Neil Diamond : The Biography

by Laura Jackson

Neil Diamond has been responsible for writing some of the most memorable songs in pop music history and he has sold in excess of 120 million albums and has continued to reign as one of the Top 5 most successful solo artists in pop music.

After years of anonymity in Tin Pan Alley churning out hits for other artistes, Neil Diamond burst onto the scene in his own right in 1969 with 'Sweet Caroline.' However, superstardom has come at a personal cost - he is a star who has suffered periods of crippling self doubt. He is an intriguing blend of contradictions - a massively charismatic dazzling live performer, yet deeply introspective off stage. In this fascinating portrait, his life, his music and his passions are explored from his childhood struggle to get out of Brooklyn, through five decades of global stardom, to the present day. NEIL THE BIOGRAPHY provides a definitive insight into one of the most enduring, creative, and prolific singer-songwriters of his generation, exploring the complex man behind the glittering legend.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Music

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2004

Reviews

[David Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinatingly delicious and full of class, Neil Diamond is dripping in talent. Spanning 1967-2005 a lifetime for some, Neil does not stop there. With the longevity of performing and song writing Neil defies age and genre. Neil insights fans from early age to the very old, nothing holds back this great singer-songwriter. With selling more than 120 million records world wide, Neil continues to stir our very own soul.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably the best of the books about Neil Diamond, though I don't think anyone has done a great one. However, I thought the author did a fairly good job of trying to explain the motivations behind his songs and personal life.

[Grant Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a wasted opportunity. Diamond is a complex individual but undoubtedly one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time. His work divides opinion amongst critics and music fans. Here was an opportunity to thoroughly explore and analyse his career and personality in a comprehensive biography. This however, was more of a light skim. The author seemed more intent on communicating tour itineraries and UK/US chart positions than any in-depth enquiry. Significant milestones were reduced to just a few paragraphs or a page. Hot August Night for example could have a whole book dedicated to it yet received barely a page. His contentious performance at The Last Waltz gets even less even though this could have led to an exploration of his place in the pantheon of music amongst notable peers such as Dylan, Simon, Young etc.
Hopefully somebody will one day write a more authoritative account of this reluctant superstar who remqins an enigma and yet is one of the most successful artists if all time.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neil Diamond is one of the most successful singer-songwriters in American popular music. As a long-time fan, I was interested in reading this book that takes him through about 2010. There wasn't a lot of new territory covered, but it did make me want to revisit his music catalog with the hope of hearing some albums and watching some videos that were new to me.

I wouldn't call this biography particularly insightful, but it was a quick and easy read, and includes some attractive photos.

[Eileen Granfors · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pedestrian writing. A good read for just the facts, but this book is quite flat in terms of tone, etc. Wikipedia on steroids.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

INFORMATIVE AND EYE OPENING.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an interesting book and learned a lot about Neil Diamond.

[Elise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horribly written, but a bit interesting perspective on his personal life.