by Merv Buchanan
Neil Diamond has a special place in the history of popular music. His unique vocal style and catchy original songs have earned him 11 number-one hits and helped sell more than 120 million records. He is a member of The Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame.
His “I’m A Believer” was a top hit for The Monkees. “Red, Red Wine” was a country hit for Tom T. Hall and also a reggae-style hit for British band UB40.
But his highly personal “Solitary Man” is Diamond’s favorite song, a fact not lost on talented Canadian recording artist Will Chalmers.
It’s been 20 years since Will created his award-winning “Solitary Man” tribute to Neil Diamond.
The show was an immediate hit and remains so today. Will insists the reason for the show’s continued success is the enduring quality of Neil Diamond’s music rather than Will’s hauntingly accurate performance of it.
Fan’s say that Will simply brings the songs alive and makes them want to join in on the fun and sing along. A fact confirmed by his legions of fans who love to sing along with Diamond’s hit song “Sweet Caroline” every time Will performs it.
The long success of the talented and dedicated entertainer’s career is due in no small part to the fact that he loves to get a crowd singing along and being part of the show. His natural resemblance to Diamond in his prime, his flawless “Neil Diamond” voice, and his relaxed stage presence have captivated audiences across Canada, The USA, and Mexico.
Will’s Neil Diamond tribute covers the entire catalog of the star’s songs in a well-thought-out program that works equally well in any setting. On March 16, Will brings his popular Diamond tribute to the Luna Lounge, in Bucerias and to the popular, outdoor Rancho Santiago venue in Paso Guayabo on Puerto Vallarta bus route 4, along the Cuale River.
