Cracklin' Rosie - Neil Diamond (1970) 3/12/21

There are TWO origin stories for today's "Great Song of the '70s," only one of which is true. But before we deal with those, let's start with what we know are true facts:

In 1970, Neil Diamond, with help from the legendary "Wrecking Crew" of session musicians, released what would become his first Hot 100 chart topper, "Cracklin' Rosie."

(Note: This doesn't count his song, "I'm a Believer," which was a chart topper and sold 10 MILLION copies in 1966-67...for The Monkees.)

"Cracklin' Rosie" was also a Top 10 hit in 10 other countries, including #1 in Canada, South Africa and New Zealand.

As someone who has attended 3 Neil Diamond concerts over the years, I can tell you that in a night full of "Great Songs," "Cracklin' Rosie" was always one of the MANY high points.

So what about these origin stories?

#1: The song is about a hooker. The lyric line, "Cracklin' Rose," you're a store-bought woman" seems to suggest it's possible, but...

#2: "Cracklin' Rosie" is wine. Neil told Rolling Stone Magazine that he wrote the song based on a folk story about a First Nation tribe in Northern Canada who had more men than women." On Saturday nights, the guys who couldn't find a girl got a bottle of "Cracklin' Rosie," and that would be their date for the weekend.

Many people think Neil's official origin story is a cover-up for story #1. These people think too much.

In reality, it doesn't matter how or where it came from..."Cracklin' Rosie" will ALWAYS be a "Great Song of 1970!

Neil Diamond: