Neil Diamond

Surprisingly, Neil Diamond’s (January 24, 1921) surname is not a stage name, though many would speculate it was during his days of big hair and big collars. In fact, the Diamonds were shopkeepers throughout Brooklyn (Diamond’s birthplace), and cannot be credited with being the source of Neil Diamond’s musical interest. This interest arrived early in Neil Diamond’s life, and was to carry him to a remarkably successful career that includes his status on the third-best selling artist in the adult contemporary genre he helped define.

Neil Diamond’s smooth, easy listening songwriting style has brought pleasure to millions, but he’s faced a lot of snide remarks over the years. This has primarily come from critics out to make a buck off of easy smears, and punk rockers that hate tuneful music. But from those who would know better, Neil Diamond has received the most sincere form of flattery—imitation. He has a tremendous amount of respect from music industry insiders and recording artists for every conceivable genre.

Rock greats such as Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley have covered his songs, as have such hard-nosed outlaw country pickers Johhny Cash, Chet Atkins, and Waylon Jennings. Surf rock and punk rock musicians have acknowledged his influence through song, along with Motown greats The Four tops, as well as many artists within his own genre, such as Tom Jones. His earliest work coming in the form of commercial jingles, there have been few pop musicians to get so closely to the root of what makes a song work.

He remains an influential songwriter and a major concert draw, pulling in millions of dollars on recent tours. After decades of writing and collaborating, it is hard to overstate the impact of Neil Diamond on the current music landscape. A good place to begin taking in his massive career is with the box set In My Lifetime, which includes highlights from many points in Diamond’s accomplished career.