"It's Love, Love
Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
Pack up the babies
Grab the old ladies
Everyone goes
Everyone knows
Brother Love's show"
‹ "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" by Neil Diamond

By Andy Argyrakis
Journal correspondent

Neil Diamond always said "America" was the land of the free and that anyone could make a "Beautiful Noise" as long as their "Heartlight" burned bright.

And even though he sang about series of colors throughout his career ‹ from "Red, Red Wine" to "Song Sung Blue" ‹ he probably never imagined a black man interpreting his catalogue as a tribute act.

Area residents will get a chance to see and hear such a performance Saturday in tiny Buckley, Ill., on Route 45 in Iroquois County, when Theron "Black Diamond" Denson brings his act there.

Denson says that people always told him he sounded like Diamond: "It was never something I really pursued, but the more I opened my mouth to talk or sing, people kept saying the resemblance was uncanny to Neil Diamond," says the West Virginia native phoning in from the road on his winter tour.

"When I was younger, I had no idea who he was until I actually bought 'The Jazz Singer' as my first introduction. I've been hooked ever since and now see why he's an internationally renowned rock star."

Denson's first musical inclinations came during his formative years while singing in a church choir, which developed into a series of performances in bands or solo around town. After being bombarded with comparisons to Diamond throughout these various acts, the gritty-voiced crooner decided to take a stab at the impersonation route.

As word traveled that a black man from the southern states was imitating a Jewish white man's music, audiences swelled simply out of curiosity. Small town crowds blossomed into festival affairs (including five in Illinois) and now full-time professional touring.

"I realized a lot of people would be interested in what I would sound like and probably see it as being a bit unusual," Denson relates. "In the early years of me doing this, I honestly didn't hear the connection between our two voices all that much, but I developed confidence as people kept telling me I was right on."

A key to formulating set lists for the entertainer is to choose Diamond's most recognizable tunes, from "Love on the Rocks" and "Hello Again" to sing-a-longs like "Sweet Caroline" and "America." But for dedicated appreciators, it's also essential to throw in a few deep cuts ‹ Denson's favorite being "Songs of Life" (off "The Jazz Singer").

"It's one of those songs that should've been a hit, but was overshadowed by all the others Neil had out at the time," he notes. "Having that balance between the familiar and obscure helps keep a balance in the show and break up the monotony for everyone."

Aside from choosing the perfect set list, any true imposter must have the look, mannerisms and costumes down pat. Aside from the color issue, Denson is extremely careful in accessorizing the part, often donning elaborate sequined tops and having flashy pants representing all colors of the rainbow.

He's even got the signature groans, grimaces and gallops Diamond demonstrates on stage down. "I try my best to mimic him despite having no physical resemblance," Denson explains. "I'm behooved to at least try my best ‹ and having a lot of bright shirts with fringe and sparkles sure does help. But Neil has a bigger chest, so I've got to choose my v-necks carefully."

With such a close connection to the superstar on all levels, a common question posed is whether or not this African-American appreciator ever met Diamond in the flesh. Though there have been several close calls, including a local news piece that the real deal saw when playing Denson's hometown, no personal greeting ever materialized. However, those close to the legend (including his publicist and Web site operators) have given their stamp of approval.

"Neil's camp is very pleased with this," assures Denson. "They've told me that it's sort of mind-boggling, almost baffling how much I sound like him, despite being black. We appear to be two totally opposite people, yet my version of his singing voices seems accurate. Neil's people have linked me to his Web ring, which brought my viewership from 400 fans a month to over 30,000 hits a month."

And should the chance ever come when the two meet face-to-face, Denson promises he'll stay cool, calm and collected. Most of all, he'll offer appreciation to his hero for sending his blessing on what's become a prosperous project. "He has more or less handed me down an unexpected career. I would simply tell him how much I admire his work and thank him for giving me such a great ride thus far."