Who's behind the notes? Discover Neil Diamond: The Solitary Man of American Music
Neil Diamond is a prolific singer-songwriter who has had a long and successful career in the music industry. Here are some interesting facts about Neil Diamond and his iconic song "Sweet Caroline":
Inspiration for "Sweet Caroline": Neil Diamond wrote "Sweet Caroline" in 1969, and the song was inspired by Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy. Diamond saw a photo of Caroline in a magazine, and the song's lyrics were a tribute to her.
Caroline's Reaction: Neil Diamond didn't reveal the song's inspiration until years later. Caroline Kennedy herself didn't know about the song's connection to her until she met Diamond at an event in the 2000s. She reportedly said, "I'm flattered if it's in any way inspired by me."
Red Sox Connection: "Sweet Caroline" has become an anthem at Boston Red Sox baseball games. The tradition began in the late 1990s, and it's played during the eighth inning of every home game. It has become an integral part of the Red Sox fan experience.
Changing Lyrics: The iconic "Sweet Caroline" lyric, "Hands, touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you," has been slightly modified in live performances. Diamond would often change it to "Hands, touching hands, reaching out, touching you, touching me," to engage the audience more effectively.
Chart Success: "Sweet Caroline" was a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969. It remains one of Neil Diamond's most popular songs.
Other Hits: While "Sweet Caroline" is undoubtedly one of Neil Diamond's most famous songs, he has had numerous other hits throughout his career, including "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," "I Am... I Said," and "America."
Longevity: Neil Diamond's career spans several decades, and he has sold over 100 million records worldwide. He's known for his powerful and distinctive voice, which has made him a beloved figure in the music industry.
Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Neil Diamond was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. His contributions to music were recognized as influential and enduring.
Retirement and Health: In 2018, Neil Diamond announced his retirement from touring due to his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Despite this, he continues to work on new music and remains a beloved figure in the music world.
"Sweet Caroline" remains a timeless classic and a testament to Neil Diamond's songwriting talent and enduring popularity.