Parkinson’s Forces ‘70s Music Legend Out of the Limelight — Find Out What Happened

From Arenas to a Quiet Studio

Once a global superstar who filled stadiums with fans singing every lyric, he now spends most of his time in a calm Los Angeles studio. Surrounded by decades of accolades, music no longer fuels his career—it nourishes his soul.

Rise in the 1970s
During the 1970s, he dominated the charts with hit after hit. Relentless touring and electrifying performances made him one of the era’s most iconic music figures, with audiences worldwide echoing his songs.

Roots and Early Ambitions
Born January 24, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, he was raised in a Jewish household. As a teen, he picked up a guitar, began songwriting, and played in New York clubs. He also frequented the Brill Building, pitching songs to publishers.

Breakthrough Hits
His career took off in the mid-1960s with Solitary Man and Cherry, Cherry. Around the same time, The Monkees popularized several of his songs, including I’m a Believer, boosting his reputation as both writer and performer.

Defining His Legacy
By the late ’60s, he was a star in his own right, with classics like Sweet Caroline, Holly Holy, and Song Sung Blue. His 1978 duet with Barbra Streisand, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, became another career milestone.

Touring Powerhouse
Through the 1980s and 1990s, he ranked among the top live performers, filling arenas worldwide. His energy and heritage earned him the enduring nickname “the Jewish Elvis.”

Facing Parkinson’s
In 2018, he revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis, which led him to retire from touring and cancel his 50th Anniversary shows abroad. Though stepping away from the stage was painful, he continues writing and recording, embracing a quieter, more reflective chapter of life.