writing and that is “dreams”. It is especially prevalent in Jonathan Livingston Seagull but in much of his other stuff too.
As you saw at the end, the video was from The Jazz Singer. This was a modern version of the original movie The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson. In this movie 'the old man' played by Laurence Olivia, is Neil Diamonds father who is high up in the Jewish synagogue. The girl beside the 'old man' is Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Harry, you should watch the movie, as there are many of Neil Diamonds songs in the movie.
Yes, this is from the movie, "The Jazz Singer." You are spot on.
Sus canciones hacen reflexionar mucho es único ❤
The woman the camera is spotlighting is Lucie Arnez, Lucille Ball's daughter.
A man who remembers the true spirit of America: a place that WELCOMES all peoples of the world who seek refuge and freedom. That’s what makes us so strong. I long for a day when we embrace that spirit again.
Great and meaningful tune for so many immigrants including my grandmother.
Neil really knew how to put on a show. Everything from simple songs with a guitar to an orchestra. A true professional, a poet, a singer. Just great.
Right on! From the Jazz Singer. Cantor turned entertainer.
All people should be just as proud of there country. Peace to the world.
Ultimate immigrant song. The older gentleman you saw in the video is Sir Lawrence Olivier and the young lady is Lucie Ball, daughter of comedian Lucille Ball in the movie The Jazz Singer.
Thankyou for this. It's our Independence Day 🇺🇲🇺🇲
I like ur videos..My lawywr told me the less u say on the stand the better..So will leave it at that..Thanks
America, the land of immigrants. I remember this song being played when the Iran hostages came home. We all made a nation. A good song for tomorrow is Aaron Tippin's "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly".
This a great movie..the jazz singer... Lucille Ball's daughter plays the love interest to to Neil diamond
This is a clip from “The Jazz Singer”(1980)
I know this is from The Jazz Singer but when I hear it I think of Cheech Marin in the movie Born in East LA.
He is a great performer I've seen him in concert countless times check out hot summer nights album from the 1970s wild bill
"The Jazz Singer was a great movie about this.
I saw that Harri and she was smiling, looked right at the man an was stunned he didn't turn his head. God Bless you for this Neil Diamond.
Go watch the movie, then you will understand this part.
I love all Mr. Diamond’s songs but this is truly my favorite. His voice is like no other. Thanks for playing it.
Great choice and aptly named in time for the Fourth of July. 🇺🇸
the Jazz singer, thats a good movie.
Cracklin Rose was the 3 year super hit if i have not misrembered , from early 70s on radio Luxembourg