Some things are clearly built to last. Since its release, one of his most enduring tracks has become a regular hit on the Top Ten, reaching only #17. The song wasn’t a huge hit at the time of its release, but it has since become a real calling card for him. Neil Diamond was the king of pop romance in an era where grand romantic gestures and undying love filled every day. If you were in 1979, you were in Neil Diamond’s world.
Now, tune in to Neil Diamond’s “September Morn”.
I don’t believe that the cover of “Cherry, Cherry” on the live album “Hot August Night” from 1972 was eye-catching because it still had a bit of the rebellious rock ‘n roll movement that Diamond was a significant part of, despite being a singer-songwriter. Diamond’s time as part of the singer-songwriter movement was very much a part of the music scene, and he took a step that was unheard of by fusing traditional African music with pop on his album “Root Tap Manuscript,” which was released before Paul Simon had a similar idea 15 years later. Additionally, Diamond’s September release “Morn” was the most interesting and restless way to cap off his most interesting and restless decade, arguably.
The hit single “Don’t Think….Feel,” produced by Robertson, earned Diamond plenty of derision from hipsters, but it brought laughter to his more delightful and sprightlier tunes. Diamond didn’t change his style much and instead went on to appear with The Band on their album The Last Waltz. This was a major sidetrip for Diamond before he committed to his balladry. However, he shocked everybody by hooking up with one of his unlikely fans, Robbie Robertson of The Band, who produced his autobiographical concept album Noise Beautiful. In 1976, Diamond made a creative leap with his first album for the symphonic label Columbia, serving as a bridge between his lusher ballads and thoughtful acoustic style. His first hit on Columbia was the hit single “Serenade,” based on the pop-philosophy phenomenon of Livingston Jonathan Seagull. Now, he aimed to attract a more grown-up audience by incorporating elements of rock into his sound and phasing out the symphonic label. The next round of changes began when he switched from Columbia to MCA.
Since “Song Sung Blue” in 1972, which became Diamond’s first big hit, he recorded a proper duet version. They then created their own mash-ups by combining the two versions. These became so popular that numerous radio stations covered them and Barbra Streisand immediately recorded a heartfelt ballad called “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” another significant song on the album. However, Diamond returned to his earlier upbeat style with the first single, “Desiree,” where he showcased his balladeer skills earnestly for his 1977 album, “I’m Glad You’re Here With Me Tonight.” Gaudio, who previously wrote and produced many records for Bob Gaudio of the Four Seasons, joined Diamond’s team and helped him find his direction in the mid-’70s. Although this was another producer, it proved to be a valuable collaboration.
September Morn
The collaboration between Diamond and Becaud on the song “Morn” September was productive but short-lived. Diamond composed the standard pop song “Love My Now What” in 1961, which was written for Marlene Dietrich. Diamond hailed from a different era and was also known as Monsieur 100,000 Volts, with a dedicated fan base. Gilbert Becaud, a French singer/actor, was another important collaborator and was known for his energetic performances. The backup band and production crew, led by Gaudio, were the same for most of these records. “Morn” September was the third hit ballad in a streak, following “Jeans Blue in Forever” and “Flowers”.
Diamond took the opportunity to add new lyrics to Becaud’s melody in his rendition of “September Morn,” drawing inspiration from the song’s autumnal ambiance. The notable difference between the two songs lies in their subject matter: while Becaud’s composition, “C’est en septembre,” explores the changes that the month brings in a broader sense, it doesn’t revolve around a romantic relationship. In the translated version, the lyrics convey images of olive trees gracefully lowering their branches, grapes transitioning into a deep red hue, and the chilling effect of the sand under the bright white sun. Additionally, the lyrics highlight the return of regular jobs for dedicated swimmers and seasonal workers, and the anticipation of sculpting nativity figurines before Christmas. Undoubtedly, these poetic elements are captivating, but they may not align with the typical style of chart-topping hits in the United States.
It is tragic how Diamond’s lyrics address the universal and haunting terms of love’s permanence. The singer’s ex-love appears in his dreams, but it is unclear whether she exists in a dream or in the flesh. The reminiscence of their past together prompts a reverie, and some romantic scenes play out, making me still feel the way I did when Diamond references a previous hit song, subtly alluding to the fact that she has become a “grown-up girl.” Of course, he had once told her that she would soon become a woman.
Bought the single “September Morn” were in for a surprise: the flipside was a rework of the classic Monkees song “I’m a Believer,” complete with light samba rhythm, steel drums, and the prominent use of guitar by The Who’s faithful and more solo-minded guitarist, Lick O’Riley. Not only did Frankie Valli’s version of “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” save the song originally done by The Four Seasons’ Gaudio, but it also had a few full-fledged disco tracks among them, including both Lloyd Price’s “Stagger Lee” and The Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street” covers.
The song’s legacy
Executed on that evening, it was just one of seven tunes that he delivered. During March 2020, Diamond also incorporated the melody when he emerged from retirement to put on a show at a charitable event in his honor at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. One of his pair of tunes, “September Morn,” was performed on short notice in 1985 at The White House for a dinner commemorating Prince Charles and Princess Diana, securing a lasting spot in the hearts of his fans, as well as his own heart.
The Neil Diamond musical, A Lovely Sound, was the sole conceivable sequel he presented in 2021 following the tremendous triumph of that undertaking. Jersey Boys brought the Four Seasons to Broadway, achieving a historic milestone for Bob Gaudio. Gilbert Becaud continued to be a cherished entertainer in France until his passing in 2001. “Heartlight,” influenced by E.T., Signaled Diamond’s impressive succession of heartfelt ballads until 1982, when he experienced numerous additional chart-toppers.