By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Neil Diamond retiring from touring following Parkinson's diagnosis
6a56bf5410735bcf193b14ddf51d600a4b2e628567bebda2abc190b6f7083182
Neil Diamond performs at Vivint Arena during his 50th Anniversary World Tour on April 9, 2017. The singer announced on Jan. 22, 2018, that he would be retiring from touring following a recent Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Diamond, who turns 77 on Jan. 24, still plans to actively write and record music. - photo by Lottie Peterson Johnson
It was just April of last year that Neil Diamond stepped onto the Vivint Arena stage and celebrated his 50-year career by performing a slew of his hits.

The celebration went on for nearly two hours and didnt stop until Diamond performed an encore set that included America, Cracklin Rosie and Sweet Caroline the chorus in the latter song getting revived three times after the final lyrics came to a close.

Yesterday, it was announced that the seasoned performer would be retiring from touring following a recent Parkinson's disease diagnosis.

Just shy of his 77th birthday, the singer announced hed canceled the third leg of his 50th Anniversary tour based on his doctors advice. The tour was scheduled to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in March.

"It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring, Diamond said in a statement on his website. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years."

While Parkinsons disease makes it difficult for Diamond to travel and perform, the singer assures fans that his career isnt over just yet.

I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come, he said in the release. My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been so good, so good, so good thanks to you.

Diamond, who turns 77 on Jan. 24, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 28.
Sign up for our E-Newsletters
Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
638421_Screenshot_1.png
Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
Latest Obituaries