Who's behind the notes? Discover Neil Diamond: The Solitary Man of American Music
"Sweet Caroline" is one of Neil Diamond's most iconic songs, and it has an interesting backstory:
Inspiration for the Song: The inspiration for "Sweet Caroline" came from Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy. Neil Diamond saw a photo of Caroline as a young child riding a horse, and the image stuck with him.
Release Date: The song was released in 1969 as a single and later appeared on Neil Diamond's album "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show."
Popular Sports Anthem: Over the years, "Sweet Caroline" has become a sports anthem, particularly at Boston Red Sox baseball games. The song has been played at Fenway Park since 1997, and it has become a tradition for fans to sing along during the eighth inning.
Boston Connection: Despite the association with the Boston Red Sox, Neil Diamond is from Brooklyn, New York. The connection to Boston came about organically, and Diamond has even performed the song live at Fenway Park.
Caroline Kennedy's Reaction: Neil Diamond didn't initially reveal that the song was inspired by Caroline Kennedy. It wasn't until 2007, almost 40 years after the song's release, that he confirmed the inspiration. Caroline Kennedy has expressed her fondness for the song and has even appeared at events where it was performed.
Chart Success: "Sweet Caroline" was a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969.
Cultural Impact: The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, contributing to its enduring popularity.
Sing-Along Tradition: The song is known for its catchy and sing-along-friendly chorus. The "Sweet Caroline" sing-along has become a staple at parties, weddings, and various events around the world.
"Sweet Caroline" remains a classic and beloved song, and its connection to a moment in American political history adds an extra layer of interest to its legacy.