The Surprising True Story of Neil Diamond

TLDRNeil Diamond's journey from a fencer in college to a renowned singer-songwriter

Key insights

🏑Neil Diamond was a skilled fencer and earned a fencing scholarship to New York University.

🎸Diamond started his music career as a songwriter and struggled before finding success as a performer.

⭐️His hit song 'Cherry Cherry' reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

🎥Diamond starred in the 1980 movie 'The Jazz Singer', his only major film role.

💎Neil Diamond embraced his given name for his singing career, which became iconic.

Q&A

What inspired Neil Diamond to pursue music?

Neil Diamond's early songwriting was driven by a desire to impress his high school girlfriend.

Was Neil Diamond ever interested in pursuing a medical career?

Diamond initially wanted to pursue a career in medicine and even studied biology and chemistry in college.

Did Neil Diamond write songs for other artists?

Before his own music career took off, Neil Diamond wrote songs for other artists.

What is Neil Diamond's most famous song?

One of Neil Diamond's most famous songs is 'Sweet Caroline', which became a popular sing-along anthem.

Did Neil Diamond have success in movies?

Neil Diamond starred in the movie 'The Jazz Singer' in 1980, which showcased his acting talent.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Neil Diamond was a talented fencer and earned a fencing scholarship to New York University.

03:30Diamond's college years included writing songs for other artists and pursuing a medical career.

05:55His breakthrough came with the hit song 'Cherry Cherry' and he continued to find success in the music industry.

08:40Neil Diamond starred in the movie 'The Jazz Singer' but decided to focus on his music career afterward.

11:20Diamond embraced his given name, which became iconic in the music industry.