Childhood and Education Journey of Neil Diamond in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Neil Diamond, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

1917: Birth of Father, Akeeba "Kieve" Diamond

In 1917, Neil Diamond's father, Akeeba "Kieve" Diamond, was born.

1918: Birth of Mother, Rose Rapoport

In 1918, Neil Diamond's mother, Rose (née Rapoport), was born.

January 24, 1941: Neil Diamond Born

On January 24, 1941, Neil Leslie Diamond was born. He would become a highly successful American singer-songwriter, selling over 130 million records worldwide.

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.

1963: Marriage to Jaye Posner

In 1963, Neil Diamond married his high-school sweetheart, Jaye Posner.

1967: Separation from Jaye Posner

In 1967, Neil Diamond separated from his wife, Jaye Posner.

December 5, 1969: Marriage to Marcia Murphey

On December 5, 1969, Neil Diamond married production assistant Marcia Murphey.

1969: Divorce from Jaye Posner

In 1969, Neil Diamond divorced his first wife, Jaye Posner.

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.

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.

1979: Diamond Collapses on Stage and Undergoes Surgery

In 1979, Neil Diamond collapsed on stage in San Francisco and was hospitalized for a 12-hour operation to remove a tumor on his spine. He lost feeling in his right leg prior to collapsing.

1994: End of marriage to Marcia Murphey

Neil Diamond's marriage to Marcia Murphey ended in either 1994 or 1995.

1995: End of marriage to Marcia Murphey

Neil Diamond's marriage to Marcia Murphey ended in either 1994 or 1995.

1996: Relationship with Rae Farley

In 1996, Neil Diamond began a relationship with Australian Rae Farley after meeting in Brisbane, Australia.

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!".

September 7, 2011: Engagement to Katie McNeil

On September 7, 2011, Neil Diamond announced his engagement to Katie McNeil on Twitter.

2012: Marriage to Katie McNeil

In 2012, Neil Diamond married Katie McNeil in Los Angeles.

April 20, 2013: Appearance at Fenway Park

On April 20, 2013, Neil Diamond made an unannounced appearance at Fenway Park to sing "Sweet Caroline" during the 8th inning of the first game at Fenway since the Boston Marathon bombing.

2014: Melody Road Fueled by Relationship

In 2014, Neil Diamond said that his album Melody Road was fueled by his relationship with Katie McNeil.

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 7, 2020: Performance at Keep Memory Alive Gala

On March 7, 2020, despite his retirement, Neil Diamond gave a rare performance at the Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala in Las Vegas, where he was being honored.

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.

2020: Sweet Caroline sung by England football fans

In 2020, fans of the England national football team started singing Sweet Caroline after it was played after England defeated Germany at Wembley in Euro 2020.

April 2021: Announcement of A Beautiful Noise musical

In April 2021, it was reported that A Beautiful Noise, a musical based on Neil Diamond's life and songs, would open in Boston in the summer of 2022.

June 18, 2022: "Sweet Caroline" performance at Fenway Park

On June 18, 2022, Neil Diamond sang "Sweet Caroline" during the 8th-inning stretch of a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, joined by Will Swenson from the musical A Beautiful Noise.