This day (January 24, 1941), in New York City, United States, is born Neil Diamond, an American singer-songwriter.

WATCH IN FULL

Tracklist :

1 . Something Blue (2014)

2 . Nothing But A Heartache (2014)

3 . Holly Holy (1971)

4 . Sweet Caroline (Royal Variety Performance, 2012)

5 . Forever In Blue Jeans (2010)

6 . I Haven’t Played This Song (2001)

7 . I’m A Believer (1992)

8 . Heartlight (1988)

9 . Play Me (1976)

10 . Song Sung Blue (1974)

11 . Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon (1967)

Neil Diamond: A Lifetime of Song

Neil Diamond, born in 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, stands as one of the best-selling musicians of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. His career spans decades, earning him accolades such as induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. His signature song “Sweet Caroline,” released in 1969, was preserved in the National Recording Registry in 2019 for its cultural and historical significance.

Early Life and Inspirations

Raised in a Jewish family of Russian and Polish descent, Diamond’s early life was marked by musical curiosity and academic excellence. He attended Erasmus Hall High School alongside Barbra Streisand, participated in the Freshman Chorus, and later moved to Abraham Lincoln High School, where he excelled on the fencing team. His passion for music deepened when he received his first guitar for his 16th birthday and began writing songs inspired by Pete Seeger’s performance at Surprise Lake Camp.

Initially a pre-med student at New York University, Diamond’s love for music led him to the Brill Building, where he pursued songwriting. After dropping out during his senior year, he secured a job at Sunbeam Music Publishing for $50 a week. His early attempts as a performer included singles recorded with Jack Packer and his debut solo release with Columbia Records, but success eluded him during this period.

Breakthrough and Early Career

Diamond’s breakthrough came as a songwriter with “Sunday and Me,” a Top 20 hit for Jay and the Americans in 1965. His own recording career took off with hits like “Solitary Man,” “Cherry, Cherry,” and “Kentucky Woman” under Bang Records. Discontent with the label’s commercial focus, he transitioned to Uni Records in 1968, where his music evolved, producing classics such as “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “Song Sung Blue,” which topped the charts in the early 1970s.

The 1970s: A Golden Era

The 1970s also saw Diamond’s live performances become iconic. His album *Hot August Night* (1972), recorded during a series of sold-out shows at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, is widely regarded as his finest work. During this era, he also composed the soundtrack for *Jonathan Livingston Seagull*, earning a Grammy and a Golden Globe despite the film’s critical failure. Collaborations with producers like Robbie Robertson further expanded his musical reach.

Expanding Horizons in the 1980s

In the 1980s, Diamond embraced acting with his role in *The Jazz Singer* (1980), producing hits like “Love on the Rocks” and “America.” Although the film garnered mixed reviews, its soundtrack solidified his place as a pop music icon. His concerts remained lucrative, making him the most profitable solo performer of 1986. Meanwhile, UB40’s reggae cover of his song “Red Red Wine” introduced him to a new generation of fans.

Reinvention and Longevity

Throughout the 1990s, Diamond released a series of albums exploring diverse themes and musical styles, including two Christmas records. His song “Sweet Caroline” found renewed popularity as a staple at sporting events, cementing its place as a cultural anthem. In the 2000s, his collaboration with producer Rick Rubin on *12 Songs* and *Home Before Dark* revitalized his career, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.

A Legacy Unfolds

Despite announcing his retirement from touring in 2018 due to Parkinson’s disease, Diamond continues to engage with fans through music. His contributions to the industry were celebrated with numerous lifetime achievement awards, and his legacy endures with projects like the Broadway musical *A Beautiful Noise*, which chronicles his extraordinary life and career.

Wikipedia

Official Site

The Original Neil Diamond Home Page

@last.fm

@Discogs

Photo
Chris Boland