'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' A one of a kind rendition

This one of a kind version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" first aired in July, 1978 on WGN radio's Roy Leonard Show in Chicago. For several weeks Leonard and his producer, Pete Marino, had played Neil Diamond's solo recording of the song. Shortly thereafter, Barbra Streisand's new "Songbird" album was released and it included her rendition of this beautiful ballad.

When Marino heard the Streisand recording he came up with the idea of creating a duet. He went into one of the WGN radio studios with an engineer and a record turner. Streisand's album was placed on one turntable and Diamond's on another. They started with Barbra's vocal, immediately followed by Neil's voice overlapping hers. The two superstar voices blended magically and beautifully together. As they repeated the romantic lyrics back and forth, what came out of the studio speakers was jaw-dropping. There weren't any actual edits and it was mixed in one take.

Even after the official Columbia Records version was released, WGN radio listeners continued to request the Roy Leonard Show version. The song became an instant classic and Leonard and Marino were each presented with a Gold Record for one million copies sold. Eventually, the song went Platinum. On February 27, 1980, Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand brought the house down at the Shrine Auditorium when they made a surprise appearance at the 22nd Annual Grammy Awards where they performed the duet "Live" for the first time.

[jpan]

No one better than Barbra Streisand. And Neil Diamond. Put them together and you have magic.

[e-spy]

Both of these artists were insanely talented. Now how privileged was our generation???

[phinneysue]

Hi my wife of 63 years and I just love these love songs thanks utube peoples

[gloriahertz]

I am 81 years old and the first time I heard this I was 19 and had a broken heart, I use to listen to it on the radio and cry I felt she understood my broken heart and I fell in love with her voice and then bingo I heard Neil sing the song also and instead of a broken heart I felt empowered buy the music ..thank you both for the wonderful experience

[katelynseaman]

While my mother was making Sunday dinner, she would listen to this song over and over again on the radiogram. And sing along at the top of her voice. Very, very happy memories for a young boy, knowing at this particular time, she was happy in her own little world. One of the most baeutiful peace, s of music ever written. Thank you Neil and Barbara, For making her happy. Two true legends. X. P. S. 40 years later, I now singalong to this song with tears of joy and happiness, and maybe just a little sadness for times gone past. BEAUTIFUL. BEAUTIFUL. BEAUTIFUL.

[rachaelstephens]

I am 53 soon to be 54. I remember listening to this song on the radio and knowing every word as I belted out Barbara's part with her. I listen now and it feels so different for me as an adult. I was too young to understand what it was like to have adult relationships much less to feel it falling apart. Now I listen and I feel every word. What talent these two artist have. I am so glad I grew up with them both.

[kirkmiller]

The most unusual but beautiful duet, only can be done well by these two people.

[vicrespo]

No Auto tune, no playback just their real voices, its magic that's what talent is about

[carolecarr]

I am always amazed hearing Barbra singing sounding like a musical instrument. No one in my lifetime comes close to her. I'm so glad she enriched my life so much.

[thomasmurray]

I worked for Neil diamond I Wembley arena in London a gentleman and his band unreal to hear this man sing

[barbiek]

I remember when they did this live. That was THE BEST part of any Grammy show, ever.

[alexgaticales]

For many of us whose rude awakening started to unfold in the 70's, we long for songs like this serving as a haunting background for the many memories created through the good times and bad, songs whose lyrics and melody capture the mood of the times. We cannot bring back the wonder years of the past, but we can relive the moments that made us who we are today.

[photo]

Yes, Streisand sings beautifully and has a beautiful voice but the gift she has that is utterly unique is the ability she has to use her beautiful voice to imbue her singing with such intense emotional expressivity, .. an incredibly moving performance.,

[helainenatko]

They are our gift for our ears. Simply gorgeous. WOW. They don’t make themt like these two anymore. Si soft and beautiful . Like the are singing to you alone. & no one else.❤

[LVUXO]

Class-Act Both Neil and Barbara.
Such a beautiful song that brought me some good and sad memories. XO

[willieduff]

One of the most beautiful songs written by Neil Diamond and this rendition with Barbara Streisand is simply iconic.

[adriennefuller]

if only all duets could come together like this! beautiful.

[jamesduffy]

i was humming this song while working and a voice called out goddam it will someone send him flowers.

[margaretchiodo-keller]

Barbra Streisand singing "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" - Perfection!

[hughjones]

I saw this live on TV. It was the most electric moment I have ever seen. It gives me chills even now.