Neil Diamond in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame
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NEIL DIAMOND DESERVES TO BE IN THE ROCK-N-ROLL HALL OF FAME
Neil Diamond is 61 and still going strong. He consistently performs to sold out concerts (many of these are back-to-back sold out shows) not only in the USA, but also worldwide. He can sell out 10 nights anywhere in the world. His music is for everyone, young and old. As Neil put it, Its a good feeling to know Ive been able to bridge generations and still entertain such a varied audience. Neil and his band have never failed to surprise us with fresh music that not only moves them but all of his ever-faithful fans.
Neil was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 24th, 1941. At age 16, he received a guitar as a birthday present. He was soon focusing on lessons and songwriting. He attended NYU as a pre-med student on a fencing scholarship, but songwriting was his first love. He dropped out just six months shy of graduating. Diamond eventually leased an office on Broadway for $35 a week so he could devote all his time to songwriting. After several lean years, producers Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich approached him. This meeting led to his signing with Bang Records.
At his first Bang session in 1965, Neil released Solitary Man and Cherry, Cherry, as well as his debut album The Feel of Neil.
In 1966, Im a Believer, bought by the Monkeys, turned out to be the #1 selling single of that year and established Neil as one of the industries hot, young writers.
Diamond is named Most Promising Male Vocalist by Record World in July 1967. November 16th, 1967, Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond are tied as #1 Top Male Vocalist according to Cash Box.
In 1971, Cash Box selects Diamond Top Male Performer.
Diamonds reputation as a performer grew rapidly in the 70s when Gold was awarded gold in November of 1970. Gold has since gone multi-platinum with over two million copies sold.
Touching YouTouching Me is awarded gold in December of 1970.
Stones goes gold in January of 1972.
Moods goes gold in August 1972 and is awarded a platinum record for selling its millionth copy.
In August 1972, Neil did a series of ten sold out shows at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, for a gross of 278,923, a new house record. These concerts were recorded and later turned into the best selling double album Love at the Greek.
Also in 1972, Diamond sells out a record-setting 20 shows at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. He was the first pop rock star to perform on the Great White Way.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull went gold in October of 1972 and in 1986 it went multi-platinum with over two million copies sold.
On December 23rd, 1972, Hot August Night is the first double album ever to generate sales of over 2,000,000 worldwide. Neil is named Entertainer of the Year by the American Guild of Variety Artists.
Diamond earned a Golden Globe and Grammy in 1973 with Jonathan Livingston Seagull. That same year Diamond signs a ten album, $4.5 million contract with Columbia records, the largest by any artist at that time.
In September of 1974, His 12 Greatest Hits is awarded a gold record and was designated four times multi-platinum, signifying over four million copies sold.
October 1974, Serenade goes gold and in 1986 was awarded platinum for the first time.
Beautiful Noise went gold in June of 1976. Three months later Beautiful Noise became Neils quickest album to go platinum.
In July 1976, Diamond performs one of three record setting shows at the new Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Neil was paid $500,000 for three shows, the highest fee ever paid for a Vegas entertainer, including Sinatra and Denver.
March 1977, Love at the Greek is awarded gold, then platinum for selling its millionth copy three months later.
Im Glad Youre Here with Me Tonight goes gold in November of 1977. In 1989, it went multi-platinum with over two million copies sold. There was also a television special that included highlights from his European tour. This special would go on to receive an Emmy nomination later the same year.
December of 1978, Diamond did a duet with Barbra Streisand, You Dont Bring Me Flowers which reached #1. The album went gold and platinum simultaneously and five months later, multi-platinum.
September Morn was awarded gold in March of 1980 and three months later went platinum.
Also in 1980, Diamond stars in The Jazz Singer opposite Sir Lawrence Olivier. Neil received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. In January 1981, The Jazz Singer goes gold having three top ten hits. It has since gone platinum five times and has become one of the highest selling soundtracks of all-time.
Rainbow goes gold in October 1981.
January 1982 On the Way to the Sky is awarded gold.
In October 1982, 12 Greatest Hits, Vol. II is awarded gold. In 1994, it was designated multi-platinum for selling its three millionth copy.
Heartlight goes gold in December of 1982, then platinum less than one month later.
In June of 1983, Neil invaded the Los Angeles Forum, selling out eight consecutive nights and proceeds to break every record ever established in the arenas existence, including the most days performed, most sold out shows and the greatest number of people in attendance.
October 1984, Primitive goes gold.
Neil is elected into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984.
July 1986, Headed for the Future goes gold.
Billboards Magazines Amusement Business names Neil Diamond the Industries Top Grossing Solo Performer.
The Best Years of our Lives goes gold in February 1989.
August 1989, Classics/The Early Years is awarded gold and two years later it went platinum for the first time.
In 1990, Diamond is awarded the American Music Award Award of Merit.
Hot August Night II is awarded gold in July of 1991.
October 1992, Greatest Hits 1966-1992 goes gold. In 2000, it was designated platinum for the third time, selling its three millionth copy.
The Christmas Album goes gold in September of 1993.
November of 1993, Love Songs and Up on the Roof are awarded gold.
Diamond sold more than 115 million records while as a performer; he became the top solo concert artist of the 1990s setting box office records around the world. Hes had nearly 40 top 40 hits. In 1994, Diamond released his record-breaking, two-year Love in the Round world tour. He performed on a 360-degree stage built in the middle of every arena he played in.
September of 1994, Lovescape is awarded gold.
The Christmas Album, Vol. II went gold in December of 1994.
In April of 1996, Tennessee Moon goes gold.
In January 1997, Diamond released the well anticipated 70-song In My Lifetime boxed-set containing 37 hit singles and 16 previously unissued demos. Alternative versions of well known classics, the newly written and recorded title track and a 72 page full-color page booklet with extensive notes, rare photos, a complete discography and song-by-song annotations by Diamond. This boxed-set was awarded the gold in 1997.
Live in America is awarded gold in March of 1997.
In December 1998, Neil got his 35th gold album As Time Goes By.
Neil received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June of 2000.
During the first part of July 2000, Neil Diamond was on A&E Live by Request. This broadcast was the most watched in A&Es history (1.6 million). Formerly held by James Taylor in 1997.
August 24th, 2001, Three Chord Opera is released and goes gold inside of one month. This is the first time since 1974 that Diamond has written all the music and words. Three Chord Opera tells of love and loss while celebrating lifes beauty and surprises.
Also in August of 2001, Hot August Night II is certified platinum.
Neil Diamond is a living legend. You either love him or you want nothing to do with him, says Ellie Greenwich. I had to make a conscious decision early in my career; am I to please the critics or am I to please audience and I thought it was more democratic to please the audience, says Diamond. Hes been the peoples choice for decades. Im doing good if all they can say is my shirts are too sparkly, Neil remarks.
His name is permanently etched into the history of American music and keeps coming back in amazing ways. His music crosses all boundaries. Neils writing style has always come within. His music is a reflection of his optimism and growth. Each of his songs is a little biography of himself.
How can you deny that Neil Diamond is a seminal rock-n-roll artist and writer? You cant deny it, commented Paul Shaffer. Some of Diamonds more popular rock-n-roll hits are Cherry, Cherry, Soolaimon, Holly Holy, Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show, Desiree, Forever in Blue Jeans, If You Know What I Mean, Cracklin Rosie, Kentucky Woman, You Got to Me, America, and the list goes on and on. Dont ever let anyone tell you that Neil Diamond doesnt rock. A quote from Surreal Neil of Super Diamond, one of the many Neil Diamond impersonators.
He doesnt fit into any particular place or group except at the top, where his fans have kept him for decades.
Neil Diamonds music will always withstand the test of time. His music moves generations of true believers.
I think we should thank two more very important people. Neils parents, Rose and Kieve for letting us share in their talented, gracious and charismatic son. We have loved and enjoyed Neil and his band for decades and I know we will for a long time to come.
Thank you for supporting Neil Diamond.
This information was gathered from various articles and interviews, from Neildiamond.com and from great stories we have shared together as faithful Diamondheads.
Neil Diamond is 61 and still going strong. He consistently performs to sold out concerts (many of these are back-to-back sold out shows) not only in the USA, but also worldwide. He can sell out 10 nights anywhere in the world. His music is for everyone, young and old. As Neil put it, Its a good feeling to know Ive been able to bridge generations and still entertain such a varied audience. Neil and his band have never failed to surprise us with fresh music that not only moves them but all of his ever-faithful fans.
Neil was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 24th, 1941. At age 16, he received a guitar as a birthday present. He was soon focusing on lessons and songwriting. He attended NYU as a pre-med student on a fencing scholarship, but songwriting was his first love. He dropped out just six months shy of graduating. Diamond eventually leased an office on Broadway for $35 a week so he could devote all his time to songwriting. After several lean years, producers Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich approached him. This meeting led to his signing with Bang Records.
At his first Bang session in 1965, Neil released Solitary Man and Cherry, Cherry, as well as his debut album The Feel of Neil.
In 1966, Im a Believer, bought by the Monkeys, turned out to be the #1 selling single of that year and established Neil as one of the industries hot, young writers.
Diamond is named Most Promising Male Vocalist by Record World in July 1967. November 16th, 1967, Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond are tied as #1 Top Male Vocalist according to Cash Box.
In 1971, Cash Box selects Diamond Top Male Performer.
Diamonds reputation as a performer grew rapidly in the 70s when Gold was awarded gold in November of 1970. Gold has since gone multi-platinum with over two million copies sold.
Touching YouTouching Me is awarded gold in December of 1970.
Stones goes gold in January of 1972.
Moods goes gold in August 1972 and is awarded a platinum record for selling its millionth copy.
In August 1972, Neil did a series of ten sold out shows at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, for a gross of 278,923, a new house record. These concerts were recorded and later turned into the best selling double album Love at the Greek.
Also in 1972, Diamond sells out a record-setting 20 shows at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. He was the first pop rock star to perform on the Great White Way.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull went gold in October of 1972 and in 1986 it went multi-platinum with over two million copies sold.
On December 23rd, 1972, Hot August Night is the first double album ever to generate sales of over 2,000,000 worldwide. Neil is named Entertainer of the Year by the American Guild of Variety Artists.
Diamond earned a Golden Globe and Grammy in 1973 with Jonathan Livingston Seagull. That same year Diamond signs a ten album, $4.5 million contract with Columbia records, the largest by any artist at that time.
In September of 1974, His 12 Greatest Hits is awarded a gold record and was designated four times multi-platinum, signifying over four million copies sold.
October 1974, Serenade goes gold and in 1986 was awarded platinum for the first time.
Beautiful Noise went gold in June of 1976. Three months later Beautiful Noise became Neils quickest album to go platinum.
In July 1976, Diamond performs one of three record setting shows at the new Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Neil was paid $500,000 for three shows, the highest fee ever paid for a Vegas entertainer, including Sinatra and Denver.
March 1977, Love at the Greek is awarded gold, then platinum for selling its millionth copy three months later.
Im Glad Youre Here with Me Tonight goes gold in November of 1977. In 1989, it went multi-platinum with over two million copies sold. There was also a television special that included highlights from his European tour. This special would go on to receive an Emmy nomination later the same year.
December of 1978, Diamond did a duet with Barbra Streisand, You Dont Bring Me Flowers which reached #1. The album went gold and platinum simultaneously and five months later, multi-platinum.
September Morn was awarded gold in March of 1980 and three months later went platinum.
Also in 1980, Diamond stars in The Jazz Singer opposite Sir Lawrence Olivier. Neil received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. In January 1981, The Jazz Singer goes gold having three top ten hits. It has since gone platinum five times and has become one of the highest selling soundtracks of all-time.
Rainbow goes gold in October 1981.
January 1982 On the Way to the Sky is awarded gold.
In October 1982, 12 Greatest Hits, Vol. II is awarded gold. In 1994, it was designated multi-platinum for selling its three millionth copy.
Heartlight goes gold in December of 1982, then platinum less than one month later.
In June of 1983, Neil invaded the Los Angeles Forum, selling out eight consecutive nights and proceeds to break every record ever established in the arenas existence, including the most days performed, most sold out shows and the greatest number of people in attendance.
October 1984, Primitive goes gold.
Neil is elected into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984.
July 1986, Headed for the Future goes gold.
Billboards Magazines Amusement Business names Neil Diamond the Industries Top Grossing Solo Performer.
The Best Years of our Lives goes gold in February 1989.
August 1989, Classics/The Early Years is awarded gold and two years later it went platinum for the first time.
In 1990, Diamond is awarded the American Music Award Award of Merit.
Hot August Night II is awarded gold in July of 1991.
October 1992, Greatest Hits 1966-1992 goes gold. In 2000, it was designated platinum for the third time, selling its three millionth copy.
The Christmas Album goes gold in September of 1993.
November of 1993, Love Songs and Up on the Roof are awarded gold.
Diamond sold more than 115 million records while as a performer; he became the top solo concert artist of the 1990s setting box office records around the world. Hes had nearly 40 top 40 hits. In 1994, Diamond released his record-breaking, two-year Love in the Round world tour. He performed on a 360-degree stage built in the middle of every arena he played in.
September of 1994, Lovescape is awarded gold.
The Christmas Album, Vol. II went gold in December of 1994.
In April of 1996, Tennessee Moon goes gold.
In January 1997, Diamond released the well anticipated 70-song In My Lifetime boxed-set containing 37 hit singles and 16 previously unissued demos. Alternative versions of well known classics, the newly written and recorded title track and a 72 page full-color page booklet with extensive notes, rare photos, a complete discography and song-by-song annotations by Diamond. This boxed-set was awarded the gold in 1997.
Live in America is awarded gold in March of 1997.
In December 1998, Neil got his 35th gold album As Time Goes By.
Neil received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June of 2000.
During the first part of July 2000, Neil Diamond was on A&E Live by Request. This broadcast was the most watched in A&Es history (1.6 million). Formerly held by James Taylor in 1997.
August 24th, 2001, Three Chord Opera is released and goes gold inside of one month. This is the first time since 1974 that Diamond has written all the music and words. Three Chord Opera tells of love and loss while celebrating lifes beauty and surprises.
Also in August of 2001, Hot August Night II is certified platinum.
Neil Diamond is a living legend. You either love him or you want nothing to do with him, says Ellie Greenwich. I had to make a conscious decision early in my career; am I to please the critics or am I to please audience and I thought it was more democratic to please the audience, says Diamond. Hes been the peoples choice for decades. Im doing good if all they can say is my shirts are too sparkly, Neil remarks.
His name is permanently etched into the history of American music and keeps coming back in amazing ways. His music crosses all boundaries. Neils writing style has always come within. His music is a reflection of his optimism and growth. Each of his songs is a little biography of himself.
How can you deny that Neil Diamond is a seminal rock-n-roll artist and writer? You cant deny it, commented Paul Shaffer. Some of Diamonds more popular rock-n-roll hits are Cherry, Cherry, Soolaimon, Holly Holy, Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show, Desiree, Forever in Blue Jeans, If You Know What I Mean, Cracklin Rosie, Kentucky Woman, You Got to Me, America, and the list goes on and on. Dont ever let anyone tell you that Neil Diamond doesnt rock. A quote from Surreal Neil of Super Diamond, one of the many Neil Diamond impersonators.
He doesnt fit into any particular place or group except at the top, where his fans have kept him for decades.
Neil Diamonds music will always withstand the test of time. His music moves generations of true believers.
I think we should thank two more very important people. Neils parents, Rose and Kieve for letting us share in their talented, gracious and charismatic son. We have loved and enjoyed Neil and his band for decades and I know we will for a long time to come.
Thank you for supporting Neil Diamond.
This information was gathered from various articles and interviews, from Neildiamond.com and from great stories we have shared together as faithful Diamondheads.
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