Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Neil Diamond

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Neil Diamond made an impact.

Neil Diamond is a highly successful American singer-songwriter. Renowned for his distinctive baritone voice and captivating performances, Diamond has sold over 130 million records globally, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling music artists ever. His extensive discography includes numerous chart-topping hits, showcasing his talent for crafting memorable melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics. Diamond's impact on popular music spans decades, and his enduring popularity continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1960: Member of NCAA Championship Fencing Team

In 1960, Neil Diamond was a member of the NCAA men's championship fencing team while attending New York University on a fencing scholarship.

1962: First Recording Contract as "Neil and Jack"

In 1962, Neil Diamond's first recording contract was billed as "Neil and Jack", a duet with high school friend Jack Packer, resulting in the release of unsuccessful singles. He also signed with Columbia Records as a solo performer later that year.

July 1963: Columbia Records Releases "Clown Town" Single

In July 1963, Columbia Records released Neil Diamond's single "Clown Town" / "At Night". Despite positive reviews, the single failed to make the charts, leading to Columbia dropping him from their label.

November 1965: First Success as Songwriter with "Sunday and Me"

In November 1965, Neil Diamond achieved his first success as a songwriter with "Sunday and Me", a Top 20 hit for Jay and the Americans.

1966: "I'm a Believer" Becomes Popular Music Song of the Year

In 1966, "I'm a Believer", written by Neil Diamond and performed by The Monkees, became the Popular Music Song of the Year after staying at the top of the charts for seven weeks and quickly becoming a gold record.

1966: Signed with Bang Records

In 1966, Neil Diamond signed a deal with Bert Berns's Bang Records and released "Solitary Man", his first true hit as a solo artist.

1967: Appearance on Mannix

In 1967, Neil Diamond was featured as the 'featured' artist in a small underground club called 'The Bad Scene' on the detective drama Mannix.

March 1968: Signed Deal with Uni Records

In March 1968, Neil Diamond signed a deal with Uni Records, which was later consolidated into MCA Records and eventually Universal Music.

1968: Desire for Ambitious Music

In 1968, Neil Diamond wanted to record more ambitious music, beginning with "Brooklyn Roads".

1969: Move to Los Angeles and Release of "Sweet Caroline"

In 1969, Neil Diamond moved to Los Angeles, California. He also released "Sweet Caroline" in 1969.

1969: Recorded Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show

In 1969, Neil Diamond recorded the album Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show at American Sound Studios in Memphis.

1970: Release of "Cracklin' Rosie"

In 1970, Neil Diamond released "Cracklin' Rosie", which reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart.

1971: Seven Sold-Out Concerts at the Greek Theater

In 1971, Neil Diamond played seven sold-out concerts at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, with a 35-piece string orchestra and six backing singers, prompting a leading newspaper to call it 'the finest concert in Greek Theater history.'

1971: Release of "I Am...I Said"

In 1971, Neil Diamond released "I Am...I Said", which was a Top 5 hit in both the US and UK and took over four months to complete.

August 1972: Ten Shows at the Greek Theater

In August 1972, Neil Diamond performed ten shows at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, utilizing a quadraphonic sound system for full surround sound.

August 24, 1972: Recorded Hot August Night

On August 24, 1972, Neil Diamond's performance was recorded and released as the live double album 'Hot August Night,' which is considered by many to be his best work.

1972: 20 Consecutive Nights at the Winter Garden Theater

In 1972, Neil Diamond performed for 20 consecutive nights at the Winter Garden Theater in New York City, becoming the first rock-era star to headline on Broadway in the approximately 1,600-seat venue.

1972: Release of "Song Sung Blue"

In 1972, Neil Diamond released "Song Sung Blue", which reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart.

1973: Switched to Columbia Records

In 1973, Neil Diamond switched labels, returning to Columbia Records for a million-dollar-advance-per-album contract.

1974: Release of 'Serenade' Album and TV Appearance

In 1974, Neil Diamond released the album Serenade, featuring the singles "Longfellow Serenade" and "I've Been This Way Before". That same year, he appeared on a TV special for Shirley Bassey and sang a duet with her.

July 2, 1976: Opening of the Aladdin Hotel's Theater For the Performing Arts

On July 2, 1976, Neil Diamond was paid $650,000 to open the new $10 million Theater For the Performing Arts at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. The show played through July 5 and was attended by a "who's who" of Hollywood, and Diamond received a standing ovation.

1976: Release of 'Beautiful Noise' and Appearance at 'The Last Waltz'

In 1976, Neil Diamond released the album Beautiful Noise, produced by Robbie Robertson. On Thanksgiving 1976, he appeared at The Band's farewell concert, The Last Waltz, performing "Dry Your Eyes" and joining the other performers in a rendition of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released".

1976: Return to Live Performances

In 1976, Neil Diamond returned to live performances after a four-year break, during which he worked on the score for 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' and recorded two albums.

1976: Return to Live Shows with Australian Tour and Greek Theater Concert

In 1976, Neil Diamond returned to live shows with "The 'Thank You Australia' Concert", broadcast to 36 television outlets nationwide. He also appeared at the Greek Theater in a concert called Love at the Greek. An album and DVD of the show included a version of "Song Sung Blue" with duets with Helen Reddy and Henry Winkler.

February 1977: Triumph in Court and Purchase of Bang-Era Master Tapes

In February 1977, Neil Diamond triumphed in court, purchasing the rights to his Bang-era master tapes after a series of lawsuits stemming from a contract dispute.

July 2, 1977: Performance at Woburn Abbey

On July 2, 1977, Neil Diamond performed at Woburn Abbey in England to an audience of 55,000 British fans. The concert and interviews were taped by film director William Friedkin.

1977: Release of 'I'm Glad You're Here with Me Tonight'

In 1977, Neil Diamond released the album I'm Glad You're Here with Me Tonight, which included the song "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", co-written with Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

1978: "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" Hits No. 1

In 1978, the Neil Diamond-Barbra Streisand duet of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", spurred by the success of radio mash-ups, hit No. 1 on the charts.

February 1979: Release of "Forever in Blue Jeans" as a Single

In February 1979, "Forever in Blue Jeans", co-written with his guitarist, Richard Bennett, was released as a single from Neil Diamond's album 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers'.

1980: Diamond and Streisand perform at the Grammy awards ceremony

In 1980, Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand appeared unannounced at the Grammy awards ceremony, where they performed "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" to a surprised audience.

1980: Filming 'The Jazz Singer'

In 1980, Neil Diamond began principal photography on his film The Jazz Singer after recovering from a long rehabilitation process following spinal surgery.

1980: Screen Debut in The Jazz Singer

In 1980, Neil Diamond made his screen debut in the musical drama film, 'The Jazz Singer'.

1980: Starring in 'The Jazz Singer' Remake and Soundtrack Success

In 1980, Neil Diamond starred in a remake of 'The Jazz Singer' alongside Laurence Olivier and Lucie Arnaz. Despite poor reviews, the soundtrack spawned three top-10 singles: "Love on the Rocks", "Hello Again", and "America".

1982: "Heartlight" Inspired by E.T. and Legal Threats

In 1982, Neil Diamond's song "Heartlight" was inspired by the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, leading to legal threats from Universal Pictures against Diamond and Columbia Records.

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1986: Billboard Ranks Diamond as Most Profitable Solo Performer and TV Special

In 1986, Billboard magazine ranked Neil Diamond as the most profitable solo performer. He released his 17th studio album, Headed for the Future, and starred in Hello Again, his first television special in nine years.

January 1987: Diamond Sings National Anthem at Super Bowl

In January 1987, Neil Diamond sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

1988: "America" Becomes Theme for Dukakis Campaign

In 1988, Neil Diamond's song "America" became the theme song for Michael Dukakis's presidential campaign. British band UB40's reggae version of Diamond's "Red Red Wine" topped the Billboard charts.

1992: Performance for President George H. W. Bush's Christmas Special

In 1992, Neil Diamond performed for President George H. W. Bush's final Christmas in Washington NBC special.

1993: Opening of the Mark of the Quad Cities

In 1993, Neil Diamond opened the Mark of the Quad Cities (now the iWireless Center) with two shows on May 27 and 28 to a crowd of over 27,000.

1999: Consolidation of MCA Labels into Universal Music

In 1999, MCA Inc. consolidated its labels into MCA Records, which was then named Universal Music after merging with PolyGram.

2000: Appearance with Super Diamond

In 2000, Neil Diamond appeared onstage with a Diamond tribute band, Super Diamond, surprising them before their show at House of Blues in Los Angeles.

September 11, 2001: Modified Lyrics to "America" After 9/11 Attacks

Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Neil Diamond changed the lyric at the end of his song "America" during his world tour, from "They're coming to America" to "Stand up for America!".

2001: Cameo in Saving Silverman

In 2001, Neil Diamond made an extended cameo appearance as himself in the comedy film Saving Silverman and wrote the song "I Believe in Happy Endings" for the film. He also sat in with the tribute band Super Diamond at the film's premiere party.

November 8, 2005: Release of '12 Songs' Album

On November 8, 2005, Neil Diamond's album '12 Songs', produced by Rick Rubin, was released. It was also one of the last albums to be pressed and released by Sony BMG with Extended Copy Protection software.

2007: Colorful Beaded Shirts Designed Until 2007

From the 1970s until approximately 2007, Bill Whitten designed and made colorful beaded shirts for Neil Diamond to wear in concert.

2007: Induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame

In 2007, Neil Diamond was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

March 19, 2008: Guest Mentor on American Idol

On March 19, 2008, it was announced that Neil Diamond would be a guest mentor to the remaining contestants on American Idol, who would sing Diamond songs.

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April 8, 2008: Announcement of Fenway Park Concert

On April 8, 2008, Neil Diamond announced he would be appearing at Fenway Park "live in concert" on August 23, 2008, as part of his world tour. The announcement came during the traditional eighth-inning singalong of "Sweet Caroline".

April 28, 2008: Performance on Jimmy Kimmel Building Roof

On April 28, 2008, Neil Diamond appeared on the roof of the Jimmy Kimmel building to sing "Sweet Caroline" after Kimmel was "arrested" for impersonating him.

May 2, 2008: Launch of Neil Diamond Radio on Sirius

On May 2, 2008, Sirius Satellite Radio started Neil Diamond Radio.

May 6, 2008: Release of 'Home Before Dark' Album

On May 6, 2008, Neil Diamond's album 'Home Before Dark' was released and topped the album charts in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

June 29, 2008: Performance at Glastonbury Festival

On June 29, 2008, Neil Diamond played to an estimated 108,000 fans at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England. The concert faced technical problems.

August 23, 2008: Performance at Fenway Park

On August 23, 2008, Neil Diamond performed at Fenway Park as part of his world tour.

August 25, 2008: Performance at The Ohio State University with Laryngitis

On August 25, 2008, Neil Diamond performed at The Ohio State University while suffering from laryngitis and offered refunds to disappointed fans.

February 6, 2009: Honored as MusiCares Person of the Year

On February 6, 2009, Neil Diamond was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year.

July 4, 2009: Performance at Independence Day Celebration in Boston

On July 4, 2009, Neil Diamond, long loved in Boston, was invited to sing at the Independence Day celebration.

October 13, 2009: Release of 'A Cherry Cherry Christmas' Album

On October 13, 2009, Neil Diamond released A Cherry Cherry Christmas, his third album of holiday music.

2009: Release of 'Hot August Night/NYC' DVD

In 2009, Neil Diamond released the DVD 'Hot August Night/NYC', recorded during his four-night run at Madison Square Garden. CBS aired an edited version, which won the ratings hour with 13 million viewers.

November 2, 2010: Release of 'Dreams' Album

On November 2, 2010, Neil Diamond released the album Dreams, a collection of 14 interpretations of his favorite songs by artists from the rock era. The album also included a new slow-tempo arrangement of his "I'm a Believer".

March 14, 2011: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On March 14, 2011, Neil Diamond was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

December 6, 2011: Release of 'The Very Best of Neil Diamond' Compilation CD

On December 6, 2011, 'The Very Best of Neil Diamond', a compilation CD of Diamond's 23 studio recordings from various labels, was released on the Sony Legacy label.

August 10, 2012: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On August 10, 2012, Neil Diamond received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

November 2012: Royal Variety Performance

In November 2012, Neil Diamond headlined the centenary edition of the Royal Variety Performance in the UK and appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

July 4, 2013: Performance at A Capitol Fourth

On July 4, 2013, Neil Diamond, sporting a beard, performed live on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol as part of A Capitol Fourth, which was broadcast nationally by PBS.

January 2014: Signing with Capitol Music Group

In January 2014, Neil Diamond signed with the Capitol Music Group unit of Universal Music Group. UMG also took over Diamond's Columbia and Bang catalogues, consolidating all of his recorded output for the first time.

July 8, 2014: Capitol Records announces Melody Road album

On July 8, 2014, Capitol Records announced that Neil Diamond's next album, Melody Road, would be released on September 30, 2014.

September 2014: Erasmus High School Concert and World Tour announcement

In September 2014, Neil Diamond performed a surprise concert at Erasmus High School in Brooklyn and announced his 2015 "Melody Road" World Tour.

May 31, 2015: End of North American Leg of World Tour

On May 31, 2015, the North American leg of Neil Diamond's "Melody Road" World Tour concluded at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

October 2016: Release of Acoustic Christmas Album

In October 2016, Neil Diamond released Acoustic Christmas, a folk-inspired Christmas album of original songs and acoustic versions of holiday classics, produced by Don Was and Jacknife Lee.

March 2017: Release of Anniversary Collection

In March 2017, Neil Diamond 50 – 50th Anniversary Collection, a career-spanning anthology, was released.

January 2018: Announcement of retirement from touring

In January 2018, Neil Diamond announced his retirement from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, leading to the cancellation of tour dates in Australia and New Zealand.

July 28, 2018: Visit to Incident Command post

On July 28, 2018, Neil Diamond and his wife, Katie, visited the Incident Command post in Basalt, Colorado, to thank firefighters for their efforts to contain the Lake Christine Fire, and Diamond performed a solo acoustic guitar concert.

March 22, 2020: "Sweet Caroline" COVID-19 video

On March 22, 2020, Neil Diamond posted a video to YouTube playing "Sweet Caroline" with modified lyrics about washing hands in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 2022: Universal Music Group acquisition of Diamond's catalog

In February 2022, Universal Music Group acquired Neil Diamond's songwriting catalog and the rights to his Bang Records, Columbia Records, and Capitol recordings.