mercredi 11 septembre 2013

Neil Diamond Impersonator And Other Chart Toppers

By Helene Norris


American folksinger-songwriter Neil Leslie Diamond (NLD) was born to a Jewish mother and father in 1941. His soulful, one-of-a-kind voice is a challenge for a Neil Diamond impersonator. He is a big hit with every generation of rock and roll fans and souly-folk fans. His is one of the top three names in the Billboard Adult Contemporary Artists chart. Joining him there are Elton John, who holds the #1 spot, and Barbra Streisand at #2.

Some of the singer's biggest hits include "America, " "Cherry, Cherry, " "Sweet Caroline" and "I'm A Believer." He was born in Brooklyn and raised by his Jewish parents. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School, where he was a member of the fencing team. By 1960, he had signed on as a member of the championship fencing team of the NCAA.

Next on the Billboard list is Barbra Streisand, an all-round entertainer. In her career, which, like NLD, has spanned more than fifty years, she has acted, sung, written songs and screenplays, directed and produced films. Her biggest hits have included, "Memories, " "The Way We Were, " "Evergreen" and "People." She has collected Academy Awards for directing for the films, "Yentl" and "Prince of Tides."

Sir Elton Hercules John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947. By the 1960s, he was gaining a name for himself as a singer and songwriter. His many, many awards include Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, Oscars, Brits and Golden Globe Awards. At the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, he performed a tailored version of "Candle In The Wind, " originally written for Marilyn Monroe.

The #4 spot occupied by Elvis Presley is perhaps not as surprising as it first seems. Had he not died in 1977, he most certainly would have been at least in the top 3, and possibly a clear #1. The King of Rock and Roll had acquired 53 listings on the chart, compared to Elton John's 69. Who knows what he could have achieved in the ensuing 35 or so years.

Fifth on the list is Barry Manilow, who, in 1943, was born Barry Alan Pincus. In his 70s, he is still touring and has a huge international following. Among his greatest hits are "Copacabana, " "Looks Like We Made It" and "Mandy."

Rounding out the chart in spots 6 to 10 are, in alphabetical order, Herb Alpert (and the Tijuana Brass), Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, Frank Sinatra and Dionne Warwick. Stars of tomorrow include Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Imagon Dragons, Lana Del Rey and Cedric Gervais. Lady Gaga, nee Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, was born in New York City in March 1986. Her classical, yet non-distinguishing features make her a prime candidate for periodic reinvention, which she does on a regular basis with tremendous flair. Never afraid to shock or offend, she has a massive international following.

A person in the role of Neil Diamond impersonator would have a lot to live up to. The singer was entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, alongside Dr John, Darlene Love and Alice Cooper. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012 and headlined the Royal Variety Performance centenary show in 2012. His latest release is "Freedom Song (They'll Never Take Us Down), " recorded in the wake of the Boston bombings in April 2013. The song was performed for the first time in July 2013 at a Washington Nationals baseball game.




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