Once one of the world’s biggest touring stars, he filled stadiums with fans singing every word. Today, at 84, his days are quieter, spent in a Los Angeles studio surrounded by decades of awards. Music is no longer a career pursuit—it’s the lifeline that sustains him.
Born in Brooklyn on January 24, 1941, he discovered music early, teaching himself guitar and writing songs as a teen. His persistence at the Brill Building led to early breakthroughs in the 1960s with *Solitary Man* and *Cherry, Cherry*. Soon, The Monkees’ hit version of *I’m a Believer* cemented his reputation as a songwriter. By the late ’60s and ’70s, songs like *Sweet Caroline*, *Song Sung Blue*, and his duet with Barbra Streisand, *You Don’t Bring Me Flowers*, defined his career. His powerful live shows earned him the nickname “the Jewish Elvis,” making him one of the most in-demand performers through the ’80s and ’90s.
In 2018, he revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and retired from touring, canceling the last leg of his 50th Anniversary Tour. The announcement ended his era of sold-out arenas, though he continued to write and record privately. His studio became a sanctuary, a place to create without the demands of the road.
Despite illness, he found new ways to connect with audiences. *A Beautiful Noise*, the Broadway musical based on his life and music, allowed him to see his songs inspire a new generation. On opening night, he led the crowd in *Sweet Caroline*, proving the bond between artist and fans remains unshaken.
Though Parkinson’s has slowed him physically, his voice and spirit endure. His life, built on music, continues to resonate with millions.
