Things That Bring Back Memories: Neil Diamond – America #MondayMemories 17


Things That Bring Back Memories

For this “Things That Bring Back Memories” post, I am going to pick something pertaining to the topic of “Music“.  There are so many songs that I can remember from years ago, and since music is a huge part of our family, the memories come streaming back when you hear a certain song.

Do you ever have that tune that comes on the radio, and you can just automatically remember where you were, who you were with and what you were doing?  It amazes me, how as I get older, I can’t remember things from last week – but have that certain song come on the radio on a “Flashback” day, and “BOOM”, I am back in the place I was when I heard it.  Don’t know if it’s the side effects of my brain surgery, which they said might affect certain memory, but I’m so glad that I can remember some things of the “good old days.”

America

So to get on with this “Things That Brings Back Memories” blog post for this week, as we celebrate our nation’s Independence, I’m going to pick America by Neil Diamond, which was released in 1980.  If you don’t know about the song that I’m talking about, here it is:



The song America is one that we usually always hear every year for the Independence Day celebrations all over the USA!  I remember hearing it one year at a firework show at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA – they had fireworks going to the song, and it was AMAZING! Did you ever listen to this song?  What did you think of it?


More Info on the Song:

AmericaAmerica (also known as “They’re Coming to America” or “Coming to America”) is the name of a patriotic song written and originally recorded by Neil Diamond, released in 1980 as part of The Jazz Singer soundtrack album.

The song was a hit single in the United States in 1981, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Diamond’s sixth number one on the Adult Contemporary chart.  Billboard also rated it as the #62 pop single overall for 1981.  Although the single version was a studio recording, it sounds live because of crowd overdubs in the song.

The song’s theme is a positive interpretation of the history of immigration to the United States, both during the early 1900’s and today. Combining Diamond’s typically powerful melody, dynamic arrangement, and bombastic vocal, it ends with an interpolation of the traditional patriotic song “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”. In Diamond’s concerts, the song is a very popular number both home and abroad, with a large United States flag often displayed from the rafters on cue to the lyric, “Every time that flag’s unfurled / They’re coming to America.”

The song has been used in a number of contexts, including as a theme song for Michael Dukakis’s 1988 presidential campaign and in promotion of the 1996 Olympics. Diamond also sang it at the centennial re-dedication of the Statue of Liberty.

Shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Diamond modified the lyrics to “America” slightly during live performances. Instead of “They’re comin’ to America,” towards the end, it became “Stand up for America.”

America

Despite the song’s patriotic message, it was included on a memorandum listing songs deemed inappropriate by Clear Channel Communications following the September 11 attacks.

It was the second song played on WHTZ New York. Also featured in Born in East L.A. in the scene where dozens of immigrants storm the Mexico-U.S. border and get past the Border Patrol, successfully making it into the U.S.

Who remembers the song America by @neildiamond ? Find Out More at the #TTBBM #TigerStrypesBlog post Click To Tweet


 

More Info on Neil Diamond:

AmericaNeil Leslie Diamond  was born on January 24, 1941.  He is an American singer-songwriter and musician with a career that began in the 1960’s. Diamond has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time.  He is the second most successful adult contemporary artist ever on the Billboard charts.  His songs have been covered internationally by many performers from various musical genres.

Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Additionally, he received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000 and in 2011 was an honoree at Kennedy Center. On the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts, he has had eleven No. 1 singles: “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Song Sung Blue”, “Longfellow Serenade”, “I’ve Been This Way Before”, “If You Know What I Mean”, “Desiree”, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, “America”, “Yesterday’s Songs”, “Heartlight” and “I’m a Believer”. “Sweet Caroline” is played frequently at sporting events, and has become an anthem for the Boston Red Sox.

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Some Other Interesting Facts:

    • This is a tribute to immigration in America, where people from all over the world were welcome to come and seek opportunity. Diamond grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where many Europeans arrived. His grandparents were immigrants: on his father’s side they came from Poland, and on his mother’s side from Russia.
    • Diamond wrote this for the 1980 movie The Jazz Singer, where he starred as a young Jewish man who must defy his father to follow his dreams of becoming a singer.
    • Will Ferrell used to impersonate Diamond on Saturday Night Live. In one bit where they did a fake Behind The Music, Ferrell (as Diamond) said this song was “fueled creatively by my massive hatred of immigrants.”
    • Diamond is probably the most famous Jewish male musician. He is known in some circles as “The Jewish Elvis.”America

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Thanks for stopping by today.  Please be sure to leave a comment, if this song meant something to you, too.  Or to just let me know what you think of the story in this post! Thanks and have a great day!!  TigerStrypes claims no credit for any images used on this post, unless otherwise noted. Images in this post are copyright to their respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please email us with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed. Thanks and have a great day!!

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[…] Jamie remembers Neil Diamond’s America […]

Life With Lorelai
7 years ago

I love the feeling of pride in the USA that a good old patriotic tune gives! I remember when this song came out. LOL Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty

~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai

Monica
7 years ago

I’ve never heard this song nor do I know anything about Neil Diamond. I’m listening to the song right now. I love it! You gave so much information about him. You educated me a bit on him. 😉 Thanks for sharing! #HomeMattersParty

Julie Briggs
7 years ago

Thank you for sharing at #HomeMattersParty

michelle james
7 years ago

My ex and I used to watch old Neil Diamond concerts and it was so fun. That man can sing! America is one of my favorites! #HomeMattersParty

sahana
7 years ago

I haven’t heard his song, checking now. #HomeMattersParty

Crystal Green
7 years ago

I grew up listening to Neil Diamond a lot due to my mom’s love of him. This is a great song to remember this time of year.

Crystal
7 years ago

I love how you give us so much background info on your things that bring back memories! I’ve heard this song 🙂 #HomeMattersParty

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[…] Jamie remembers Neil Diamond’s America […]

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[…] Jamie remembers Neil Diamond’s America […]

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[…] Jamie remembers Neil Diamond’s America […]

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[…] Jamie remembers Neil Diamond’s America […]