Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand, February 1980
As a music fan, the annual Grammy Awards telecast has always been must-see for me. In recent years, the show has changed, reflecting the changes in music. These days, the artists who perform seem to compete for most outrageous costumes, or flashiest stage production.
Let me take you back to February 1980, and one of the most amazing moments I ever saw on the tube.
It’s hard to believe today, but forty years ago, a TV network could keep a secret.
That’s what makes the 1980 Grammys show so amazing. We saw something very unusual as the show returned after a commercial break. There was no announcer breathlessly telling us to stay tuned, so we wouldn’t miss the next incredible superstar. In fact, there was no announcer at all. Instead, for a few seconds we saw an empty stage. Awkward silence, audience members fidgeting.
Suddenly, it happened. An unforgettable live television MOMENT, produced by the great George Schlatter. The long shot of the stage showed us a woman, then a man emerging from opposite sides of the stage. The audience in the theater responds with cheers and whistles, the volume growing louder as they recognize the woman, Barbra Streisand, then the man, Neil Diamond. On the left, Diamond, looking handsome in his black tuxedo. On the right, the notoriously stage-shy Streisand, looking quite overwhelmed.
CBS zooms in for a close-up of each star, letting the home audience in on the surprise. Neil and Barbra were not scheduled to appear, much less perform. Both were at the peak of their careers, and as soon as we saw them, we knew what was next.
A few months earlier, their accidental duet, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” had topped the charts. I say “accidental,” because it wasn’t planned that way. Neil had recorded the song on an album a few years earlier, and Barbra later recorded her own version. Both were on the Columbia label, and both had issued other singles for radio airplay.
A disc jockey in Louisville, Kentucky named Gary Guthrie had an idea. He figured out a way to take both solo versions of “Flowers” and make it into a duet. By doing so, he could play a song no other radio station had. The listener response was so positive, Columbia took note, and got Neil and Barbra to go into the studio and record an actual duet. It became one of the biggest hits of the year.
So there they were, on the 1980 Grammy Awards. Neil, looking confident, in his comfort zone. Barbra, hand over her heart, looking as if she might faint. As they trade verses, they edge closer to each other. Was this even rehearsed? Hard as they tried, the CBS camera crew can’t get Neil’s face out of Barbra’s shadow.
As the song nears the end, Barbra touches Neil’s face. Some audience members cheered, others cried. This was personal. Both stars had their own real-life spouses, but they had known each other for decades, having attended high school together. Had there ever been a real-life “thing” between them? We had no idea, but the on-stage chemistry was real. There are some things you just can’t fake. Neil takes Barbra’s hand. They embrace. They kiss each other on the cheek. The song is over, and the audience rises to their feet.
Neil takes his bows. He nailed it, and he knows it. But look at Barbra. She breathes an obvious sigh of relief, as if to say, “Oh my God, I actually did this, and lived to tell about it.” It was one of the most honest moments you’ll ever see from a performer of her stature. Who didn’t have goosebumps as they acknowledge the standing ovation, knowing they had made TV magic that would last forever.
For many years, those of us who were fortunate enough to have recorded the show on an early-model VCR, might still have a barely-viewable tape of that performance. Now, thanks to YouTube, you can watch it any time. If you saw it in 1980, enjoy the moment again. If you’ve never seen it before, this is how singers commanded our attention before they rode mechanical tigers, twerked with teddy bears, or flew over the audience. Enjoy:
Helo my long time fried (notice I didn’t say old, lol). This is amazing, the story and the performance. Thanks for sharing.
Lynn
oh, yes…..this is why I youtube performances by Sammy Davis Jr, Lionel Richie, Anthony Newley, Steve and Edie….real singers who needed no gimmicks–just a microphone and a spotlight–to bring us to tears….thank you for sharing!!
This performance was absolutely amazing! Both of them are two of my favorites! I have several of their albums downloaded on my phone and listen to them often. I love music that demands an emotional response! Thanks for sharing!
Better to have Loved and Lost, than to Never to Have Loved at All. No Regrets
I was 17 and almost turned off tv when “it” happened
It’s as good as it gets except when I’ve seen her concerts – she only need to stand there much less sing … she overwhelmes any stage ( as he does too )
Still – completely unknown to occur and when it did – magic , even if the voices were nervously singing
THANKYOU so much for showing the entire piece
FYI – she appeared a a Bergman salute in dame dress , but different color
Paul friedman
Came across this article in my spontaneous and rabbit-hole search for the backstory of the “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” track. How well written and poignant! I wasn’t fortunate enough to capture this moment in history but you have brought it to life for me. Thank you!
I was 19 and watching the show and when they finally appeared on either end of the stage I was glued to my seat. A few years ago I read an article that stated the two of them would not have time to rehearse together so they rehearsed over the phone. When she caresses his face and when he, in turn, kisses her hand… wow. Not rehearsed. Just happened in the moment because this was, in itself, a moment. I’ve watched this a hundred times and still not tired of it.