Neil Diamond

Biography

Neil Leslie Diamond, born on January 24, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American singer-songwriter who has sold over 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. His interest in music sparked at the age of 16 when he received his first guitar. After high school, he attended New York University on a fencing scholarship with the intention of going to medical school, but he dropped out during his final year to pursue a career in music.

Early Career and Songwriting

Diamond's early career began as a songwriter in the famed Brill Building in New York City. He initially wrote songs for other artists and gained significant recognition for penning hits for The Monkees, including "I'm a Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You". His first success as a songwriter came in 1965 with "Sunday and Me," a Top 20 hit for Jay and the Americans. In 1965, he signed a recording contract with Bang Records and released his debut album, "The Feel of Neil," the following year. His early hits as a solo artist included "Solitary Man," "Cherry, Cherry," and "Kentucky Woman."

Rise to Stardom

In 1968, Diamond signed with Uni Records, where he gained more artistic freedom. This period produced some of his most iconic songs, such as "Sweet Caroline" (1969), "Holly Holy" (1969), "Cracklin' Rosie" (1970), and "Song Sung Blue" (1972). "Cracklin' Rosie" became his first number-one single. His 1972 live album, "Hot August Night," was a massive success and remains a celebrated live recording. In 1973, he composed the soundtrack for the film "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," which earned him a Grammy Award. A duet with Barbra Streisand, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," topped the charts in 1978.

The Jazz Singer and Continued Success

In 1980, Diamond starred in a remake of the film "The Jazz Singer" and also wrote and performed the soundtrack, which included the hit "America". Throughout the 1980s, he continued to release successful albums and tour extensively. While his album sales saw a decline, his concert tours were highly profitable, solidifying his status as a top live performer.

Later Career and Legacy

In the 1990s and 2000s, Diamond continued to record and tour, releasing albums like "Tennessee Moon" (1996), "12 Songs" (2005), and "Home Before Dark" (2008). In January 2018, Diamond announced his immediate retirement from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite his retirement from the road, his music continues to resonate. "Sweet Caroline" has become a beloved anthem, particularly at sporting events. Neil Diamond's contributions to music have been widely recognized; he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. He also received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.