Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How David Jacobson Of NEIL FOREVER Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Stanley Bronstein
Keep practicing the guitar
Don’t be so hard on yourself
Be in the moment
Stay in touch with old friends.
Be motivated, but also be content
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Jacobson.
Jacobson’s personal history of philanthropy is inseparable from his artistic and business pursuits. Deeply moved by the loss of his father to Parkinson’s disease, David has made it his mission to further awareness, research, and care for those affected by Parkinson’s. His efforts took on greater urgency and resonance after music legend Neil Diamond — whom David honors through performance — was himself diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018. This shared journey inspired David to dedicate both his art and his resources to the fight for a cure.
As founder, lead singer, and guitarist of NEIL FOREVER, a 14-piece Neil Diamond tribute band formed alongside his son and music director Dylan and his daughter and backup singer Kayla, Jacobson channels his love of music into powerful fundraising and advocacy. The band’s “LOVE AT THE GREEK” tour is more than entertainment: it’s a movement to raise funds and awareness for Drive Toward a Cure, a nonprofit supporting Parkinson’s research and family care grants. Every performance directly benefits the foundation’s mission — honoring both David’s father and Neil Diamond, providing hope to thousands.
Jacobson’s spirit of giving is long-standing. In the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001, he composed and performed “The Hero Bells Ring,” a symphonic tribute to those lost. The piece — scored for 50 instruments — culminated in a stirring performance with the Long Island Philharmonic before an audience of 12,000. David’s music, written in moments of profound loss, became a source of communal healing.
Beyond the stage, Jacobson’s entrepreneurial work has created lasting community assets. He founded PCARMARKET, a leading online auction house for collector cars (with a major emphasis on Porsches), and built Collector Car Showcase, a vibrant automotive museum and gathering place in Oyster Bay, NY. His earlier venture, GrooveCar, enabled credit unions nationwide to empower their members with affordable auto financing — a business he would later sell to focus on his true passions and philanthropic endeavors. He has also authored “Non-Confrontational Power Selling,” produced the documentary “The Making of CCS,” and hosted PCARMARKET LIVE on YouTube, platforms he uses to share knowledge, build connections, and amplify causes close to his heart.
His story, rooted in family and personal resilience, reflects the fusion of generosity, artistry, and action. Looking ahead, Jacobson’s dreams remain expansive: new musical projects, global tours, and ever-deeper impact for Parkinson’s families. For David Jacobson, philanthropy is not an afterthought — it is the heartbeat of his art, enterprise, and enduring legacy.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I don’t have a funny one per se, but I can tell you that from working as hard as I have throughout my career, I have finally learned to stop and appreciate all the blessings as often as possible. We can get so focused on big goals and accomplishments that we don’t appreciate the larger meaning of what we are here for.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
I know this may sound cliché, but the key is to start with something that you have a passion for and enjoy and explore ways that it will make people’s lives better, more efficient or more enjoyable.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
I have always admired people with good communication skills. People that could lead and motivate others with their actions and words. There were many people throughout my life that helped me become who I am today. From my early years working in my father’s factory in Brooklyn to working at a retail store in a mall at 16 to my first real professional job in New York City walking the pavement selling in the garment center, I met many people in all facets of business. I started to recognize the characteristics of what made people successful or not successful at their jobs.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I’ve always enjoyed mentoring young people professionally. Watching someone grow both personally and professionally under my tutelage has always been very satisfying. Starting the band has given me the same satisfaction, watching musicians spread their wings, and fly, performing on a bigger stage than they ever imagined. I love watching my son and daughter grow with confidence in the band. Dylan as a music director and Kayla as a vocalist.
And now being able to bring joy to Neil Diamond fans as we raise money for Parkinson’s disease research and patient care has enhanced the purpose of what we are doing Neil Diamond currently suffers from Parkinson’s disease which has ended his ability to perform live. We are having a great time traveling the US to honor him wherever/whenever possible.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
My father died of Parkinson’s. As I watched him suffer, it made me look around and notice how Parkinson’s disease affects not only the patient but also their families. I’ve been looking for a way to get more involved in a solution. Part of my responsibility of performing Neil Diamond’s music was to learn about him. While doing so, I learned about how Parkinson’s disease was affecting his life. It had a profound impact on me. How a man that performed around the world bringing so much joy, energy and excitement could be sidelined by this disease. And then by chance Deb Pollack from Drive Toward A Cure started following my band (Neil Forever) on social media. She asked me if I would provide some videos for her Parkinson’s disease fundraising events on the West Coast. She had no idea about my dad. So after some conversations and learning about Deb’s mom who also suffered with Parkinson’s disease, I realized that it was divine intervention putting us together so that I might be able to make an impact by supporting her work.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
Whether it is overt or subtle, I feel like everyone we reach with our performances is impacted. It makes them think about Neil Diamond and his current struggles and one would hope that each of them goes home inspired to give back in their own way.
Are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Of course. In addition to supporting the Love at the Greek 50th anniversary concert in Los Angeles, we are starting our 2026 US tour and all are welcome at our shows. We would like to donate money for every ticket sold throughout the entire year to Parkinson’s research, and patient care. Having the theaters participate in and promote this with our shows would be fantastic. Research Grants from the government to Drive Toward A Cure would be amazing for a government contribution.
Why do you think music in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
Music clearly has the power to reach people in a deep way. It has been true since the beginning of time. Music stirs up emotions and makes people want to take action — sometimes positive, sometimes negative, sometimes angry, sometimes sad. The passion it inspires can move mountains.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
- Keep practicing the guitar
- Don’t be so hard on yourself
- Be in the moment
- Stay in touch with old friends.
- Be motivated, but also be content
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Today’s world is very different. I think the most troubling thing in this world is the lack of empathy that we have for one another. Seeing things through someone else’s eyes at least even the slightest bit would have a dramatic impact on the way people treat each other. Think twice and nurture empathy.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
A man without vision shall perish. Whether you’re religious or not, to me, this is one of the most important things in all of our lives.
I just put it in ChatGPT and this is right on.
The phrase “a man without vision shall perish” is a variation of a well-known proverb that emphasizes the importance of vision, purpose, and direction in life. It suggests that without a guiding vision — whether personal, spiritual, or collective — an individual or community risks decline, stagnation, or destruction.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why?
Neil Diamond — for obvious reasons
And Michael Jordan — because I want to know how and why he rose to greatness.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
About the Interviewer: Stanley Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, and author of more than 20 books. However, he doesn’t consider any of those his greatest achievement. His most significant accomplishment was permanently losing 225 pounds and developing the personal growth system that made it possible — The Way of Excellence. As a catalyst for change, he has dedicated his life to helping others maximize their potential, transform their lives, and achieve optimal health. To learn more, you can download a free PDF copy of his latest book, The Way of Excellence Journal, at HYPERLINK “https://thewayofexcellence.com/”https://TheWayOfExcellence.com.
Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How David Jacobson Of NEIL FOREVER Is Helping To Change… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.