Neil Diamond Biography

Born on January 21, 1941, Neil Leslie Diamond is a versatile American song writer and singer and an actor. Neil Leslie Diamond ruled the music industry between the 1960s and the 1980s, with a myriad of successful and scoring number one hits. The music industry record books right up till 2001, credited Neil with world wide record sales of over 115 million copies, third, after Sir Elton John and Barbra Streisand. He is among the first few to feature on the list of the Most Successful Contemporary Artists on the Billboard charts. A tip in balance of the record sales witnessed this music genius touring successfully, and entertaining fans all over the world.

Neil Leslie's hit songs have been re-recorded by many an artist and performer, ranging from different genres of music. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Part of the alumni of Erasmus Hall High School and Abraham Lincoln High School, he sang in the school choir with none other than Barbra Streisand. The guitar gifted to him on his 16th birthday was a turning point in his life and he drew his inspiration from Pete Seeger. This Golden Voice Musician is also a recipient of the Fencing Scholarship from the University of New York and a student of medicine!

Diamond's big break came with the recording contract of 1960 with Duel Records. He performed with his friend Jack Packer under the label 'Neil and Jack'. The songs 'What Will I Do', 'At Night' and 'Clown Town' established him as singer. His success story was etched within the industry with 'I'm a Believer', 'A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You' and 'Look Out - Here Comes Tomorrow'. Diamond had not only written and composed the songs, but had also recorded them and thus began his journey as a singer and performer, and songwriter. Diamond's 'Solitary Man' hit the music charts, followed by 'Kentucky Woman' and 'Cherry Cherry'.

His first stints in concerts was as 'guest' on Herman's Hermits and The Who. Bang Records was not able to restrict his creativity for long and soon he forged on to more ambitious and genuinely introspective music. However, the getaway was not easy. The resultant lawsuits took a toll on Diamond's career; but in 1977, Diamond triumphed. His move to California came with the deal signed with MCA Records. 'Cracklin' Rosie', 'Song Sung Blue' and 'Sweet Caroline scaled the Hot 100. 'Sweet Caroline' was Diamond's homage to the persona of Caroline Kennedy, for whom he had fallen head over heals on seeing a cover poster of Caroline Kennedy on the cover of Time. The song is now nothing short of an anthem at the games of League One football side, 'Carlisle United'.

Hot August Night established Diamond as a skilled performer and showman. In 1973, he changed labels and this time it was Columbia Records to gross in on his power. He recorded the soundtrack of the box office hit Jonathan Livingston Seagull and his score grossed more than the film itself! 'Longfellow Serenade' and 'I've Been This Way Before' released in 1974 made history. 'I'm Glad You're Here With Me Tonight' and 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' were combined into a virtual duet and went on to become very popular across the globe, bringing together the industry bigwigs - Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond in Real Thing.

Diamond's Top singles include 'Love on the Rocks', 'Hello Again', 'America', Heartlight' and 'Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon'. Notable artists who have re-recorded and covered his songs include Elvis Presley, Deep Purple, Cliff Richard, UB40 and Johnny Cash. The hand prints of Neil Diamond are embedded and immortalized at the Disney Hollywood Studio Theme Park. The famous quote, "There are two types of people in the world - the Neil Diamond fans and others.", has not come out of nowhere. The charisma lives on.