A song can paint a picture, and transform our thoughts, attitudes, and feelings like nothing else. Music has the ability to take us to another time and another place instantly as the first notes reach our ears. We are suddenly back into our own unique story, briefly experiencing something special, and for a few moments it’s yesterday once more. We all probably have hundreds of songs that carry us away to the land of memories.
We live in a wonderful time where if a song has been recorded and we want it, we can usually get it easily! ITunes, Youtube,…you name it and it’s probably there! As fortunate as we are to have the ability to have thousands of recordings on the device of our choice, there’s still nothing quite like a live performance.
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A few weeks ago, Butch and I took a little road trip to Nashville, the music capital of the US. We often go for business, but this trip was for the sole purpose of seeing a singer/songwriter that we began listening to in our early teens…one that I first saw perform as a starry-eyed 13 year-old in Birmingham, AL.
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A few months ago I read that Neil Diamond would be on tour this year celebrating his 50th year in the music industry. Fifty years…I couldn’t believe it! It seems like just yesterday I was that young teen waiting anxiously for him to walk out on stage. I mentioned to Butch that I would really like to go and see him…and my sweet man ordered tickets!
We arrived in Nashville with a little time to spare, and we were able to enjoy an early dinner at Merchants on Broadway. The building dates back to 1892 with an interesting past. We had eaten there before, prior to a George Strait concert…yes, we enjoy many genres of music!
People were in line two hours before the show…I must admit I was surprised, all tickets were reserved seating!
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Butch and I were anxious to see what age bracket the majority of the concert goers would fall into, being that Neil Diamond is 76. Much to our surprise, the ages ranged from teens to those in their eighties…music spans all generations! This senior performer practically packed an 18,500 seat arena, which I found amazing. His performance was spectacular and it was such an enjoyable evening…more music and memories!
Settings like this trigger memories of dozens of concerts that Butch and I have attended through the years.
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We all age, but good music never grows old!
Music connects people and brings them together in ways nothing else can. We recently spent a few days at The Swag, a beautiful country inn located in the mountains of North Carolina. The events leader (Doug) was a singer/songwriter/storyteller who performed each evening after dinner. Conversations about music, singers, songs, and songwriters made us feel like we’d known Doug and his wife Kathy for years. Doug even asked Butch to sing a couple of evenings during his song time. Butch was quite honored to be given that opportunity and they plan to get together again.
For us, music has played a significant role in our lives… it was actually how we met. Butch is a singer/songwriter/musician and everyone says he sounds like the late John Denver and he even resembles him. I have always loved to sing and have played piano since I was ten years old (a few years ago). We are so grateful for the opportunity to share the gift of music with each other and with so many through the years. After all, music is the soundtrack of our lives!
I posted this photo on Instagram the night of the concert. Although many, many years have passed since I was that 13 year old attending my first concert with my best friend Cathy, it still feels like yesterday! Her dad drove us to the “big city” of Birmingham, AL to see Neil Diamond,The Buckinghams, Lou Christie and several more. Oh the memories from days long ago that I will always cherish! She and I had the best time at that concert…and I am sad to say my precious best friend died way too young, at the age of 42. Just another way music causes my heart to reminisce!
Does music evoke memories for you? Are there special songs that when you hear them your mind recalls a place, a person, or a time? I would so love reading if you would take the time to share. Thanks sweet friends for following our everyday living!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner, Share Your Cup, 21 Rosemary Lane, Love Of Home, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined, Celebrate & Decorate, Chatham Hill on the Lake
Oh yes, music is the soundtrack of life! Although I never followed Neil Diamond, per se, I just came across a #tbt photo this morning from 5-11-74 that I took of James Taylor and Carly Simon performing in our home town. She surprised the audience with her appearance to sing Mockingbird.
When my mother died, all of us kids put together a CD of songs that evoked memories of our mom. We all play it so much and I have made numerous copies for family members who’ve literally worn theirs out.
So glad you enjoyed your concert, Pam/
Thanks for sharing your sentiments. Since we are such music lovers, I enjoy seeing how music has played a part in people’s lives. We still love James Taylor’s music! I love the idea of a CD that evokes the memories of your mom. My Dad at 86 still loves his music an:d listens everyday! Thanks for sharing with me, Rita
Music is light to my soul. My sister and I slept together in our small bedroom until we left home. We sang ourselves to sleep every night and every time the church doors open we were in the choir. She sang soprano and I sang alto and knew every word to every song on the radio. One of my favorite memories is singing in our high school glee club in competition. Our director chose “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. We had two baby grand piano’s accompanying us. It was grand, and we won! We still talk about it to this day. Still love to sing and play the piano even though my voice is about gone. It makes my heart beat a little faster to hear great music done well. Thanks for your post on Neil Diamond, one if my favorites.
Alice, I know you and your sister singing together was beautiful…family harmony is the best. I love hearing that you sang in the glee club and you all won the competition. I agree that music done well makes my heart beat a little faster. I always look forward to your comments…Happy Thursday!
Oh Pam, I have so enjoyed this. Lucky girl to see Neil Diamond. I can’t believe how good he still looks! I love different kinds of music as well. You are so blessed that you and your sweet man are so musically inclined. Two of my grandchildren along with their dad are too. Music, is a true gift to the soul. So happy you got to go on this trip. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Cindy, music is truly a gift to the soul. I am thrilled to read that two of your grandchildren are musically inclined…it is a gift to be used for a lifetime! Thanks for sharing, Cindy! Hugs and blessings!
So happy that you had a great time!….I have never stayed in Nashville..just a drive through on our way to somewhere else…..We love Neil Diamond…have been to a few of his concerts over the years…I would have thought the audience would have been more of the Baby Boomers generation….Is he still able to sing like he did?….I can tell you other than Josh Groban and Celine Dion, Neil’s concerts are my fav!….such energy!…I am looking forward to reading about your stay at The Swag!….I can always count on you for being my travel agent!
Shirley, I see a stay in Nashville in your future. Neil Diamond sounded fabulous…I was amazed at 76 how well he sounded. The concert goers spanned several generations, I thought it would be only baby boomers. I have seen Celine Dion and I love Josh Groban’s voice. I am excited to share next week about The Swag! Have a wonderful Thursday!
I recently went to this same show in St. Louis, Missouri. My 20-something daughter accompanied me and she enjoyed it as much as I did. She commented on his storytelling styled songs. Thanks for sharing.
Neil Diamond’s music is timeless, at least to me. Over the years I’ve sung loudly with him! Nashville and surrounding area is a great place to visit as these days it’s a happening place.
Linda, I am glad to know I am not alone is singing loudly with Neil!
Pam…The Neil Diamond concert was awesome, for sure. Our children gave us tickets to the concert, for our birthdays, this year. Actually, we saw him in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. So thankful that I got to go! He has always been one of our favorites, and I believe, it was 1976, when we saw him last! A great birthday present indeed!
Gloria, I am so glad you could go, and it was a great birthday present for both of you. 1976 was a long time ago. Can you believe that he is 76, we thought his voice sounded great. Butch and I certainly enjoyed seeing him again!
Music also has bound my husband and me for almost 53 years now. I was an amateur singer and he was a seminary graduate with a degree in Church Music when we met. We ministered together in all forms of church music from children’s choirs, ensembles, handbells, and adult choirs until we retired in 2011. He still sings in the church choir and we both play handbells. Yes, music can create a bond like nothing else.
What a wonderful thing you got to do! Yes, music spans the generations. My kids are sometimes shocked that I know the words to “their” music and join in singing with them. “How do you know that song, Mom?” They ask. I say, “That’s MY music. Don’t you know? My generation INVENTED it!” Ha! We have a big laugh together, and they agree that the BEST music was made in the 70’s and 80’s. So happy that I can claim this, even when I had NOTHING to do with creating it. But, oh, the memories… Thanks for sharing your fun trip to see this gem of a star. 🙂
Kim, music connects us and creates memories. Our son grew up listening to “our music”! We certainly enjoyed the concert!
WOW I love Neil Diamond. You’re so lucky that you got to see him again. I’ve only seen him once. Going to check Ticket Master right now and see if he’s coming to our area.
Sandy, I hope his tour comes close enough for you to see him. We thoroughly enjoyed the concert and the memories!
Oh, my goodness, talk about conjuring up memories for me. I absolutely loved Neil Diamond and would love to have been at this concert. This was such a fun post, thanks for sharing it with us. Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks so much, Lea! Happy Mother’s Day
Music is powerful… and it does bring back memories. 🙂
Yes, music is powerful and it connects! Thanks Joy!
Pam, It must have been amazing to be at this concert. I would definitely enjoy it myself! Neil Diamond’s song Sweet Caroline is almost the anthem of my beloved Boston, and all three of our kids were at Fenway Park after the Boston Marathon bombings to hear him sing it, with the entire stadium singing along in support. I also love Song Sung Blue and Cracklin’ Rosie! These songs just make me happy and indeed bring back memories. Linda
Linda, thanks for sharing sweet memories! Music connects people. Happy Mother’s Day!
Hi Pam,
I’m so glad you and Butch enjoyed seeing Neil Diamond in concert!!! I SAW that his tickets were on sale earlier this year. I thought about getting a couple for my mother-in-law who was gaga over his songs back when my Hubby and I got married {30 years ago this year}. Alas, at Christmas time, I just couldn’t afford it. I wonder if the tickets are still available?? I’ll have to check…
Thanks for the fun pictures and memories! Music is really a way to remember…
Barb 🙂
Barbara, I understand. Concerts can be so expensive especially at Christmas. Thanks for sharing with me.
Okay, we may come to blows over this but . . . I think Neil Diamond is a great talent, I think I would like him as my next door neighbor, BUT . . . can’t stand to hear him sing!!!! Isn’t that awful? Piggly Wiggly had him singing in there the other day, and I almost ran out of the store!!!!
There was a movie – All About Bob — or something like that, and they said there are two kinds of people in the world, those who love Neil Diamond and those who don’t. I’m so sorry that I fall into the, “I don’t” camp! I can’t figure it out. His songs are awesome – especially, “Sweet Caroline,” but . . . not a fan. Strange how some things appeal to some and not to others. Glad you got to see him, and I’m sure you’d freak out at some of my choices.
That is the wonderful thing….most agree we all love music but we don’t have to like the same kind.
Mi querida amiga Pam, no quería que se pasara este post sin comentar por mi parte. La música es mi vida, mi profesión y mi alma…
Subscribo todo lo que dices y tus sensaciones. ¿Sabes que en casos de esa enfermedad tremenda Alzheimer la música y las canciones es lo último que dejan de recordar? Precisamente en los tratamientos se emplea canciones de sus tiempos porque les traen no solo el recuerdo de la canción sino también de la época y sus vivencias.
Muy hermoso lo que nos cuentas, son vivencias preciosas que me han alegrado el alma. Cuánto me gustaría poder teneros cerca y dominar el inglés (¡Uf, eso es mucho pedir!) para pasar agradables veladas hablando del mundo de la música y tantas cosas agradables.
Con cariño
Dolores
Hoy es muy largo, no traduzco
Querida Dolores, estoy tan contenta que la música es tu profesión y una gran parte de tu vida. La música nos ha conectado a ti ya mí a través del océano. Es intereating que usted mencionó pacientes de Alzheimer. He conocido a pacientes que aún podían cantar las palabras de las canciones e incluso tocar un instrumento. La música es tan especial para Butch y para mí, es como nos conocimos hace tanto tiempo. Me encantaría pasar tiempo con usted discutiendo cómo la música ha influido en nuestras vidas! Bendiciones, Pam
Dearest Dolores, i am so glad music is your profession and a large part of your life. Music has connected you and me across the ocean. It is intereating that you mentioned alzheimer patients. I have known patients who could atill sing the words to songs and even play an instrument. Music is so special to Butch and me, it is how we met so long ago. i would love to spend time with you discussing how music has influenced our lives! Blessings, Pam
Hubby and I saw Neil Diamond once, and it still remains one of my favorite concerts! I smiled, because the last concert we attended was that of George Strait. Seems like we have a lot in common. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
We definitely both enjoy good music, Jann!
This sounds like SUCH FUN! And Neil Diamond is a wonderful performer. I like so much of his music. I’d sy you had a really grand time and good for you!
Thanks sweet Jeanie, we had a great time!
Since we live 5 minutes away from the Mohegan Sun Arena @ Casey Plaza in Wilkes Barre, Pa., we usually go and see about every concert there. We will be seeing Bryan Adams in 3 weeks, We have been lucky enough to see Neil Diamond 3 times at this arena that is only 5 minutes from our home. We have also seen Elton John there 3 times!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie, you are fortunate to live so close to an entertainment venue…how fun that must be! Enjoy your next concert!
For my husband of 32 years and me, music has always been a passion we share. We sang together at our wedding! We sing in our church choir and with another choral group which has enjoyed four European concert tours. From those trips, we can affirm that music IS the universal language!! I’ve always enjoyed a big variety of music. My friends used to laugh at my record collection when I was a teenager. I had everything from Mozart, Bach, to Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, to Three Dog Night and Santana and a little Dean Martin!! I loved it all. So glad you got to see Neil Diamond. Love his voice and music and so glad to hear he’s still got it!! Love your blog!!
Bonnie, thanks for your wonderful comments. My husband sang at our wedding, I didn’t because I was afraid I would cry. We have been involved in church music before we were ever married and still are,today. How interesting that your choral group has enjoyed four European tours. Your variety of music as a teen sounds just like mine. Thanks so much. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
What a lovely story and trip! I also am a singer/songwriter and have danced in worship for years, music makes such a difference in a day to me whether it is a happy song, a romantic song or a worship song…it moves me to my core. Thank you for sharing your trip and the love of music at TADA! Thursdays
Debbie, so good to know we have the love of music in common. I love dance in worship! Have a great weekend!
We drove through Nashville many many years ago and I regret that we didn’t stop. So happy that you had the chance to attend this concert and build new memories. Thank you for sharing with us at Celebrate Your Story, and I hope you’re having a great weekend.
Sandra, Nashville is a wonderful place to,stop and visit!