But again - how does one define "Rock & Roll"? Dancability? Guitar riffs? Raw edginess? Suggestive lyrics? Listenability? He was one of the standard-bearers of sound in the mid-60s.
Hot August Night...you're right - sorta. But how many solo artists during the 60s were considered "Rockers"?
LMAO @ "cutting edge performance in the Jazz Singer." Ugggh...
I remember the SCTV takeoff with Al Jarreau giving up his jazz singing career to become a cantor.
Diamond wrote some pleasant songs but IMO he was a performer without an edge. To me rock and roll is all about edginess.