Neil Diamond's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Neil Diamond. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (5)

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

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

2007: Inducted into Long Island Music Hall of Fame

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

2019: "Sweet Caroline" added to the National Recording Registry

In 2019, Neil Diamond's 1969 signature song "Sweet Caroline" was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

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March 7, 2020: Performance at the Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala

On March 7, 2020, despite his retirement due to Parkinson's disease, Neil Diamond gave a rare performance at the Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where he was being honored.