Up until 969, Neil Diamond was known for his personal, reflective songs…but then, he found religion.
Out of curiosity, he attended a good old-fashioned revival meeting, complete with singing, shouting, and hand clapping.
In his words, “I remember thinking that all the education I had, all the books, all the words, all the learning I went through at college didn’t mean anything to these people. I had nothing to offer them.”

This was a turning point for Neil. He soon found himself inspired to write a revival style song that allowed to him play a charismatic character on stage…and in the process, become a more rounded performer overall.

“Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show” only made it to #22 on Billboard’s Hot 100…mainly because it was so different than all of Neil’s previous material…but it definitely altered his career path…leading to several dozen Great Songs over the next 3 decades. So clap your hands and prepare for tonight’s sermon…with “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show!”

— Mike Cook