Neil Diamond: Beyond the Hits

Neil Diamond, born on January 24, 1941, is more than just the voice behind iconic hits like “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” His career has spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Beyond his undeniable talent and chart-topping success, however, lies a fascinating life filled with unexpected twists and turns. From his early aspirations to his record-breaking divorce, Diamond’s journey is one of remarkable resilience and unexpected choices. In 2018, he announced his retirement from touring after a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, yet he continues to inspire and create music. Let's delve into five lesser-known aspects of his life.

From Pre-Med to Musical Icon

Before his rise to musical stardom, Neil Diamond had a strikingly different career path in mind. He attended New York University on a fencing scholarship—an unusual feat in itself. His initial intention was to pursue a career in medicine, studying pre-med. However, the pull of music proved too strong. He found himself captivated by songwriting, finding the classroom environment so boring that he often spent his time crafting songs and poems instead of focusing on his studies. This ultimately led to him abandoning his pre-med studies to pursue his passion for music, a decision that changed the course of music history.

The Unexpected Inspiration Behind a Global Anthem

Some songs take months, even years, to perfect. But “Sweet Caroline,” a global phenomenon played at countless sporting events and celebrations, took just 45 minutes to an hour to write. Diamond himself revealed that the song's inspiration came from a magazine photograph of Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy. However, the song's connection to her is more superficial than many fans assume. The name simply fit the melody perfectly, proving that sometimes, a stroke of serendipitous inspiration can lead to iconic results. The song's enduring popularity transcends its origins, making it a timeless anthem.

A Classmate Duet and a Record-Breaking Divorce

The paths of Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand, two titans of the music world, crossed long before they became household names. They attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, New York, where they shared the stage in the school choir. Years later, their paths converged again in a professional context, when they recorded the duet “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” a collaboration that solidified their place in music history. Ironically, their collaboration wasn't their most publicized shared experience. Years later, Diamond's divorce from his second wife, Marcia Murphey, made headlines not just for the high-profile nature of the split but also for its record-breaking financial settlement. The $150,000,000 settlement set a record as the most expensive divorce in history at the time.

The Monkees and Beyond: Chart-Topping Contributions

Neil Diamond’s songwriting prowess wasn’t limited to his solo career. His song “I’m a Believer,” a smash hit for The Monkees in 1966, was not only the last number-one hit of that year, but also the biggest-selling single of 1967. This was just one of several songs Diamond penned for The Monkees; the group also recorded his “Look Out, Here Comes Tomorrow,” “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” and “Love to Love.” Diamond, of course, went on to record his own versions of these tracks, adding to his already extensive and impressive catalog.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, created in collaboration with Diamond himself, is a captivating portrayal of the singer’s journey from a Brooklyn boy to a chart-topping American rock icon. Diamond's involvement in the musical underscores his enduring connection to his music and his willingness to share his story with a new generation. The musical toured extensively, bringing the uplifting true story to audiences across North America. Tickets for future performances are readily available. The show promises an electrifying experience that celebrates the life and music of a true legend. The legacy of Neil Diamond extends far beyond his impressive discography; it's a testament to his enduring impact on popular culture and the timeless appeal of his music. His contribution to the music world is undeniable, a testament to his talent and the enduring power of his songs. The music lives on.