Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond engaged with his manager Katie McNeil

2011-09-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Neil Diamond is engaged with his manager Katie McNeil.

On Wednesday "Sweet Caroline" singer shared the news via Twitter .

He wrote on Twitter, "Good news coming from sunny LA/ and you're the first I want to tell/ Katie & I just got engaged/ and I hope you wish us well".

He writing, "I'd like you to meet Katie. I'm lovestruck. I took this photo in London last month."

McNeil produced Diamond's 2009 documentary, "Neil Diamond: Hot August Night/NYC."

Neil Diamond honoured with Kennedy Center award

2011-09-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

Singer Neil Diamond Kennedy Center honored with the award as he announced he was busy again at the age of 70.

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Neil Diamond to his illustrious career, can add another honor, their cultural contributions recognized by the Kennedy Center as one of five artists.

Twitter announced on the 70-year-old singer's manager, Katie McNeil said again that the previous two marriages ended in divorce when was busy.

'Kennedy' actress Meryl Streep with the value of joining Diamond, Broadway singer and actress Barbara Cook and saxophonist Rollins said Apple.

They recognised Diamond for being "among the most accomplished pop songwriters of our era. In five prolific decades he has created one of the most enduring catalogs of American popular music. Encompassing and transforming the many styles that define American popular music - from rock , folk and blues to country."

Diamond currently toured Britain and said that he was "flying way above sea level" when heard about the honor.

He said, "I've watched, and I've seen, and I've even dreamed that someday that would happen to me. But I never really believed that it would."

Diamond said that when people with Sweet Caroline sung with such hits used to get involved, which was written for presidential daughter Caroline Kennedy.

"But I realized pretty quickly that it was a compliment and I had no choice in the matter anyway, so I got with the program and just learned to love it," said Diamond, earlier this year, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been inducted.

The 70-year-old Diamond also has tweeted that he was engaged to a woman named Katie, "but who did not appear that he will not" change his mind. "

Neil Diamond kneeling down to kiss one lucky female fan in a frenzy

2011-07-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Veteran singer Neil Diamond kneeling down in a frenzy, a lucky female fan in the audience to kiss his Birmingham, England show previous week (ends03Jul11) sent the crowd.

Summertime Ball

The 70 years of Thursday night (30Jun11) between the cities by LG back in his seat when an overeager woman he saw in front of the stage.

According to Britain's Daily Mail, Diamond has broken with his performance Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon smooch with a second following a lingering kiss on the lips.

He then asked the audience, "Am I in heaven?", before addressing the female fan: "You kiss very good, wow - are all the girls in this area like you?"

Neil Diamond tickets for thousands of famous pop singer for the Saturday concert

2011-06-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

Neil Diamond tickets for thousands of famous pop singer for the Saturday concert are on sale now.

A major marketing campaign and the 'The Late Late Show' has thousands of tickets to his gig in Dublin Aviva Stadium to remain unsold for a night, despite recent form.

Promoters MCD said last night that "around 3,000" remain unsold.

Some 37,000 tickets -- ranging in price from €65.70 to €99.50 plus booking fee and tax -- have been sold for the 40,000-capacity show.

Despite this, MCD said Ireland remains "his biggest market in the world", with more fans per capita here than anywhere in the world.

Singer (70) Croke Park in 1984, his first gig since played dozens of concerts here.

The 'X Factor' star will be supported by Mary Byrne.

The third performance last summer, crooner Michael Buble which was plagued by sound problems, the stadium hosted the inaugural concert will be in concert.

However, director Martin Murphy Stadium was the glitches have been ironed out.

There is one person to pass through the turnstiles on Saturday will be given a special award, he said.

The Gardai concert - called a special traffic management plan will be put in place are to follow.

Neil Diamond walked away with top at the annual Billboard Awards

2011-05-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

Weekend at the annual Billboard Awards, where U2 and Neil Diamond went with top award held.

U2 walked away with the Top Touring Artist award for their 360 tour whilsts Neil Diamond was honoured with the Icon Award.

Crowd in Las Vegas, where he also received a standing ovation Neil Diamond joked infront accept this award, "I'm gonna get spoiled. Don't do that. I would've settled for a Top 10 record; you didn't have to do the whole award thing. I love it. I don't know exactly what it means to be an icon, but I always wanted to be one. Now I guess I am…I'm gonna Google it right after the show and find out exactly how an icon is supposed to handle himself. But this is absolutely wonderful…What can I say? It's too much."

Neil Diamond revealed Dream

2011-04-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

Neil Diamond revealed to perform Dream a selection of his all time favourite songs of the rock era.

Neil world's biggest songs and songwriters pays homage to some. Dreams includes works originally recorded by such legendary artists as The Beatles, The Eagles, Randy Newman, Bill Withers, Leon Russell, Leonard Cohen and more.

Neil has sold his album Home Before Dark copies more than 125 million, his album debuting at No1 in the US and abroad. His most current release, Hot August Night NYC DVD, is already certified double platinum.

Here is how one critic describes Dreams: "Diamond shows that he is the master of interpretation on Gladys Knights and the Pips' Midnight Train to Georgia. Here with just his plaintive tenor awash with all the weathered scars and some haunting harmonica riffs, the feeling of missing someone far away has never more real than on this rendition of this superb tune. Another heart tugging moment comes with Diamond's sober take of the Beatles' Yesterday. Backed mainly by the piano, Diamond takes his time to squeeze out every ounce of emotion from this ballad. Though the strumming of the acoustic guitar on Alone Again (Naturally) gives a brisk rhythm, it nevertheless does not take away the song's lofty message of finding hope in the times of death, heartbreak and spiritual isolation. While Linda Ronstadt gave Randy Newman's Feels Like Home a bombastic uplift a few years ago, Diamond's take is more like one you would hear performed to an intimate crowd in a coffee shop."

Mary Byrne sing Neil Diamond's songs

2011-03-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

X Factor contestant Mary Byrne will be Neil Diamond's support act at the Aviva, was singing Neil Diamond songs in front of regulars in her local pub

In an interview with the Irish Independent, she said: "Am I excited about it? I still can't believe it's happening.

"It's just been this huge, huge secret for the past few weeks, I wanted to tell people but couldn't.

"I've loved Neil Diamond since I got my first record player and here I am playing with him in my hometown."

Byrne will be perform in front of a crowd of 45,000 at the second concert to take place at the Aviva stadium on Saturday 25th June at 8pm.

She added: "The scale of this is something I don't think I will understand until I walk out on stage. Heaven help me what it's going to feel like."

Neil Diamond Tickets UK Tour Summer 2011

2011-03-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Neil Diamond will come back for a brief mini-tour in the summer of 2011.

On Tuesday June 28th,Neil Diamond will emabark on his tour as he opens his mini-tour at the LG Arena in Birmingham.

The tour will conclude on Saturday July 2nd for an appearance at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Following the performance at the Manchester Evening News Arena on the 4th of July.

The world renown crooner draws the 4-date tour to a close on Saturday, July 9th, with a performance at London’s O2 arena.

Neil Diamond in New Zealand, 2011

2011-03-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Neil Diamond Overwhelmed By Earthquake Devastation In New Zealand

2011-02-24T17:49:00.000-08:00

Earthquake devastation in New Zealand stunned Neil Diamond,after he arrives to the country to perform three upcoming shows.

In the earthquake an estimated 75 people have been died so far and more than 300 of them are missing following Tuesday's (22Feb11) Christchurch quake - and Sweet Caroline singer Diamond admits his visit for concerts in Auckland this weekend (26 & 28Feb11) has taken on a new purpose.

In a tweet to fans, he writes, "A tragic week here in NZ. Hoping to raise funds for earthquake relief and bring some comfort to people with our music in Auckland."

He has posted a link to donate to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal online.

Diamond will also perform in Wellington on 4 March (11).

Neil Diamond Tickets 2011 O2 Men LG Arena

2011-02-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

For a series of special shows,Neil Diamond will come back to UK this summer.Over 120 million albums with 37 top 10 hits so far has been sold by Neil Diamond.

As a record maker and a live entertainer,Neil Diamond is consider as an international force.

Three years back Neil Diamond performed in the UK.Neil Diamond becomes more popular because of his classic songs that have made him one of the world’s greatest live performers including You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Sweet Caroline, I’m a Believer, Cherry, Cherry, I Am I Said, and Cracklin’ Rosie.

NEIL DIAMOND is to play a series of summer concerts this July including a huge stadium concert at Hampden Park Glasgow on 2nd July 2011. He will also play 3 of the largest indoor arenas in England. Neil Diamond Birmingham concert takes place at the LG Arena on 28th June 2011, Neil Diamond Men Arena takes place on 4th July 2011, he finishes the Neil Diamond UK tour at the O2 Arena London on 9th July 2011

Neil Diamond Announces Summer UK Tour - Tickets

2011-02-16T06:50:00.000-08:00

Details of a special UK tour this summer has been unveil by Neil Diamond.The tour include mixture of indoor and outdoor tour dates.

Singer Niel Diamond will embark his tour by playing 1st date at Birmingham's LG Arena on June 28 out of four shows.

At Hampden Park in Glasgow on July 2,Diamond will play an outdoor date before play Manchester's MEN Arena on July 4.

The tour, which will span the singer's long career, will conclude at the O2 Arena in London on July 9.

Neil Diamond's UK tour dates are:

Birmingham, LG Arena – June 28
Glasgow, Hampden Park – July 2
Manchester, MEN Arena – 4
London, O2 Arena – 9

Neil Diamond cancels Wellington show

2011-02-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Due to the lack of a suitable indoor venue,Wellington show of Neil Diamond has been cancelled,say promoters.

Diamond was to perform in Wellington on March 4.

"unforeseen production and logistical challenges associated with staging Neil Diamond's full show outdoors" as the reason for the cancellation,said the promoter in an statement.

Tickets price will be refund to each purchaser,those who have bought tickets online will be automatically refunded and tickets purchased over the counter can be refunded at the point of purchase.

Neil Diamond will still perform at Auckland's Vector Arena on February 26 and 28. New allocations of tickets have been released for both shows.

I Still Consider Myself Rockstar....

2011-01-31T04:40:00.000-08:00

Neil Diamond who recently celebrate his 70th year birthday bash was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.He is very delighted over it and says that he still think of himself as a rockstar.

Alongside Alice Cooper, Tom Waits and Darlene Love at the the New York awards show in March,Neil Diamond will also recognized for his services to rock music.

“I think it’s great. I’m happy that that they recognized me and my work. Any club that has Chuck Berry and Little Richard and The Everly Brothers is a club that I want to be a part of.”

Neil Diamond recently admitted he’s glad he never had to appear on a talent show to get his foot in the door.

“American Idol isn’t typical of people going into the music business,” Diamond told FOX News.

“These youngsters have a chance to express their talent to millions of people and it’s very scary. I would not want do it myself — certainly not in the beginning of my career.

“But the best advice I can offer people is to love what you’re doing, love your work and be ready to work, work and work. With that combination and a little bit of luck, you might have a chance to get out there and have your music heard.”

Neil Diamond Pay Tribute To Don Kirshner

2011-01-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

Rock promoter Don Kirshner has been paid tribute by Neil Diamond.

Don Kirshner died when he was 76 year old,he was also a music publisher, died of heart failure In a hospital in Boca Raton on Monday (January 17).

The careers of Prince, The Police and Lionel Richie has also been helped by Kirshner.

Diamond told the Associated Press that he was very upset on the death of such a great legend.

"ll always be grateful to him for pairing 'I'm A Believer' and other songs of mine with the Monkees,” he said. “The music business never had a better supporter."

Kirshner began his career in the music industry as a song writer and he was recognised by the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.

‘Neil Diamond Radio’ Returns to Sirius XM Radio

2011-01-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

To commemorate Neil Diamond’s forthcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.The Satellite Radio service provider will be re-launching ‘Neil Diamond Radio’ announced by Sirius XM Radio today.

Last year in October,for a seven day Sirius XM previously broadcast ‘Neil Diamond Radio’ to celebrate Diamond’s new album Dreams which featured the legendary performer’s interpretations of his all time favorite rock tunes.

In the five decades of his career Neil Diamond had a success to sold over 125 million albums worldwide,has had 16 Top Ten albums, and an amazing 37 Top Ten singles.

The Grammy Award, the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, a Golden Globe Award had been won by Neil Diamond.He was also recognized as the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year. Diamond will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.

Neil Diamond Radio’ will air on Sirius Internet Radio channel 804 and XM Radio Online channel 31, as well as on Sirius XM’s Limited Engagement channel on it’s mobile apps.

Neil Diamond will perform at Stevenson High School

2011-01-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

Neil Diamond impersonator Tom Sadge will play at Stevenson High School on 29 January Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Sadge with his tribute Neil Diamond have traveled the world for the previous 12 years, and when return become a favorite of the most discriminating Diamond fans.

While working a 2002 show in Pennsylvania so Diamond leaned over the stage, Sadge told between more than thousand folk "This guy sounds just like me!"

The concert performing arts series part of the Stevenson High School Foundation's Spotlight on Stevenson.

If you want more information on the foundation so visit there websites, http://www.d125.org/foundation. To visit Tom Sadge's website, go to http://www.tomsadge.com/.

Tribute Show To Neil Diamond

2011-01-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

A Neil Diamond tribute show on Saturday, January 8,at the Oshawa Legion Brance 43, 471 Simcoe Street South had been performed by Joey Purpura.

Joey Purpura is nowhere similar than Niel Diamond More like Patrick Swyaze, say fans.Several time he had been asked if he knows who he looks like, he says “As soon as I hear, \'do you know who you look like?’ I know they will want to tell me, Patrick Swayze, so I answer, Danny Devito?”

Born in Montreal, the 34-year-old was blessed with the gift of mimicry and was bestowed with the passion for music through his dad who played records and sang around the house, he says in a release.

“My dad sang constantly and I remember watching the thick 78-speed records he brought over from his native Italy spin on the turntable. I would sing along to those Italian songs... Soon I was singing all the time.”

His passion for singing had been seen in Oshawa as he performs a Neil Diamond tribute show.Purpura says he enjoys Diamond’s music because, “He’s a veritable troubadour. I have been amazed at how beloved he is. I had no idea.”

Neil diamond, Alice Cooper and Tom Waitsin the Rock and Roll Hall

2011-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Neil diamond, Alice Cooper and Tom Waits are corroborated for Rock Hall. Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class of 2011 was include a public on Tuesday through a number of media outlets, a day ahead of Wednesday morning's official announcement by the Hall.

At the 26th Annual Induction Ceremony Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Dr. John and Darlene Love they will exit the Hall on 14 march 2011 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

The original band guys instantly said, "I was elated," Cooper told Rolling Stone, 'Well, remember when we started in high school?' [Laughs] 'Here we are. Only took 45 years."

Neil Diamond to be inducted into Rock Hall of Fame

2010-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has disclose its 2011 inductees, and many oldies artists have finally made the final cut. Neil Diamond and Dr. John get succuss on their very first nomination, while Darlene Love wins after two previous nominations in 1999 and 2010.

Here's the full list of 2011 Hall of Fame nominees. Click on a link to read their profile:

Beastie Boys
Bon Jovi
Chic
Alice Cooper
Neil Diamond
Donna Summer
Donovan
Dr. John
The J. Geils Band
LL Cool J
Darlene Love
Laura Nyro
Joe Tex
Tom Waits
Chuck Willis

The winners will be inducted at the annual ceremony held on March 14 in New York.

Neil Diamond eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall

2010-12-23T04:33:00.000-08:00

For many years Neil Diamond had been eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall, he was never worried because he newer got a nomination to connect music's prestigious club.

According to the news he said in a phone interview, "I thought about it occasionally, but I kind of figured they'd get around to me at some point".

Diamond hits include "Sweet Caroline," made the list, along with the Alice Cooper Band, New Orleans musician Dr. John, Darlene Love and singer-songwriter Tom Waits.

Piano man Leon Russell was respected with a musical excellence award, category of the previously sideman, Executives Jac Holzman and Art Rupe were given the Ahmet Ertegun Awards.

'Dreams,' Neil Diamond

2010-12-11T03:02:00.000-08:00

Most of the fans are disappointed on the release of the Neil Diamond new album 'Dreams'.Diamond after the release of this album seems to be tired with his passion because this is not we actually want Diamond to be.

But Dreams? It’s just disappointing, man — especially on the heels of Home Before Dark, which was such a great late-career album.

The ablum 'Dreams' is seriously for some other kind of people's song - ones that Diamond holds dear. There’s a little Cohen, some Lennon and McCartney, a little Eagles. But where he might usually lay that great snarling sass down on his own songs — the swagger that makes the ladies go crazy — he simply throws a wet blanket over old songs here.

For Troubled Americans Diamond Plans Another Uplifting Anthem

2010-12-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

For those people who have fall-out due to recession in America, Neil Diamond has decided to is work on an uplifting new anthem for those people.

Diamond who is very renowned for some of the America's most inspiring songs - like Sweet Caroline and America, which have been adopted as unofficial anthems - and now has plan to release another.

He tells Parade magazine, "We’re so inundated with bad news, and I would like to write a song that’s an optimistic, uplifting view of what America can and will be. That would be a challenge. I don’t even know if I could do it."

Neil Diamond goes back to basics with covers CD; talks Twitter, rock and baseball hall of fame

2010-11-21T00:16:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Neil Diamond recorded his latest album, "Dreams," with just a guitar and a microphone, interpreting old classics in a very intimate setting that puts the focus squarely on his voice.
But the 69-year-old legend is hoping the stripped arrangement draws listeners closer to something else he holds dear — the songs' lyrics. While he knows people are pretty familiar with the tunes on this album, which include "Midnight Train To Georgia," ''Hallelujah" and "Yesterday," he wanted to highlight the stories behind them that made them special in the first place.
"On my songs, I worked very hard on the lyrics and I want people to hear them. I felt these songs deserve to be heard, and so they are," said Diamond in a recent interview, where he delved more into "Dreams," discussed his affection for Twitter and getting "Sweet Caroline" into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Associated Press: Explain the title "Dreams."
Neil Diamond: I titled it that because the album is really a dream of mine. It was an idea, a feeling, a desire of mine to do these songs. ... I haven't been able to do it for my entire career. I just felt at this point, if not now, when?
AP: After two such successful albums with Rick Rubin, what made you want to do covers?
Neil Diamond: I went into the studio just to sing for my own amusement. Just take my guitar in front of a microphone and sing. I didn't have any new songs of mine to sing, so I went back and just did some of my favourite songs that have been out there. I did it every Friday for months. Just as an upper for me. Kind of a tonic for the rest of the week. ... It was more like an accidental album.
AP: Do you ever get intimidated reinterpreting someone else's song, like the Beatles song?
Neil Diamond: I've never gotten intimidated. I will always try a song. There are certain songs that you just cannot sing. They are not made for you. I did try a Brazilian song on this album, and there was no way I could sing it. It was kind of a bossa nova thing. No way I could get all the words and the notes in. I was very frustrated. I tried, and tried and tried and just said, "It is just not made for me to sing."
AP: You are on Twitter. Talk about social media and interacting directly with your fans.
Neil Diamond: Yeah, I tweet. Occasionally I do. There is nothing lost in translation. I like that and it is simple. As a songwriter, you are limited to a very short list of words, a number that you can use in a song. A hundred words, 150 words, that is it. So, to have a medium where I can reach out to people and share part of my life and have only 147 or so characters ... you have to say it very briefly and I like that.
AP: As a musical icon and grandfather, how do you combine that?
Neil Diamond: Well, I would like my grandkids to be involved in music. I have given them guitars. I have offered them lessons. They just take to it. I've never put any pressure on them. If they continue to love it, and want to do it, they will. But, the bottom line is, I want them to have their hearts and minds open to music, because it is nourishment to the soul.
AP: John Fogerty's "Centerfield" was recently honoured by the Baseball's Hall of Fame this year. Do you think Sweet Caroline will get its due from the hall?
Neil Diamond: It was honoured by the Baseball Hall of Fame? Wonderful, I didn't know they honoured songs. Well, hey, you know "Sweet Caroline" is there and it would love to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. That would be a real kick for me, because I'm a big baseball fan.
AP: What did you feel when you were finally nominated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Neil Diamond: My music is very broad. It is based on rock 'n' roll. But it also has a folk element, it has a country element to it, which is pretty strong. I was never sure they would take me in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They still haven't, I have just been nominated. But, I am very happy to be a part of that. I think any group that has a Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and the Everly Brothers is a group I want to be a part of.

Neil Diamond Tickets Prices Rise

2010-11-12T02:41:00.000-08:00

Since Neil Diamond last played in Wellington, he has doubled his ticket prices,but he's still a steal compared with the Rolling Stones.

According to Ticketek's website,The most costly tickets for Diamond's gig at Westpac Stadium on March 4 will set fans back $199.90,Cheaper options to watch the man responsible for a swag of hits including Sweet Caroline and Cracklin' Rosie are priced at $149.90 and $99.90.

In March 2005 Neil Diamond performed in front of 33000 the tickets of which only cost between $60 and $100.

Sherayl McNabb attended the 2005 concert, "I love Neil Diamond" she said, but she don't know the reason for this high price but may be because value of money increase.She expressed that no matter how expensive the tickets are but you wouldn't like atmosphere where people are drunk and fighting around you-that happened with us in 2005

"I would have expected the price to go up, but $200 is too expensive."

She said that she would consider paying $100, as it would going to be very difficult in tight economy to sell out 33000 tickets this time

Neil Diamond told The Dominion Post last month that he was looking forward to performing Down Under. "The audiences down there are spectacular and any performer wants to get in front of an audience like that. That's what it's all about."

The singer-songwriter has sold 128 million albums worldwide. His 2008 album, Home Before Dark, went straight to No 1 in New Zealand, the United States and Britain.

He will also perform at Vector Arena in Auckland on February 26 and 28.

A new 14-song collection by Neil Diamond

2010-11-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

A new collection of 14 songs, title "DREAM" by Neil Diamond is available in stores now. The album title "Dream" is comprises of his favorite songs from other composers of the rock era.

The covers include "Let It Be Me" by the Everly Brothers, "Blackbird" and "Yesterday" by the Beatles, and Leon Russell's "A Song for You.This album spot-lighted on music that influenced Neil Diamond when he was growing up in Brooklyn.

Other songs include Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again (Naturally)," Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," and Randy Newman's "Feels Like Home" and "Losing You."

Diamond Mentioned that "he has wanted to record these songs for more than 40 years"

Neil Diamond final Electric Prom legend

2010-09-15T04:39:00.000-07:00

Singer songwriter Neil Diamond has been announces at London concert as part of festival as the final 'legend' for this year's Radio 2 Electric Proms. The Diamond will play in London the Roundhouse on October 30, this concert have also including Elton John (28) and Robert Plant (29) at the same venue. At the movement ticket are go on sale and will be announced more name for this year's BBC Electric Proms soon.

Neil Diamond Tribute Show

2010-08-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

DESPITE his uncanny natural resemblance to the iconic singer songwriter, Neil Diamond, Sydney musician Peter Byrne has never lost his sense of self.
The Dublin born musician, his popular tribute show who has been performing Forever Diamond for almost two decades, in his performances he said always asserts his own, and is no mere Neil Diamond copyist.
“It’s not a typical tribute show. I’m not a clone, I don’t try to talk or look like him,” the 48 year old said.
“It is more of a tribute to his music.”
The Sydney based musician said he always enjoyed the music of Neil Diamond but it wasn’t until people began marvelling at his vocal similarity to the American artist that he started to learn and perform his songs.
He said, “There were a lot of tribute bands around at the time. People said it would have a longevity of five years”.
Eighteen years later, Byrne continues to perform his Forever Diamond show to adoring audiences at clubs and venues across Australia and internationally, playing such hits as Cherry Cherry, Crunchy Granola Suite, Sweet Caroline and Solitary Man to critical acclaim.
In 1996 he experienced a career highlight in when he came face to face with the actual Neil Diamond, who later wrote to Byrne to wish him luck for an upcoming performance.
Having first picked up a guitar at age 7, Byrne continues to perform as a musician in his own right. He harbours no confusion about where Neil Diamond ends and where Peter Byrne begins, and his self confidence is perhaps best expressed in his choice for a favourite Diamond song.
“I Am, I Said. The words and lyrics are true to life, it’s an amazing song,” he said.

At Mounties forever Diamond performs on Saturday, 7 August. For details, call 9822 3566.

At Harmon Meadow with the sounds of Neil Diamond, Secaucus Summer Concert Series opens Thursday

2010-06-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

A Neil Diamond tribute band will kick off Secaucus' Summer Concert Series this Thursday at the Plaza Courtyard in Harmon Meadow.
Fans attending the show, which gets underway at 5:30 p.m., will be able to enjoy a variety of free food and family activities. The event is co-sponsored by Hartz Mountain Industries and the town of Secaucus, arrangers said.
Neil And The Diamonds' song list boasts all the essentials from the Diamond canon, including "Bluejeans," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Sweet Caroline," and "Coming to America."
The northern New Jersey band, A True Story, will warm up the crowd with its signature blend of modern rock, pop and metal.
While enjoying the music, Harmon Meadow restaurants and cafés will offer guests free food samples.
Participating restaurants and cafés include Houlihan's, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Cosi, Starbucks, Bazooka's and many more. Adding to the fun and festivities will be free face painting, balloon sculptures, and cotton candy.
"The Secaucus Summer Concert Series is a great chance for the residents of Secaucus and our neighbors to come out, look a show, and enjoy each others' company," said Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli. This event is free.
The concert and fun will start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 at the Plaza Courtyard at 700 Plaza Drive in Harmon Meadow.
Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, as there will be limited seating. The rain date is Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Play Me - Neil Diamond

2010-03-31T02:20:00.000-07:00

Stars Salute Neil Diamond At MusiCares Event

2010-02-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

Good times never seemed so good for Neil Diamond as they did last night (Feb. 6). The pop icon was named MusiCares Person of the Year at the annual fundraiser for the charity, which helps musicians who have fallen on hard times."This is a great honor, of course," Diamond said at the event, which was held at the L.A. Convention Center and attracted a crowd of 2,200 people. "I've been writing music for a little over 50 years now, and it's hard to believe because it seems like yesterday."Diamond said he started taking guitar lessons as a child in a fit of depression after the Brooklyn Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. His parents bought him a guitar, and paid it off over the course of 10 weeks at the price of $1 a week."It was a good investment, mom," Diamond said to his mother Rose, who was in attendance. "You made the beginning of a life for me."A host of stars paid tribute to Diamond by performing his songs. The Jonas Brothers played "Forever in Blue Jeans," Jennifer Hudson belted out "Holly Holy" and Urge Overkill did its famed cover of "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon" from the "Pulp Fiction" soundtrack.A Tejano band called Los Volcanes performed "Red Red Wine," a booking Diamond joked that happened after he called band member Eddie Rodriguez by accident, when he really meant to call Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder. "This is like the greatest karaoke night ever," noted host Jimmy Kimmel.Diamond closed the evening with a mini-set of his own, including a run through "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" with Faith Hill. The event was chaired by Ticketmaster Entertainment CEO Irving Azoff, Diamond's longtime business manager Marshall Gelfand and AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke.Among the items auctioned off at the benefit were a customized 2009 Acura TL which went for $55,000 and a Britney Spears London Experience, which included business class airfare to see the "Circus" tour in London, for $30,000.In addition, Diamond donated his own perfectly restored 1956 Thunderbird for the auction, and Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow bought it. He promised to take Diamond out for a ride.For Billboard.com's Grammy microsite, please click here.The complete set list:"Forever in Blue Jeans," the Jonas Brothers"Holly Holy," Jennifer Hudson"Cracklin' Rosie," Adele"Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon," Urge Overkill"I'm a Believer," Coldplay"Kentucky Woman," Chris Cornell"Solitary Man," Raul Malo"Love on the Rocks," Cassandra Wilson and Terence Blanchard"Red Red Wine," Los Volcanes"Hello Again," Tim McGraw"Delirious Love," Foo Fighters"Play Me," Josh GrobanNeil Diamond set:"Cherry, Cherry""Love on the Rocks""You Don't Bring Me Flowers" with Faith Hill"Pretty Amazing Grace""America""Sweet Caroline

Super Diamond the next best thing to real Neil

2009-11-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, there was really a time when Neil Diamond wasn't super-cool.
American songwriters one of the great -- "I'm a Believer," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon," "Solitary Man," "Kentucky Woman," "Song Sung Blue," "I Am ... I Said" and, yes, "Sweet Caroline" -- two decades ago Diamond was nothing more than what your parents liked.
Which makes Randy Cordero a bit of a trailblazer.
Sixteen years ago, Cordero and some friends in the San Francisco Bay area formed what was to become the Diamond tribute band Super Diamond. The group, for which Cordero is the lead singer, plays nothing but Diamond songs and will do so this Friday at the 9:30 Club.
"He had all these great songs I grew up with that no one paid attention to," Cordero said during a recent phone interview. "I thought this would be fun to do in a club setting. I expected more boos than cheers."
The fact that it wasn't the cool thing to do to cover Diamond was partly why Cordero started the group.
"The Beatles have a bunch of great songs, but there's a lot of people who do them," said Cordero, who can do a solid Diamond impersonation. "It wasn't safe. The tide has really changed since I started doing it."
In current years, the 68 year old Diamond has recorded two critically acclaimed, Rick Rubin produced albums that went gold and has sold out arenas across the country. The plot of the 2001 film "Saving Silverman" includes a Diamond cover band, and Diamond makes a cameo in the film. But Cordero doesn't attribute Diamond's resurgence to his band's early allegiance to the star.
"I wouldn't take any credit for that," he said. "We're not any more than a club band.
"It's a tribute to Neil Diamond, not us," Cordero added.
A Super Diamond show feels like a party and promises all the hits.
Diamond himself has endorsed Super Diamond, even sitting in with the band once at a show, something Cordero will never forget.
"It was surreal," he said. "It was great. We didn't have to rehearse. He knew the songs."

The album that made Diamond a music gem, long play

2009-11-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Loyal creature fan Neil Diamond . Under attack, it will hold its lovingly worn copy of Hot August Night high, shielding itself from the stinging rain of musical snobbery.
For every critic who accuses Diamond of padding out his canon with pretentious, overblown fluff, there's a supporter who will point to the statistics that prove him to be one of soft rock's most successful acts, perhaps failing to realise that the evidence supports both positions.
YouTube subscriber shutterbugk8 states pithily: Neil Diamond, musical genius, the Mozart of our time.
Again, the comparison arguably swings two ways.
Live double album Hot August Night (1972) marked Diamond's coming of age as a performer. Recorded during a 10 date stint at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, it captured the moment the one-time-anonymous Brill Building songwriter became big arena showman, confidently counting off his back catalogue of hits while toying with spontaneity.
Not for nothing was Diamond dubbed the Jewish Elvis. The album's orchestral prologue built glorious tension before the core instruments made their entry, Vegas-style, kicking off a rousing rendition of Crunchy Granola Suite, with Diamond punctuating his vocals with a "Good Lord!" here and a "Dig!" there. It was spine tingling stuff, this homage to a breakfast cereal.
Diamond flicked effortlessly between growling rocker and crooning balladeer, delivering astutely arranged readings of his quirky repertoire. The odd vocal glitch only added to the immediacy and trueness of the recording, which held the listener in thrall in the same way it did the audience in the arena and the tree people on the hill.
The top drawer numbers were all there Solitary Man; Cherry Cherry; Sweet Caroline; Red, Red Wine; Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon; and Cracklin Rosie among them. So were the clangers. Porcupine Pie, anyone?
But by the time Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show wound to its feverish climax, more than a few unbelievers had been converted.

For Fans On Halloween, Surreal Neil Sings

2009-10-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

Local Neil Diamond tribute band Super Diamond brings a full set of earnest AM radio hits from the 1970s to stage, delighting the group's campy, nostalgic fan base. Singer Randy Cordero started playing around with Neil Diamond covers back in the late '80s. San Francisco when he moved and started performing his uncanny imitation as "the Surreal Neil" in local clubs, the idea of a full band tribute to Diamond soon started to take shape.
Cordero and company have become one of the most in demand cover bands in the country over the course of the last decade, selling out venues on both coasts. The act was even tabbed to play the premiere party for 'Saving Silverman,' the Jason Biggs/Jack Black comedy that prominently featured Diamond's music. The celebration culminated with the real Neil sharing the stage with the band.
Super Diamond gives die hard Neil fans a fix when they're jonesing for the real thing, providing the right mix of emotive camp and affectionate tribute. While the Halloween weekend is sure to bring out a variety of costurmes from attendees, but bellbottoms, platforms and period attire are recommended. Knights of Monte Carlo open the show.

The Chanukah Song for A Cherry Cherry Christmas Neil Diamond sings

2009-10-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

'Cherry Cherry Christmas' Neil Diamond's newly released Christmas CD, includes Adam Sandler's original 'The Chanukah Song '. Although not as comedic as Sandler's version, Diamond finishes the album with taste by including all Sandler's favorite personalities.
Neil Diamond's see the artical A Cherry Cherry Christmas CD Includes Sandler's The Chanukah Song for the rest of the story and a complete playlist.

Effect Neil Diamond

2009-10-15T03:08:00.000-07:00

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Rough in the Diamond

2009-10-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Neil Diamond Tribute showJoey Purpura his brings, Diamond In The Rough, Friday, October 16 at 8 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion hall on Nelson Street, Hawkesbury.Call 613) 632-5136 for tickets. Purpure for more information.“Not only does Joey master the nuances of Diamond’s vocal tones and phrasing (so completely that some conference members have mistakenly believed him to be lip synching), but his occasional anecdotes describing the background behind Neil’s compositions add to the impact of the performance and his show impresses even the most devoted Neil Diamond fans,” according to a press release. “Joey’s Neil Diamond Tribute Rough in the Diamond, serves up a feel good tonic of dance’ n’ cheer, celebrating the power, energy and emotion of Diamond’s music to joyous and heartfelt perfection.”

Neil Diamond Christmas CD To Feature Guns N' Roses Produced Song

2009-10-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

Neil Diamond Christmas CD To Feature Guns N' Roses Produced Song was a top story for this week. Here it is again: (Columbia Records) Columbia Records announces the release of A Cherry Cherry Christmas, the new Neil Diamond holiday collection, available in stores and online Tuesday, October 13.The title song, "Cherry Cherry Christmas," is filled with references to many of Diamond's greatest hits. Newly written and recorded by Neil Diamond for Christmas 2009, it is destined to become a new Christmas standard. Newly included with the re-mastered classics are a transcendent "Amazing Grace"; another new Neil Diamond original, "Christmas Dream"; and a time of party version of Adam Sandler's comedic "The Chanukah Song," produced by DJ Ashba (Guns N' Roses).

Neil Diamond still a Brooklyn cowboy

2009-10-03T04:01:00.000-07:00

For all his fame and fortune, at heart, Neil Diamond is still a Brooklyn cowboy.
In “Neil Diamond is Forever,” an illustrated history of the musician, with exclusive photos and interviews, including coverage of his 2008 tour and this year’s Grammy gala salute, Jon Bream chronicles the pop icon’s rise to fame, starting with his Coney Island roots.
“There’s a lot of stuff about Brooklyn in there,” says Bream. “I think one of the things I didn’t know was that he was born and Brooklyn and grew up there, but lived for four years in Cheyenne (Wyoming). That had a big impact on him. He fell in love with cowboys and riding horses. He thought of himself as a Brooklyn cowboy.”

As much himself Diamond says, telling Rolling Stone in 1988, “I think Cheyenne had a big influence on me. That’s where I got my love of cowboys. Because I always thought I was one after I came back from Cheyenne.”
Back in Brooklyn, the book details, Diamond attended Erasmus High School, where he sang in the same choir as Barbra Streisand, though the two didn’t know each other at the time, and then for his senior year went to Abraham Lincoln High School, which Diamond has described, says Bream, as “moving from the inner city to a school that was more like Greece,” with the school more arts oriented.”
In addition to singing in the choir there, he also took up fencing, a skill you can still look to this day, believe it or not, in Diamond’s stage swagger, which he says is inspired by fencing moves.
It was also at Lincoln that he saw current graduate Neil Sedaka perform. After seeing that, his own performance roots became to take shape, as he started to perform as a duo with a friend.
Not much longer after that, Diamond became famous, writing hits for the Monkees and following with his own, including “Solitary Man,” “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Love on the Rocks,” and “America,” with 115 million albums sold worldwide. (By now, Diamond has earned himself another nickname, this one from his fans: the “Jewish Elvis.”)
Bream, a music critic for the Minneapolis Star Tribune since 1974, has been covering Diamond’s career for nearly just as long, following every tour since 1976 and talking with the star seven times.
In his new book, he goes through these interviews, salvaged from old cassettes, collected fan memorabilia from all over the world, including rare posters, t-shirts, record sleeves, and tickets.
Bream is brimming with trivia about Diamond. Last year, he notes, the musician, at 68, was the oldest solo artist to headline a major arena tour. He was also the oldest person to get a number one record, with “Home Before Dark.”
The author has asked Diamond about this drive, as the star approaches his 70s, to keep performing, which he answered with a fencing analogy.
“In fencing they have a thing called blade hunger, that when you’re on the sidelines you want to get in and fence,” says Bream. “He feels the same way about performing. It’s just in him, something he’s got to do.”
And through it all, adds Bream, Diamond has remained consistent, always gracious, always striving to be better, whether he was a superstar performing before millions or a kid playing stickball on the streets of Coney Island.
“His love of Brooklyn,” says Bream, “clearly shines through.”

Fencing medal for luck to Neil Diamond!

2009-09-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Singer Neil Diamond has revealed that he turns to a fencing medal he won as a abolescent for luck.
The 68 year old star said the prize he won as a high school student works as his lucky charm. "This actually tiny fencing medal has been a nice omen for me,” the Daily Express quoted him as saying.
“I do believe in luck, and I some how think this medal brings me good fortune.
"(Winning it) was a defining moment for me. It actually did change me because it raised my self esteem," he added.

DIAMOND'S FENCING MEDAL IS LUCKY CHARM, NEIL DIAMOND

2009-09-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

NEIL DIAMOND turns to a fencing medal he won as a teenager when he's feeling low because he thinks the prize is a good luck charm.The Sweet Caroline hitmaker admits the swordfighting honour he won as a high school student in New York gave him the boost he needed to follow his musical dreams. He says, "This actually tiny fencing medal has been a good omen for me. I do believe in luck, and I somehow think this medal brings me good fortune. "(Winning it) was a defining moment for me. It actually did change me because it raised my self-esteem."

Love Neil Diamond, By David Wild, How I Learned to Stop Worrying

2009-09-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

David Wild is a "Diamondhead". It has been this way since childhood, when the music of Neil Diamond filtered through his family home: the Wilds worshipped the musician as a "Jewish Elvis". David Wild manages to turn his personal passion into a profession and becomes a Rolling Stone journalist charged with interviewing his hero several times. He wins Diamond over and the Wild family receives a personal invitation to gigs.
The book, then, is part Wild's memoir, part biography of Diamond, tracing the arc of his career and private life. It was at a progressive Jewish camp in 1956 that Diamond was inspired to take up guitar, going on to produce what Wild feels is the "almost existential quality of loneliness" at the heart of his best early work. He paints a portrait of a solitary, otherworldly, self deprecating musician with single minded vision, who made a decision to please the masses rather than the critics.
Wild is captivated by Diamond's "beautiful noise" and the "semireligious experience" of speaking with the man. While his enthusiasm is not always infectious, the book sheds insights into the fascinating psychology of fandom.

Neil Diamond is Forever

2009-08-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

The man had stood before Jon Bream dozens of times over the course of four decades, as an interview subject and as a performer. But Bream's approach of Neil Diamond has abided the same throughout, even as other critics changed their minds, because after every conversation the two ever had, Diamond would tell Bream, "Stop by the show and say hi."
Through a collection of interviews, mementos and memorabilia, such candor becomes the main headquartes in Bream's Neil Diamond is Forever: The Man and His Music, out Oct. 15. A longtime music journalist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Bream had earlier investigated the life of Prince and graphiced the history of Led Zeppelin in past books. But for Diamond, Bream needed to further establish the legacy he had to fans. "These books are designed to be the eventual fan books, and Neil Diamond had incredibly devoted, fanatic fans," Bream tells Paste. "So we needed to put together a project that would give them the eventual fan book."As shown in the book, the conversations Bream had with Diamond have been characteristically consistent. All had been over the phone, and all had brought up one subject in particular."The interesting thing is the one topic we have always covered over the years: the relationship he has with his conferences," Bream says. "It's interesting to see how he relates to them, how he treats them. It becomes interesting to see how those answers would evolve."Neil Diamond is Forever also contains photos of 45 singles, ticket bits and other merchandise Bream saved from Diamond's merchandise manager of the mid '70s to mid '90s. Much of what illustrates the 160-page book is a acting of his career, though mementos like a handwritten thank you note from Diamond evident the personality that very few saw on a regular basis.But while Bream's compensation spans Diamond's absolute career, the book fails to provide the answer to just one question: why he has never been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "I dont' think the process has been fair. There are people with less impact and less success that are in the Hall of Fame. One hit wonders," Bream says. "But Neil exactly had a distinguished career, whether you like it or not."

DVD and show to Diamond excited

2009-08-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

Neil Diamond has accepted he feels like "an expectant father" as he waits for his new concert DVD to hurt the shops.
The singer's latest offering, Hot August Night/NYC, will be in Walmart stores in the US on Friday and a companion TV specific will air the same day and he can't wait.
"Basically I feel like an anticipant father and I'm just nervously sitting around the waiting room hoping that the baby is healthy and happy," the 68 year old said.
The DVD, filmed during Diamond's accomplishment at Madison Square Garden last summer, armpad more than two dozen songs including classics such as Sweet Caroline and Love On The Rocks.
Diamond said he wanted to make a agreement film for years and "just never got to it".
He finally decided to shoot a show in his native New York City. "There's something specfic when you play your hometown," he said. "It makes my felling that I haven't filmed antecedent tours, but I'm happy we got this one."
The television special includes extract from the DVD and pictures from Diamond's recent trip home.
Diamond said, "This is my first TV special in over 20 years, so I feel my heart beating a little faster. It's exciting,"

Hot August Night Of Neil Diamond

2009-08-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

wIT was back in 1972 that Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night, recorded live at the Greek Theatre in LA, helped turn him into a superstar. Last year he played another hot August night but he did not famous, this time he played same on Hot August Night in his Big Apple hometown. Photography on double CD and DVD and every body like him, the setlist boasts all the hallmark hits plus a handful of stripped back songs from his recent sessions with Rick Rubin. His voice isn’t what it was but I Am I Said, Cracklin’ and it has famous Rosie and Brother Love’s was very happy and Travelling Salvation Show still sound strong and there’s a huge Sweet Caroline singalong that all but raises the roof. PC

Esplanade last night and Neil Diamond

2009-07-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

The evening’s biggest draw, though, was Neil Diamond, who appeared early in the evening for a jaunty one-two punch of “Cracklin’ Rosie’’ and “Forever In Blue Jeans.’’

He waited till the national broadcast of the festivities began before he busted out the big guns. It’s one exciting for 40,000 people at Fenway to sing “Sweet Caroline’’; it’s another entirely to hear about a half-million holler “So good! So good! So good!’’ at the top of their lungs.

Diamond did what anybody would do during the brief break: He launched into the song again. If anything, the “bap ba baa’’s were even louder when nobody at home was listening.

Neil Diamond Tickets are on sale now

2009-07-09T02:43:00.000-07:00

A good news for the fans of Neil Diamond that he is going to announced a new tour towards UK and Europe soon. Don's miss the chance to see his live extravaganza performance.Buy and Sell Neil Diamond tickets London, Neil Diamond tickets Manchester, Neil Diamond tickets Glasgow, Neil Diamond tickets Paris, Neil Diamond tickets Milan, Neil Diamond tickets Amsterdam and other Neil Diamond concert tickets for tour dates.

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Neil Diamond Ticket Seller

2009-07-09T02:38:00.001-07:00

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Neil Diamond Compilations

2009-07-09T02:35:00.000-07:00

1968 Neil Diamond's Greatest Hits
1970 Shilo
1971 Do It
1973 Double Gold
1973 Rainbow (Certified Gold by the RIAA)
1974 His Twelve Greatest Hits (Certified 4x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA)
1976 And the Singer Sings His Songs
1978 Early Classics
1981 Love Songs (Certified Gold by the RIAA)
1982 Twelve Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (Certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA)
1983 Classics: The Early Years (Certified Platinum by the RIAA)
1992 The Greatest Hits: 1966–1992 (Certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA)
1992 Glory Road: 1968-1972
1996 In My Lifetime (Certified Gold by the RIAA)
1996 The Ultimate Collection
1999 The Best of the Movie Album
1999 The Neil Diamond Collection
2001 The Essential Neil Diamond (Certified Platinum by the RIAA)
2002 The Very Best of Neil Diamond
2002 Play Me: The Complete Uni/MCA Studio Recordings
2005 Gold
2008 The Best of Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond Live Albums

2009-07-09T02:32:00.000-07:00

Title	Release date	Peak chart positions
Title	Release date	U.S.	U.K.	AUS
Gold: Recorded Live at the Troubadour	1970	10	23	34
Hot August Night	1972	5	32	1
Love At The Greek	1977	8	3	7
Hot August Night II	1987	59	74	52
Live in America	1994	93	—	—
Stages (5 CDs of live recordings plus a DVD)	2003	137	—	—

Neil Diamond Studio Albums

2009-07-09T02:27:00.000-07:00

Title	Release date	Peak chart positions
Title	Release date	U.S.	U.K.	AUS
The Feel of Neil Diamond	1966	137	—	—
Just for You	1967	80	—	—
Velvet Gloves and Spit (re-released in 1970 with a new recorded version of "Shilo")	1968	—	—	—
Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show (later renamed Sweet Caroline)	1969	82	—	—
Touching You, Touching Me	1969	30	—	9
Tap Root Manuscript	1970	13	19	31
Stones	1971	11	18	13
Moods	1972	5	7	4
Jonathan Livingston Seagull (soundtrack)	1973	2	35	1
Serenade	1974	3	11	1
Beautiful Noise	1976	4	10	1
I'm Glad You're Here With Me Tonight	1977	6	16	5
You Don't Bring Me Flowers	1978	4	15	30
September Morn	1979	10	14	3
The Jazz Singer (soundtrack)	1980	3	3	10
On the Way to the Sky	1981	17	39	12
Heartlight	1982	9	43	8
Primitive	1984	35	7	45
Headed for the Future	1986	20	36	72
The Best Years of Our Lives	1988	46	42	92
Lovescape	1992	44	36	13
The Christmas Album	1992	8	50	18
Up On The Roof: Songs From The Brill Building	1993	28	28	25
The Christmas Album 2	1994	51	—	—
Tennessee Moon A	1996	14	12	2
The Movie Album: As Time Goes By	1998	31	68	—
Three Chord Opera	2001	15	49	3
12 Songs	2005	4	5	40
Home Before Dark	2008	1	1	9

Neil Diamond Quatations

2009-07-09T02:26:00.000-07:00

"It's very difficult for me to say 'I love you' but to sing 'I love you' for me is easier."
"My voice is unadorned. I don't try for perfection. I try to be honest and truthful and soulful with the voice I have. If I make mistakes in notes, or there are cracks in notes, I don't fix them. That's the way it is."
"Because my musical training has been limited, I've never been restricted by what technical musicians might call a song."
"I've always thought of music as something which gives the words their flight and their wings and the music often comes first, although sometimes I'll have a concept, a title idea, a lyric idea that I want to write and the lyric will come first."

Neil Diamond Picture Gallery

2009-07-09T02:24:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Neil Diamond

2009-07-09T02:12:00.000-07:00

Neil Leslie Diamond was born in January 24, 1941. He is an American singer and songwriter, born in Brooklyn, NY.

From 1960s to 1980s, Diamond was one of the more appealing pop music artists, scoring a number of hits. As critic William Ruhlmann writes, “as of 2001, he claimed worldwide record sales of 115 million copies, and as of 2002 he was positioned third, following only Elton John and Barbra Streisand, on the list of the most winning adult modern artists in the history of the Billboard chart.” As of May 2005 he has sold 120 million records globally as well as 48 million records in the U.S.

while his record sales turned down to some extent after the 1980s, Diamond keeps on to tour productively, and keep up a very loyal subsequent. Diamond’s songs have been recorded by a enormous collection of performers from many different musical kinds.

Diamond was introduced into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, and then in 2000 was given its Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been entitled for initiation into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame since 1989, but has thus far been mistreated.

In 2008 Neil Diamond achieved his first ever Billboard number one album with “Home Before Dark”, the album also became his first studio album to achieve to number one in the UK.

Neil Diamond - The 1980s

2009-04-27T01:08:00.000-07:00

A movie version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" was planned to star Diamond and Streisand, but plans fell through when Diamond starred in a remake of the Al Jolson classic The Jazz Singer in 1980, opposite Sir Laurence Olivier and Lucie Arnaz. Though the movie was not a blockbuster hit at the box office, the soundtrack was a hugely successful album, spawning the 3 Top 10 singles "Love on the Rocks," "Hello Again," and "America." For his role in the film itself, Diamond became the first ever Winner of a Worst Actor Razzie Award, yet he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for the same role.

Another Top 10 chart selection, "Heartlight," was inspired by the blockbuster 1982 movie E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Though the film's title character is never actually mentioned anywhere in the lyrics, Universal Pictures, which had released E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and was the parent company of the Uni Records label, by then referred to as the MCA Records label, for which Diamond had recorded for years, briefly threatened legal action against both Diamond and the Columbia Records label.

Neil Diamond’s record sales slumped somewhat in the 1980s and 1990s, and as of this time, his last single to make the Billboard’s Pop Singles chart was in 1986. However, his concert tours continued to be big draws. Billboard Magazine ranked Diamond as the most profitable solo performer in 1986. In January 1987, Diamond sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl. His song "America" was the theme song for the Michael Dukakis 1988 Presidential campaign. That same year, UB40’s reggae interpretation of Diamond’s ballad “Red Red Wine” would top the Billboard’s Pop Singles chart. Like the version of “I’m a Believer” that The Monkees had recorded, this version became better known than Diamond’s original version.

Neil Diamond - The 1970s

2009-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

After Neil Diamond had signed a deal with the MCA Records label of Universal Pictures' parent company, MCA Inc., whose label was then called the Uni Records label in the late 1960s, he moved to Los Angeles, California in 1970. His sound mellowed, with such songs as "'Cracklin' Rosie," "Sweet Caroline," "Holly Holy," and the country-and-western tinged "Song Sung Blue," which reached #1 on the Hot 100. "Sweet Caroline" was Diamond's first major hit after his slump. Neil Diamond recently admitted in 2007 that he had written "Sweet Caroline" for Caroline Kennedy after seeing her on the cover of Life Magazine in an equestrian riding outfit. It took him just one hour, in a Memphis hotel, to write and compose it. The 1971 "I Am...I Said" was a top five hit in both the U.S. and UK, and was his most intensely personal effort to date, taking upwards of four months to complete.

In 1972, Diamond played ten sold-out concerts at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. During the performance on Thursday, August 24, which was recorded and released as the live double album Hot August Night, Diamond said: "Thank you people in the audience that pays. Tree people out there, God bless you, I'm singing for you too." His reference was to the people hiding and listening from the trees on the hills surrounding the theatre. A few weeks later, in the fall of 1972, Diamond performed a series of one-man concerts on 20 consecutive nights at the Winter Garden Theater in New York. Every one of these reportedly sold out, and the small (approximately 1,600-seat) Broadway theater provided an intimate concert setting not common at the time. Hot August Night demonstrates Diamond's skills as a performer and showman, as he reinvigorated his back catalogue of hits with new energy. Many consider it his best work; critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine calls Hot August Night “the ultimate Neil Diamond record ... [which] shows Diamond the icon in full glory.” The album has become a classic. It was remastered in 2000 with three additional tracks not included in the original release (Walk on Water, Kentucky Woman and Stones). In Australia, it spent a remarkable 29 weeks at number 1 on the music charts; in 2006, it was voted #16 in a poll of favourite albums of all time in Australia. Also, in 1976 Neil Diamond's final concert of his 1976 Australian Tour (The "Thank You Australia" Concert) was broadcast over Channel 9 Australia to 36 television outlets nationwide on March 6, 1976 and remains the most popular and most watched music event ever broadcast in Australia. It also set a record for the largest attendance ever at the Sydney Sports Grounds. The 1977 concert Love At The Greek, a return to the Greek Theatre, includes a version of "Song Sung Blue" with duets with Helen Reddy and Henry Winkler a.k.a. Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli of Happy Days.

In 1973, Diamond hopped labels again, returning to the Columbia Records label with a lucrative new million-dollar-advance-per-album contract. His first project, released as a solo album, was the soundtrack to Hall Bartlett's film version of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. The film received hostile reviews and did poorly at the box-office. The album grossed more than the film did. Richard Bach, author of the best-selling source story, disowned the film. Both Bach and Diamond sued the film’s producer. Diamond felt the film butchered his score. Despite the shortcomings of the film, the soundtrack was a success, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard albums chart. The film score would also earn Diamond a Golden Globe, a Grammy Award (for "Skybird"), and an Oscar nomination. Diamond often includes a Jonathan Livingston Seagull suite in his live performances (as he did in his 1977 "Love at The Greek" concert). In 1974, Diamond released the album Serenade, from which the songs "Longfellow Serenade" and "I've Been This Way Before" were released. The latter had been intended for the Jonathan Livingston Seagull score, but was completed too late for inclusion.

In 1976, he released Beautiful Noise, produced by The Band's Robbie Robertson. On Thanksgiving night, 1976, Neil made an appearance at The Band's farewell concert, The Last Waltz. He performed one song, "Dry Your Eyes," which he had jointly written and composed with The Band's Robbie Robertson, and which had appeared on what was then his most recent album, Beautiful Noise. In addition, he joined the rest of the performers onstage at the end in a rendition of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released."

In 1977, Diamond released an album titled I'm Glad You're Here With Me Tonight, which included the selection "You Don't Bring Me Flowers." He had composed its music and collaborated on its lyrics with Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman. The song was covered by Barbra Streisand on her album Songbird, which led Gary Guthrie, then Program Director at WAKY Radio in Louisville, Kentucky, to combine the two recordings in a virtual duet. The popularity of the virtual duet motivated Diamond and Streisand to record the real thing, which was a number one hit in 1978 and became his third song to top the Hot 100 to date. His last 1970s album was September Morn, which included his newly-recorded version of I'm a Believer. It and Red Red Wine are the two best-known selections of his authorship and composition to have had other artists make them more famous than his own versions.

In February 1979, "Forever in Blue Jeans", an up-tempo song by Neil Diamond which was co-written with his guitarist Richard Bennett was released as a single by Columbia. It taken from the previous year's Neil Diamond album You Don't Bring Me Flowers.

According to Cotton Incorporated "Neil Diamond might have been right when he named his 1979 #1 hit “Forever in Blue Jeans”: 81% of women are planning their next jeans purchase to be some shade of blue." The song, needless to say, has been used to promote the sale of blue jeans, most notably Will Ferrell, impersonating Neil Diamond singing, for The Gap. Ironically, Diamond himself did radio ads for H.I.S. brand jeans in the 1960s, more than a decade before he sang this song.

Neil Diamond - The 1960s

2009-04-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

In 1966, Neil Diamond signed a deal with Bert Berns's Bang Records label, which was then a subsidiary company of Atlantic Records. His first release on that label, "Solitary Man," was his first hit. Prior to the release of "Solitary Man," Neil had considered using a stage name; he came up with two possible stage names, "Noah Kaminsky" and "Eice Chary." But when asked by Bang Records which name he was going to use, Noah, Eice, or Neil, he thought of his grandmother, who died prior to the release of Solitary Man. Thus he told Bang Records, "...go with Neil Diamond and I'll figure it out later." Diamond followed it with "Cherry, Cherry," "Kentucky Woman," "Thank the Lord for the Night Time," "Do It," and others. Diamond's Bang recordings were produced by legendary Brill Building songwriters Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, both of whom can be heard singing background on many of the tracks.

His first concerts saw him being a "special guest" of, or opening for, everyone from Herman's Hermits to, on one occasion, The Who, which he confirmed on an installment of VH1's documentary series program Behind The Music. Neil Diamond began to feel restricted by Bang Records, wanting to record more ambitious, introspective music. Finding a loophole in his contract with Bang, Neil Diamond tried to sign with a new record label, but the result was a series of lawsuits that coincided with a dip in his professional success. Diamond eventually triumphed in court, and secured ownership of his Bang-era master recordings in 1977.

Neil Diamond - Early Career

2009-04-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

Neil Diamond’s first recording contract was billed as "Neil and Jack", an Everly Brothers type duo, where Diamond appeared with a high school friend, Jack Packer. They recorded two unsuccessful singles, "What Will I Do" b/w "You Are My Love at Last" and "I'm Afraid" b/w "Till You've Tried Love" both released in 1962. Later in 1962, Diamond signed with the Columbia Records label as a solo performer. Columbia Records released the single "At Night" b/w "Clown Town" in July, 1963. Despite a tour of radio stations, the single failed to make the music charts. Billboard Magazine gave an excellent review to "Clown Town" in their July 13, 1963 issue, predicting it would be a hit. Unfortunately sales were disappointing and Columbia dropped Diamond from their label. Soon after that, Diamond was back to writing songs on an upright piano above the Birdland Club.

Diamond spent his early career as a songwriter in the Brill Building. His first success as a songwriter came in November, 1965 with the song "Sunday and Me" performed by Jay and the Americans, which was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Charts. Greater early success as a writer followed with "I'm a Believer", "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You," "Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)," and "Love to Love" which were all recorded by The Monkees. There is a popular misconception that Diamond wrote and composed these songs specifically for the "Pre-Fab Four." In reality, Diamond had written, composed and recorded these songs to release himself, but the cover versions were released before his own. The unintended, but happy, consequence of this was that Diamond began to gain fame not only as a singer and performer, but also as a songwriter. "I'm a Believer" was the Popular Music Song of the Year in 1966. Other notable artists who recorded early Neil Diamond songs were Elvis Presley, who interpreted “Sweet Caroline” as well as “And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind”, Mark Lindsay, former lead singer for Paul Revere & the Raiders, also covered "And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind", the English hard rock band Deep Purple which interpreted “Kentucky Woman”, Lulu, who covered “The Boat That I Row”, and Cliff Richard, who released versions of “I’ll Come Running”, “Solitary Man”, "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon", “I Got The Feelin’"(Oh, No, No), and “Just Another Guy.”

Neil Diamond - Intro

2009-04-26T22:40:00.001-07:00

Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Neil Diamond is one of pop music's most enduring and successful singer-songwriters. As a successful pop music performer, Neil Diamond scored a number of hits worldwide in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. According to David Wild, common themes in Diamond's songs are: "A deep sense of isolation and an equal desire for connection. A yearning for home - and at the same time, the allure of greater freedom. The good, the bad and the ugly about a crazy little thing called love."