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Man of the Hour – Neil Diamond
Delicious
This time the music industries favorites got together to honor 68 year old music legend, Neil Diamond, and all in the name of a good cause, the Musicares charity. The performers gathered to help support their own. This charity helps musicians that have fallen on hard times. In addition to unbelievable performances by some of the best in the business there was also an auction where Neil Diamond, himself donated his 1956 Thunderbird to the cause. Another donation came from Britney Spears, who donated a couple of tickets to her London concert along with some time with her and deluxe accommodations to go along with the package.
The event took place at the LA Convention Center which held an audience of more than 1,500. The evening was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and all the performers sung Neil Diamond favorites. The Jonas Brothers opened the evening with the ever popular “Forever in Blue Jeans”. Coldplay was there to do their version of “I’m a Believer”, while Josh Groban played the piano for his rendition of “Play Me”. Urge Overkill sang “Girl, You’ll be a Woman Soon”, while Adele sang “Cracklin Rosie”. Tim McGraw sang another favorite, “Hello Again” while his wife Faith Hill, belted out a duet alongside Neil Diamond of “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”. The woman who actually brought the house down though was Jennifer Hudson, who sang “Holly Holy”. The audience went crazy for her and her powerful performance. She received a standing ovation and Jennifer seemed to be taken aback a bit and was very grateful to the audience mouthing “thank you” several times. Kid Rock who performed right after Hudson and sang the song “Thank the Lord for the Night Time”, commented backstage that “I’m gonna kill whoever made me follow Jennifer Hudson. Thanks!”
Diamond himself performed several songs including “Cherry Cherry”, “Love on the Rocks” and “America”. The evening ended with everyone singing “Sweet Caroline”. Diamond made an acceptance speech where he thanked his family and his mother for the musical life she gave him. He told a story about his first guitar which cost $10 and how his parents paid it off a $1 a week. Another amazing night with amazing music and people.
By: Dave
On: 02/10/09 11:04 AM
I love Neil Diamond and have enjoyed him since watching the Jazz Singer with my mom as a kid. I plan to see him in Chicago next time he comes to visit.
