From Solitary Man to 130 Million Records Sold
Growing up in New York, Neil Diamond could hardly have imagined that decades later, he would record a worldwide #1 hit with Barbara Streisand, a classmate from back in 1955. Yet that is exactly what happened, marking a unique chapter in his extraordinary career.
Neil’s path to success was neither quick nor straightforward. His obsession with songwriting began after watching Pete Seeger perform at a youth camp. He started by writing poetry for girls at school, turning those poems into songs that his friends could use to impress their own crushes.
His enthusiasm soon took him to Tin Pan Alley, where he skipped school in the hope of getting noticed by the music industry. Eventually, he landed a job as a songwriter and dropped out of college to pursue music.
The job was initially supposed to last just 16 weeks. When his contract wasn’t renewed, Neil spent the next seven years working as a songwriter for various publishing houses.
In 1966, he decided to strike out on his own, releasing his own music and beginning an extraordinary run of tunes that would establish him as both a songwriter and a performer.
The Songs That Made Neil Diamond
Between 1966 and 1977, Neil Diamond wrote and recorded many of his best-known tunes. Some became major hits in his own hands, while others found their greatest success through other artists.
Among his best-known originals from this period were:
- Solitary Man (1966)
- Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon (1967)
- I’m a Believer (1967)
- Red Red Wine (1967)
- Sweet Caroline (1969)
- You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (1977)
Neil was also an accomplished interpreter of other people’s songs. His recordings included La Bamba, Monday Monday, Mr. Bojangles, Everybody’s Talkin’, Both Sides Now, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, Suzanne, and God Only Knows. Later, he also recorded Dancing in the Street and Baby Can I Hold You.
For a songwriter who had spent years working behind the scenes, it was quite a catalogue to build in little more than a decade.
You Don’t Bring Me Flowers: A School Reunion
One of the more unusual chapters in Neil’s career involved You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.
Neil first recorded the song in 1977, before Barbara Streisand released her version in 1978. DJs began playing both recordings, creating an unexpected connection between the separate releases.
The result was a duet version featuring both singers, released in 1978. Nearly a quarter of a century after they had been classmates in New York, Neil and Barbara were back together musically—and the tune became a major hit.
It would prove to be Neil’s final major hit of that era, although his catalogue would continue to find new audiences for decades to come.
Across his career, Neil Diamond sold an estimated 130 million records, with much of his commercial peak coming between Solitary Man and You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.
But one song in particular would eventually take on a life far beyond the charts.
Sweet Caroline: The Sporting Anthem
Released in 1969 under the full title Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good), the tune has become one of the most recognisable singalongs in popular music.
Its inspiration has been linked to Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy, as well as to Neil’s personal life. Whatever the precise origins, it became a major international hit, reaching the top ten in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Ireland, and South Africa.
But its success didn’t end with the original release. Sweet Caroline has sold millions of copies and become a familiar part of sporting celebrations, especially in England.
When the English men’s football team reached the Euro final in 2021, the tune even returned to the U.K. charts. The following year, after the England women’s team won their tournament, BBC Radio 2 played it every hour, on the hour.
The tradition actually began in the U.S. with the Boston Red Sox. The team started playing Sweet Caroline after an employee’s daughter, Caroline, was born. The crowd responded so enthusiastically that it became a regular feature at games.
From there, it spread to other sports and countries, eventually becoming a familiar soundtrack to major victories.
Why Sweet Caroline Always Works
What makes Sweet Caroline such a reliable crowd-pleaser? Audience participation.
The melody is memorable, the arrangement builds naturally, and the chorus gives everyone a chance to join in. Even people who wouldn’t normally sing in public seem happy to belt out those famous lines when this tune comes on.
For a working guitarist, that’s a useful lesson. A great repertoire isn’t about playing technically impressive parts or choosing obscure songs that show off your ability. It’s about knowing which tunes connect with people.
Sweet Caroline is a perfect example. Whether you’re playing in a covers band, at a party, or at the end of a long night, it gives an audience something to share.
Neil Diamond’s career produced countless tunes, but this one has become much more than a hit single. It’s a communal moment—and that’s why it’s worth learning.
Neil Diamond Tunes | Related Pages
Baby Can I Hold You | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Baby Can I Hold You by Tracy Chapman using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| D (Dsus2) | A7sus4 A7sus2 A7 | Em |
Sorry, is all that you can say…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Baby Can I Hold You (Tracy Chapman) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Dancing In The Street | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn Dancing In The Street by Martha and the Vandellas using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, TAB, and backing tracks.
| E7 | E7 (D/E) | E7 | E7 (D/E) |
Callin’ out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat…
Everybody’s Talkin’ | Chords + TAB
You can learn to play Everybody’s Talkin’ by Harry Nilsson using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Cmaj7 G6 | Cmaj7 G6 |
Everybody’s talkin’ at me…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Everybody’s Talkin’ (Harry Nilsson) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
I’m A Believer | Chords + TAB
You can learn to play I’m a Believer by The Monkees using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| G | D | G | G |
I thought love was only true in fairy tales…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: I’m a Believer (The Monkees) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Make You Feel My Love | Chords + TAB
You can learn Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan (and Adele) using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, TAB, and backing tracks.
| Bb | F/A |
When the rain is blowing in your face…
Sweet Caroline | Chords + TAB
You can learn to play Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, TAB, and backing tracks.
| B | B | E | E |
Where it began, I can’t begin to knowing…
Neil Diamond on the web
