ERIC: Although I have been a rock singer for many years and have MANY influences, I would not be able to do what I do right now if it weren't for one man. NEIL! NEIL! NEIL!
JIM: Bobby Darin, Tom Jones, Gene Kelly, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, Tony Orlando... in other words... VEGAS, BABY!!!
Hello, everyone... my name's Eric, and I'm a Neil Diamond Tribute Artist.
Whether you're 25 or 85 years of age, everyone knows and can sing along to at least one Neil Diamond song. I've seen this during countless performances of my Neil Tribute -- whether I'm singing at some hip and trendy bar downtown or playing a courtyard picnic at a nursing home, there is continually and consistently an excellent response. And why is this? It is because, simply put, Neil Diamond is one of America's greatest songwriters, of this or any generation.
I know I sound like a quote from the movie Saving Silverman, but it's the truth. He has sold millions upon millions of records by putting his words, music, heart and soul out there for everyone to hear. I am by no means a fanatic; I just know good music when I hear it.
About six years ago, I was singing karaoke with a friend of mine (Alan Hart, who happens to be a pretty good Elvis impersonator). After deciding to mess around with "Cracklin' Rosie" a little bit, he quickly informed me I sounded like Neil Diamond and that I "had to do this". Now, truth be told, it was after smoking half a pack of cigarettes and drinking a six pack... but I digress.
I had been a singer for years in various bands in Milwaukee, both cover and original, and I thought doing something like this would be a welcome change. Before you knew it, I was buying sparkly shirts for myself and opening up for him at bars and clubs in New Berlin and West Allis, WI. Eventually we began billing ourselves as FOREVER IN BLUE SUEDE.
I am currently performing with my good friend Mr. JIM BEST, who does a unique and entertaining Las Vegas-style Revue, focusing on the songs of Bobby Darin, Tom Jones, Tony Orlando, Barry Manilow, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.
Diamonds & Martinis: the Neil Diamond/Vegas Revue's Friend Space (Top 20)
Diamonds & Martinis: the Neil Diamond/Vegas Revue has 131 friends.
Yes you are right. It was sad. I lost my old account my some MySpace auto deletion. Still trying to get back to where I was...thanks for being a friend!
Eric and Jim- always a blast. You need to dedicate more songs to me. (kidding) You two are honestly very talented and I'm really proud of you. See you next Saturday at DJs...I'm introducing my cousin to your gig for the first time.
She was only seventeen And was every young boys dream The blue-eyed beauty queen of the day Broke some hearts, including mine But everyone knew She was just that kind
Seems like all her dreams were spent On the boys that came and went But the promises Were all they left behind She was good, and she was mine But everyone knew She was just that kind
Hey they say: "We're gonna take her out to Hollywood. Gonna make her like a movie star Maybe put her in a picture show"
Took her chance She paid her dime And maybe I loved her 'Cause she was that kind
She was gone by twenty-one When most lives have just begun There was so much left undone Along the way
She took her chance She paid her dime Oh you gotta be strong To be that kind
Yeah they said: "We're gonna take her out to Hollywood. Gonna make you like a movie star We gonna put you in a picture show"
Wasted life Waste of time But I couldn't of loved her If she wasn't that kind No I couldn't of loved her If she wasn't that kind
