Neil Diamond: He Is, He Says

By JC Villamere. 26 Jan 2018 12:58 PM

Music fans around the world were shocked and saddened to learn this week that Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Neil Diamond was retiring from touring because of his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. The respected songwriter and enduring performer will be given the coveted Lifetime Achievement Awards at Sunday’s Grammy Awards. In anticipation, here’s a look back at his biggest hits and some of his many career highlights.

Geffen

Capitol

Bang

Geffen

Geffen

Geffen

Capitol

START OVER

Next Gallery: Stars Spotted At Milan Fashion Week SS24: Naomi Campbell, Ashley Graham & Gigi Hadid Turn Heads

More Galleries

1 of 10

Brooklyn Roads
Geffen
Diamond was born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Erasmus Hall High School where he was a member of the Freshman Chorus and Choral Club along with classmate Barbra Streisand.
Inspiration
Capitol
Diamond received his first guitar for his 16th birthday. Inspired by Pete Seeger, he started writing songs.
Believing
Capitol
Diamond found success as a songwriter, writing hits for other artists, including "I'm a Believer" for the Monkees. It became a gold record within two days of its release and stayed at the top of the charts for seven weeks.
"Solitary Man"
Bang
"Solitary Man" was the first of Diamond's records on which he sang to make the charts. The 1966 song was subsequently covered by stars like Chris Isaak and Johnny Cash. Diamond would go on to score 38 top-10 hits on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts.
"Sweet Caroline"
Geffen
In 1969, Diamond released his classic, "Sweet Caroline," which peaked at the #4 spot on August 16, 1969.
"Cracklin' Rosie"
Geffen
Diamond reached the top of the charts for the first time in 1970 with "Cracklin' Rosie".
He Is
Geffen
His intensely personal 1971 release "I Am...I Said" was a Top 5 hit.
'Moods'
Geffen
His next #1 hit came in 1972 with "Song Sung Blue" from 'Moods', Diamond's eighth record.
Friends in High (School) Places
Geffen
It was an Erasmus Hall High School reunion of sorts when Diamond released a duet with fellow alum Barbra Streisand. "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" hit the top of the charts in 1978.
Achievement
Capitol
Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984. In 2011, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To date, he's sold over 130 million albums worldwide. In 2018, Neil Diamond will receive the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award. Other artists to be honoured include Queen, Tina Turner, and Emmylou Harris.

Neil Diamond: He Is, He Says

More Galleries

Latest Galleries