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 songwriting and baritone vocals, Diamond has achieved immense popularity, selling over 130 million records globally. This makes him one of the best-selling musicians in history. His career has spanned several decades, marked by numerous hit songs and albums that have left a lasting impact on popular music.
1960: Member of NCAA Championship Fencing Team
In 1960, Neil Diamond, while attending New York University on a fencing scholarship, was a member of the NCAA men's championship fencing team. During this time he started writing songs.
1962: First Recording Contract as "Neil and Jack"
In 1962, Neil Diamond signed his first recording contract billed as "Neil and Jack" with Jack Packer. They released unsuccessful singles including "You Are My Love at Last" and "I'm Afraid", but received positive reviews.
July 1963: Columbia Records Releases "Clown Town" Single
In July 1963, Columbia Records released Neil Diamond's single "Clown Town" / "At Night." While both sides received positive reviews, the single failed to make the charts, and Columbia subsequently dropped him from their label.
November 1965: "Sunday and Me" Success
In November 1965, Neil Diamond achieved his first success as a songwriter with "Sunday and Me," which became 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. The song went gold within two days of its release and topped the charts for seven weeks, leading to Diamond's recognition as a songwriter.
1966: Signing with Bang Records and First Hit as a Solo Artist
In 1966, Neil Diamond signed with Bert Berns's Bang Records and released "Solitary Man," his first true hit as a solo artist. He also opened for bands such as Herman's Hermits and The Who.
March 1968: Signing with Uni Records
In March 1968, Neil Diamond signed a deal with Uni Records. This was a new phase in his career.
1968: Desire to Record More Ambitious Music
In 1968, Neil Diamond began to feel restricted by Bang Records as he wanted to record more ambitious and introspective music. He proposed "Shilo" as a single, but Bang believed the song was not commercial enough.
1969: Recording Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
In early 1969, Neil Diamond recorded his album Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show at American Sound Studios in Memphis. Tommy Cogbill and Chips Moman produced the album.
1969: Move to Los Angeles and Sound Mellowing
In mid-1969, Neil Diamond moved to Los Angeles. His sound began to mellow, leading to the creation of songs such as "Sweet Caroline" and "Holly Holy" that same year.
1970: "Cracklin' Rosie" Reaches No. 1
In 1970, Neil Diamond's song "Cracklin' Rosie" reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart. This was a significant milestone in his career.
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. The shows were supported by a 35-piece string orchestra and six backing singers, with one newspaper calling it "the finest concert in Greek Theater history."
1971: "I Am...I Said" Released
In 1971, Neil Diamond released "I Am...I Said". The song was a Top 5 hit in both the US and UK. The song was his most personal effort, taking 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. To enhance the concert experience, a quadraphonic sound system was added to create full surround sound.
August 24, 1972: Recording of Hot August Night
On August 24, 1972, Neil Diamond's performance at the Greek Theater was recorded and later released as the live double album Hot August Night. Diamond said "Hot August Night captures a very special show for me."
1972: "Song Sung Blue" Reaches No. 1
In 1972, Neil Diamond's song "Song Sung Blue" reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart. This success further solidified his position in the music industry.
1972: Twenty Nights at the Winter Garden Theater
In the fall of 1972, Neil Diamond performed for 20 consecutive nights at the Winter Garden Theater in New York City. He was the first rock-era star to headline on Broadway. The performances sold out.
1973: Signing with Columbia Records and Soundtrack to Jonathan Livingston Seagull
In 1973, Neil Diamond signed with Columbia Records for a million-dollar-advance-per-album contract and released the soundtrack to Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Despite the film's poor reception, the album was successful. Bach, author of the novella, and Diamond sued Bartlett.
1974: Release of Album Serenade and TV Appearance
In 1974, Neil Diamond released the album Serenade, from which the singles "Longfellow Serenade" and "I've Been This Way Before" were issued. In 1974 he also appeared on a TV special for Shirley Bassey and sang a duet with her.
1976: Return to Live Performances
After a four-year break following his Winter Garden shows, Neil Diamond resumed live performances in 1976. This break was used to work on film scores and to spend time with his son.
1976: Love at the Greek Concert and Las Vegas Show
In 1976, Neil Diamond included a Jonathan Livingston Seagull suite in his live performances, such as at the Love at the Greek concert and in his show in Las Vegas.
1976: Release of Beautiful Noise and Appearance at The Last Waltz
In 1976, Neil Diamond released the album Beautiful Noise, which was produced by Robbie Robertson of The Band. On Thanksgiving in 1976, Diamond appeared at The Band's farewell concert, The Last Waltz, and performed "Dry Your Eyes", which he wrote jointly with Robertson.
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" tour, which was broadcast to 36 television outlets nationwide. He also appeared at the Greek Theater in a 1976 concert, Love at the Greek. The album and DVD includes a version of "Song Sung Blue" with duets with Helen Reddy and Henry Winkler.
February 1977: Diamond Wins Lawsuit and Buys Bang-Era Master Tapes
In February 1977, Neil Diamond triumphed in court and purchased the rights to his Bang-era master tapes. This ended a series of lawsuits that coincided with a slump in his record sales and professional success.
July 2, 1977: Performance at Woburn Abbey
On July 2, 1977, Neil Diamond performed at Woburn Abbey to an audience of 55,000 British fans. William Friedkin taped the concert and interviews using six cameras.
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, including "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", for which he composed the music and co-wrote the lyrics with Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman.
1978: "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" Hit Number One
In 1978, the Neil Diamond-Barbra Streisand duet of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" hit No. 1 on the charts, becoming Diamond's third song to reach the top of the Hot 100.
February 1979: Release of "Forever in Blue Jeans"
In February 1979, the song "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: Screen Debut in The Jazz Singer
In 1980, Neil Diamond made his screen debut in the musical drama film, The Jazz Singer. This marked his entry into acting, alongside his already successful music career.
1980: Starring in 'The Jazz Singer' Remake
In 1980, Neil Diamond starred in a remake of The Jazz Singer alongside Laurence Olivier and Lucie Arnaz. While the movie received poor reviews, the soundtrack produced top-10 singles.
1980: Filming of 'The Jazz Singer'
In 1980, shortly after recovering from a spinal tumor operation, Neil Diamond began principal photography on his film The Jazz Singer.
1980: Diamond and Streisand Performed at the Grammy Awards
Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand appeared unannounced at the 1980 Grammy Awards ceremony, where they performed "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" to a surprised audience.
1982: "Heartlight" Inspired by E.T. and Legal Threat
In 1982, Neil Diamond's song "Heartlight" was inspired by the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Universal Pictures briefly threatened legal action due to the film's title character not being mentioned in the lyrics.
1984: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 1984, Neil Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This was a recognition of his successful career as a songwriter.
1986: Ranked Most Profitable Solo Performer and Starred in Hello Again
In 1986, Neil Diamond was ranked by Billboard magazine as the most profitable solo performer. He also released his 17th studio album, Headed for the Future, and starred in his first television special in nine years, Hello Again.
January 1987: Sang National Anthem at Super Bowl
In January 1987, Neil Diamond sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl.
1988: "America" Theme Song for Michael Dukakis Campaign
In 1988, Neil Diamond's song "America" became the theme song for the Michael Dukakis presidential campaign. Also in 1988 British band UB40's reggae version of his song Red Red Wine topped the charts.
1993: Opened Mark of the Quad Cities with Two Shows
In 1993, Neil Diamond opened the Mark of the Quad Cities with two shows on May 27 and 28, drawing a crowd of over 27,000 people.
2000: Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2000, Neil Diamond received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized his long and successful career in songwriting and music.
2000: Hot August Night Remastered
In 2000, the album Hot August Night was remastered and re-released with additional selections. The album is considered his best work.
September 11, 2001: Changed Lyric in 'America' after Attacks
After the attacks on America on September 11, 2001, Neil Diamond changed the lyric at the end of his song "America" 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. Diamond even wrote and composed a new song, "I Believe in Happy Endings", for the film and performed with Super Diamond at the film's premiere party.
November 8, 2005: Release of '12 Songs' Album
On November 8, 2005, Neil Diamond released the album 12 Songs, produced by Rick Rubin, in both standard and special editions. The album received positive reviews and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard chart.
2007: Bill Whitten Designed Beaded Shirts Until 2007
From the 1970s until approximately 2007, Bill Whitten designed and made the colorful beaded shirts that Neil Diamond wore in concert.
2007: Inducted into Long Island Music Hall of Fame
In 2007, Neil Diamond was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
March 19, 2008: Announcement as Guest Mentor on American Idol
On March 19, 2008, it was announced that Neil Diamond would be a guest mentor on American Idol, with contestants singing his songs on April 29 and 30.
April 8, 2008: Announcement of Fenway Park Concert
On April 8, 2008, Neil Diamond announced a concert at Fenway Park on August 23 during the eighth-inning singalong of "Sweet Caroline", which had become an anthem for Boston fans.
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 launched Neil Diamond Radio.
May 6, 2008: Release of 'Home Before Dark' Album
Home Before Dark was released May 6, 2008, 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 approximately 108,000 fans at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England. Technical problems affected the concert.
August 23, 2008: Fenway Park Concert
On August 23, 2008, Neil Diamond performed live in concert at Fenway Park as part of his world tour.
August 25, 2008: Performance at Ohio State University with Laryngitis
On August 25, 2008, Neil Diamond performed at Ohio State University while suffering from laryngitis. He offered refunds due to his disappointment with the performance.
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: Sang at Independence Day Celebration
On July 4, 2009, Neil Diamond sang at the Independence Day celebration in Boston.
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 Hot August Night/NYC DVD, one year after recording his four-night run at Madison Square Garden. The DVD debuted at No. 2 on the charts, and an edited version aired on CBS.
November 2, 2010: Release of 'Dreams' Album
On November 2, 2010, Neil Diamond released the album Dreams, featuring interpretations of his favorite songs and a new arrangement of "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 during a ceremony held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.
December 6, 2011: Release of 'The Very Best of Neil Diamond' Compilation
On December 6, 2011, The Very Best of Neil Diamond, a compilation CD of 23 studio recordings, was released on the Sony Legacy label.
2011: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Kennedy Center Honors
In 2011, Neil Diamond was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he was also an honoree at the Kennedy Center Honors. These events recognized his significant contributions to music and culture.
August 10, 2012: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On August 10, 2012, Neil Diamond was honored with 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. He also made an appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that month.
January 2014: Signing with Capitol Music Group
In January 2014, it was confirmed that Neil Diamond had 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.
September 2014: Erasmus High School Concert and World Tour Announcement
In September 2014, Neil Diamond performed a surprise concert at his alma mater, Erasmus High School in Brooklyn. On the same day, he announced a 2015 "Melody Road" World Tour.
January 2018: Announcement of Retirement from Touring
In January 2018, Neil Diamond announced that he would stop touring after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, leading to the cancellation of tour dates in Australia and New Zealand. He stated he would continue writing, recording, and developing new projects.
July 28, 2018: Visit to Incident Command Post and Performance for Firefighters
On July 28, 2018, Neil Diamond and his wife, Katie, made a surprise visit to the Incident Command post in Basalt, Colorado, to thank firefighters for their efforts to contain the Lake Christine Fire. Diamond performed a solo acoustic guitar concert in their honor.
2018: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2018, Neil Diamond received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. This award acknowledged his significant and lasting impact on the music industry.
February 2022: Universal Music Group acquisition
In February 2022, Universal Music Group acquired Neil Diamond's songwriting catalog and the rights to his Bang Records, Columbia Records, and Capitol recordings. The acquisition also included 110 unreleased tracks, an unreleased album, and archival videos.
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