Song Sung Blue (1972) 5/14/20

Today we highlight the second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto #21, which Neil Diamond adapted into a “Great Song of the '70s.”

Neil wrote what he thought was a very basic song—so basic, he didn't even write a bridge to it.--and even though the overall message was simple and positive, he was quite surprised at the reaction.

In 1972, “Song Sung Blue” spent an impressive 7 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. It also went to #1 on the Hot 100. Elsewhere, it was a Top 10 hit in 7 other countries, including Canada where it went to #2 on their Top 40 and #9 on their Adult Contemporary Chart.

It was also nominated for two Grammy Awards: “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year,” but lost both to Roberta Flack's “The First Time Ever I saw Your Face.”

Still, there's no denying that “Song Sung Blue” was a “Great Song of the '70s” for Neil Diamond...and 1785 for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!

Neil Diamond:

Mozart: