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Last updated on January 24th, 2023 at 09:15 am
Singer and songwriter Neil Diamond is one of the most iconic entertainers of his generation. His career is legendary, from writing songs like “I’m a Believer” for the Monkees to releasing many popular songs and albums in the 60s, 70s, and beyond. But how did Neil Diamond make his fortune? Find out Neil Diamond’s net worth and other interesting facts about the “Sweet Caroline” singer below.
When was Neil Diamond born?
Neil Diamond was born on January 24, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the second of three children.
What is Neil Diamond’s real name?
Unlike many performing artists, Neil Diamond’s real name is actually the same as his stage name. His full name is Neil Leslie Diamond.
What is Neil Diamond’s zodiac sign?
Since he was born on January 14, Neil Diamond is a Capricorn.
What is Neil Diamond’s height?
Neil Diamond is approximately five feet and six inches tall.
What is Neil Diamond’s ethnicity?
The legendary singer and songwriter is of Jewish descent. His parents immigrated to the United States from Poland.
Neil Diamond’s parents
Diamond’s father, Akeeba “Kieve” Diamond, was a dry-goods merchant. His mother, Rose, was a housewife.
Childhood and early career
Neil Diamond developed a passion for music early in his life, singing in school choirs and whenever else he had the opportunity. He dropped out of high school at 16 to pursue a career in music.
Though he began his career writing for other artists, his real passion was his own music. He released his debut album,The Feel of Neil Diamond,in 1966. It was a commercial failure but got him noticed by record labels.
Diamond’s second album,Just for You, was more successful. Featuring many songs he’s still known for, including “Cherry, Cherry” and “I’m a Believer,” it solidified him as one of the most important songwriters of his generation. The latter became a hit for the Monkees.
When did Neil Diamond get married?
Neil Diamond married his first wife, Jayne Posner, in 1963. They separated in 1967.
He married for a second time in 1969, this time to his production assistant Marcia Murphey. The divorced in the mid-90s.
In 2012, Diamond married his third wife, Katie McNeil.
Neil Diamond’s 70s success
Neil Diamond was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1970s.
He began the decade strong, scoring #1 hits with “Cracklin’ Rose” and “Song Sung Blue.” 1971 saw the release of his most personal single, “I Am…I Said,” which was also a top 5 hit in both America and England.
The pinnacle of Neil Diamond’s career was perhaps his August 1972 run of ten shows at Los Angeles’ famous Greek Theater. The August 24 performance was released as an album,Hot Summer Night,which critics and fans alike viewed as the ultimate Neil Diamond experience.
He went on to release a handful of other albums in the decade, includingSerenade(1974),Beautiful Noise(1976), andSeptember Morn(1979).
The 1980s
Diamond began the 1980s by starring in a remake of the Al Jolson movieThe Jazz Singerwith Laurence Olivier. Though it flopped it still spawned three top-ten singles, including “Love on the Rocks” and “America.”
Other highlights of the 80s for Diamond included his song “Heartlight” being featured inE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, reggae band UB-40 having a massive hit with his “Red Red Wine,” and singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in 1987.
Neil Diamond in the 1990s and beyond
Although sales were often tepid, Neil Diamond released six studio albums in the 1990s, includingLovescape(1991) Tennessee Moon (1996), and two Christmas albums.
His first two albums of the 2000s, 2001’sThree Chord Operaand 2005’s12 Songswere highly regarded by critics. The latter was produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin.
Diamond’s most recent album of original material isMelody Road(2014).
What are Neil Diamond’s most popular songs?
Some of Neil Diamond’s best-known songs are “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and “I Am…I Said.” He has also written many love songs, such as “I’m a Believer” and “Love on the Rocks.”
What is Neil Diamond’s best-selling song?
Neil Diamond’s best-selling song is iconic “Sweet Caroline.” It has been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley, and sold more than two million copies.
How many #1 hits did Neil Diamond have?
Neil Diamond had five number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Longfellow Serenade,” “I’ve Been This Way Before,” and “Hello Again.”
How many albums has Neil Diamond sold?
Neil Diamond has sold more than 125 million records worldwide.
What is Neil Diamond’s best-selling album?
Neil Diamond’s best-selling album is the 1972 live recordHot August Night, which has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide.
How many songs has Neil Diamond written?
It is estimated that Neil Diamond has written more than 800 songs.
Is Neil Diamond still performing?
Though he makes occasional guest performances, Neil Diamond recently had to quit touring due to health issues. His last tour was in 2019.
How much is Neil Diamond’s house worth?
Neil Diamond’s 4,692 square foot Malibu mansion is worth over $7 million. It sits on Blue Whale Estates, an exclusive community made up of only five homes.
Some amenities of the home include a spa, patio, pool, and a room with vaulted ceilings.
When did Neil Diamond Sell his songs?
Neil Diamond sold his song catalog to Universal Music Group in February 2022 for an undisclosed amount. It is estimated to be valued at over $200 million.
Included in the deal were over 100 unreleased songs and an unreleased album.
Neil Diamond’s Achievements
Neil Diamond has recorded over 30 studio albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide. He’s also won many awards, including a Grammy and a Golden Globe. He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy in 2010 and inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
What is Neil Diamond’s net worth?
According to Forbes magazine, Neil Diamond’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million, making him one of the richest musicians in the world.
He has accumulated his wealth from selling his music, merchandise, and concert tickets.
