The Story Behind Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand's Chart-Topping Duet 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers
December 2, 1978, marked the day when Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand achieved a Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper with their collaborative hit "You Don't Bring Me Flowers." Originally, both artists had recorded individual versions of the song, but a radio station producer in Kentucky combined them into a faux duet. Impressed by the bootleg, Diamond and Streisand decided to officially record the duet together.
The song "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" was co-written by Neil Diamond with Marilyn and Alan Bergman. Initially intended as the theme song for the TV show All That Glitters, the song was incomplete. Diamond and his co-writers expanded it by adding another verse and instrumental sections. Diamond included it on his 1977 album, while Streisand recorded her version for Songbird the following year.
Gary Guthrie, a producer at WAKY-AM in Louisville, Kentucky, created the mixed version of the song after being inspired by his own personal experiences. The reaction to the remixed song was overwhelming, with requests pouring in and record stores receiving numerous calls. Both Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand were impressed by the remixed version and decided to officially record the duet together.
The success of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" not only topped the charts but also led to a collaboration between two iconic artists. The song's emotional depth and powerful vocals resonated with audiences, making it a timeless classic that continues to be cherished by music lovers worldwide.