Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline took on more meaning last week than its original
1969 intent or its unusual and inexplicable performance as an anthem of Red Sox
Nation.
Capped by a surprise Fenway Park performance on April 20
by Neil Diamond himself, it transformed into the unifying theme of “Boston
Strong” as it was also played at sporting venues across the USA.
According to Billboard magazine,
subsequent sales of the 1969 top 5 hit skyrocketed to 19,000, making it the 103rd
most popular download in the country. Neil Diamond also announced his intent to
donate proceeds from those sales to the victims of last week’s Boston
tragedy.
Born itself out of the tragedies
and upheaval of the 1960s, Sweet Caroline
has interwoven itself with history and is, once again, showing that music has
the power to heal.
Soundtrack For Today: Boston Strong
The concept of "Boston Strong" was created by 2 Emerson College students Nick Reynolds and Chris Dobens. Here are links to purchase Boston Strong T-shirts and B Strong caps:
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The concept of "Boston Strong" was created by 2 Emerson College students Nick Reynolds and Chris Dobens. Here are links to purchase Boston Strong T-shirts and B Strong caps:
http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/3731
http://www.yawkeywaystore.com/Products/Boston-B-Strong-Hat__BSTRONG.aspx
At $20 each for either item, the majority of proceeds from sales will go to The One Fund Boston, a charity established by Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and will directly benefit the victims of last week's senseless tragedy.