2,475th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame belongs to this guy. This is the 1960s edition of Neil Diamond. This is before the white silk scarves and the odd glitter lapels. This is the genius behind so many songs. Odd that he looks like allot of todays pop starts doesn't he? I think its time we park the lounge act parody and fully acknowledge that Diamond was cool.
Diamond has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide, had 56 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100, including 37 top 10 singles, and 16 top 10 albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
His resume? “Cherry, Cherry” (1966); “Thank the Lord for the Night Time” (1967); “Kentucky Woman” (1967); “Sweet Caroline” (1969); “Song Sung Blue” (1972); “Beautiful Noise” (1976); “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (1977); “September Morn” (1979); “Love on the Rocks” (1981); “Hello Again” (1981); “America” (1981); and “Heartlight” (1982). Decades worth.
Diamond received a scholarship to NYU for fencing, was a pre med student who wanted to cure cancer and dropped out 6 months before graduation. Started writing songs and well after a bit, he made more than any doctor could and had more underwear whipped at him than I'd care to fathom.
As for the star he claimed it to be one of the coolest things he's done aside from riding in the Macys Parade “This is probably the most fun,” Diamond told City News Service after the late-morning ceremony in front of the Capitol Records building on Vine Street. “I didn’t have to campaign for it. They wanted me. They opened their arms and took me in and that makes it all the better.”
Congrats Neil, stay swarthy.
Best Diamond Tune