One of the most successful and beloved singers and songwriters of all time, Neil Diamond, turns 83 today. His career spans six decades and includes dozens of hits, awards, and honors.
Diamond started his musical journey in the '60s, writing songs for other artists such as The Monkees, who scored their biggest hit with his composition "I'm a Believer". He soon became a star in his own right, with his first Top 10 single "Cherry Cherry" in 1966.
He continued to dominate the charts in the '70s and '80s, with classics such as "Cracklin' Rosie", "Song Song Blue", and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", a duet with Barbra Streisand. All three songs reached number-one on the Billboard Hot 100. He also wrote and performed the soundtrack for the 1979 remake of The Jazz Singer, which earned him three Grammy nominations and a Golden Globe award.
Diamond's songs have been covered by many artists, such as UB40, who topped the charts in 1988 with their reggae version of "Red Red Wine". His music has also become part of the pop culture, such as his anthem "Sweet Caroline", which has been adopted as a sing-along tradition at Boston Red Sox games in Fenway Park.
Diamond has been recognized for his achievements and contributions to the music industry, with inductions into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. He has also received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Diamond retired from touring in 2018, after announcing that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He has since made occasional appearances, such as performing for health care workers in 2020. He has also been working on new music, releasing a new album titled Neil Diamond with the London Symphony Orchestra in 2020.
Diamond's fans and fellow musicians have been sending him birthday wishes and tributes on social media, celebrating his legacy and influence. He remains one of the most iconic and enduring figures in the history of music.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]