FredMcKinnon.Com

OK – I ain’t gonna lie. I’m very excited about Neil Diamond being on American Idol. I realize that for most folks my age (and younger), that’s not necessarily cool. I don’t give a rip. This guy is a legend.

Part of the reason I’m a music lover is because I was exposed to so much music growing up. Coming from a family of musicians and music-lovers, I was constantly exposed to music. My parents were HUGE fans of Neil Diamond. As a kid, I heard lots of Neil Diamond, John Denver, and the Kingston Trio. (remember eatin’ Goober Peas?).

Perhaps the biggest influece was Neil Diamond. I must have been less than 10-years old when my parents took me to my first concert. Every time Neil came to Atlanta, we were there.

His songwriting is incredible. His performances were inspiring. His orchestrations and band arrangements were simple and rich at the same time. His ability to add guitar, percussion, and orchestra into what was like a pop-folk type music is timeless.

I’ll never forget the “America” tour. The Atlanta Omni was packed. That huge flag came down, pyros going off … oh man, as a kid, I thought I was in heaven. Some would think a 10-year old is too young for that – but let me tell you, it inspired me for a lifetime. His concerts left me with an incredible desire to perform. I would come home and pick out every single note on the piano, and play along with the records.

So, obviously – somebody else must agree that he’s a legend, because he’ll be the mentor this week on American Idol. So what will the contestants sing?

I’ve got no clue, but wanted to publish this BEFORE it airs tonight in hopes that some of my wishes come true.

I’d love to hear:

David Cook sing a rocked out version of “America” or “Cherry Cherry”
David Archuelta sing a beautiful rendition of “I Am, I Said”
Jason Castro OR Brooke White do a bluesy, acoustic guitar version of “Song, Sung Blue” or “Forever in Blue Jeans

Those are some of my all-time favorites, along with “Sweet Caroline”, “Red, Red Wine”, “Cherry Cherry”, “Play Me”, and “Done to Soon” … anything off the “Hot August Night” album would be awesome.

I’ll leave you with this video I found on YouTube, Neil singing my all-time favorite, “I Am, I Said”:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On1TjeRWqXo[/youtube]

So am I the *ONLY* person out there in my age bracket that thinks this guy is awesome?
Fred