On Aug. 25, 1970, Neil introduced Elton John’s debut U.S. appearance at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. Said Neil during the introduction: “I know the album and I love the album and I have no idea what these people are about to do. I want to take my seat and enjoy this with you.”
“Hot August Night” reached sales in excess of $2,000,000 in Australia. No other album has ever reached this sales figure. “Hot August Night” has accumulated 40 Gold records since its release in Australia in November 1972. This November marks the album’s second year on the Australian best selling charts and it is still in the Top 20s. Cashbox – November 21, 1974
When Neil went on a “sabbatical” from recording and performing in 1972, he was the best selling male record artist in the country–a position reflected in a much-publicized $5 million contract with Columbia Records. It was, at the time, the record industry’s most lucrative pact. Los Angeles Times – November 10, 1974
As of April 1974 “Hot August Night” had been on the Australian charts for an incredible 65 weeks–40 of which were spent at the No. 1 position. It was knocked from its No 1 pedestal by “Jonathan Livingston Seagull.” Daily Mirror – April 16, 1974
Even before Neil ever set foot in Australia, it was estimated that one out of every 65 Australians had a copy of “Hot August Night.” The New Zealand Herald – April 20, 1974
Astor Records, Australian distributor of MCA Records, reportedly scored the country’s first gold LP when Neil Diamond’s “Hot August Night” went over the $1-million mark. When the entertainer couldn’t be present for awards ceremonies, a full-sized cardboard photograph was substituted. (Editorial observation…that photograph is the exact same one used for the Saving Silverman stand-up. Coincidence? Or did the actual Saving Silverman stand-up originate down under?) Billboard – April 13, 1974
“Hot August Night” was the first album released on the new MCA label. Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” was the first 45 released on the label. Billboard – December 2, 1972
The NYU Violets won two National College and three Intercollegiate Fencing Association championships when Neil was there. Once, in two consecutive dual meets, he didn’t have a touch scored against him. Newsday – October 11, 1972
Only Al Jolson had played there before as a one-man show, and then only on scattered nights, not in concert. Los Angeles Times – October 1, 1972
“Morningside” was written as a tribute to his grandmother “who was a sweet, beautiful woman who died alone in a New York Hospital with no one even caring.” The Times-Dispatch – October 1, 1972