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.

Among his many, many top hits are "Cracklin' Rosie, " "I'm A Believer, " "Sweet Caroline" and "I Am, I Said." His Jewish parents raised him in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended Abraham Lincoln HS. It was at Lincoln that he learned fencing, and attained the skill to join the NCAA men's championship team in 1960.

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 in 1947 under the name Reginald Dwight. Like Diamond and Streisand, his career has spanned more than sixty years. He has won countless awards for his records, among them Golden Globes, Brits, Grammy's, Tony's and Oscars. Her performed a reprised and updated version of his hit, "Candle In The Wind" at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.

Contemporary adult artist #4 in the Billboard Charts (BBC) is a surprising Elvis Presley. This is not surprising that he is listed, but surprising that the King is so far down on the list! He has been listed 53 times, compared to Diamond's 58, Streisand's 64 and Elton's 69.

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.

Anyone aspiring to be a Neil Diamond impersonator would have a tough job emulating that golden velveteen voice. The singer himself remains in huge demand, having performed at the centenary Royal Variety Performance in 2012. In the wake of the Boston bombing, NLD penned the "Freedom Song, " which he performed for the first time in July 2013, three months after the tragedy.




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