Neil Diamond Legacy Concert starring Jay White - Tickets Here
The Emerson Center, Vero Beach FL. Thursday, February 13 , 2025
Submitted by Jay White
Offer us a brief history about your band that may not be found in your bio supplied to us via your website.
Jay White has been performing in Las Vegas and worldwide as Neil Diamond for over 35 years. It all started back in Detroit in the 80's which led to a 9 year run with Legends in Concert in Las Vegas during the 90's. That was followed by Jay's 8 years producing and headlining his own show at the Riviera Hotel Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Jay has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and on Entertainment Tonight. Since 2010 they have continued to perform as the world's most authentic Neil Diamond concert experience. The band has included some of Neil Diamond's musicians approved by Neil himself and was even approved by Neil's mother, Rose Diamond! Quoting Neil …"Jay, keep singing so I can stay home and relax." Jay was also selected by Hollywood Director Ron Howard to portray Neil in his film Frost/Nixon.
What is the most interesting experience or story that you and your band have had over the time of your playing together?
Meeting Neil Diamond twice was a tremendous honor, and working in Hollywood with Ron Howard, Kevin Bacon and others, was truly a unique and wonderful experience. Shaking hands and making small talk with some of the Hollywood elite at the movie Premiere in 2008 was forever memorable.
Have you met any of the band members from the original group and if so, how have they reacted to your show?
Yes! King Errisson, Neil's percussionist for 45 years, has been playing with my band since 2004, when he was not touring with Neil. I also continue to work with Neil's guitar player Nick Bennett, whenever he's available, as well as Neil's keyboard players Tom Hensley and Mark LeVang from time to time. All have been very supportive and complimentary, lending their authenticity to an already powerful band.
Tribute bands have become tremendously popular throughout the country and there are many covering the same original bands. What about your tribute band makes you stand out from the others that are out there?
Our band is the only band that has been endorsed by both Neil, his band members and his family. Neil has also given me several of his original stage costumes and had included our back stage meeting on his DVD Box Set called “STAGES”.
What is your favorite song from your repertoire and why? Do you play the same set list at each concert?
I love to get the audience involved with songs like “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Sweet Caroline”, as well as some emotional ballads. 90% of the songs we perform are the most recognizable hits, so the show does make changes with every performance. We have also added a collection of videos when a rear projection screen is available at the venue.
What led you to want to perform this music? Was this group one of your favorite groups growing up or was it just happenstance that led you to play their music?
I was originally a theater and top 40 band singer. When I first saw Neil Diamond in concert in 1978, I was blown away with the songs and his stage performance. I felt an instant connection with the music and became a devoted and lifelong fan. It wasn't until 1983 that I was told of my vocal similarity to Neil, which led to 6 years with a local Detroit Tribute show, leaving my day job of selling insurance far behind. Since then, I have devoted my life to singing and performing the music of this American Musical Icon.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you/your performance?
I also had the opportunity to recently play the lead role in a yet to be released movie titled, STARLIGHT. It's a fictional story about a reclusive singer/songwriter named Bobby Drake who struggled for years with his rise and fall from stardom. It was a challenging and exciting experience, given it had been 3 decades since I've had the chance to exercise my acting chops. The film is a musical drama with a dozen original songs performed by myself along with the two female leads. The release date is yet unknown.
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