Fun Facts About Neil Diamond

Are you a Neil Diamond super fan? Are you interested in learning more about this legendary performer? We’ve collected some “fun facts” about Neil and shared them here. How many did you already know?

1. Neil received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
2. Neil grew up mostly in Brooklyn, New York, and attended the same high school as Barbra Streisand.
3. He was a talented fencer, and a member of the 1960 NCAA men’s championship fencing team.
4. Neil dropped out of college to accept a songwriting gig with Sunbeam Music Publishing.
5. “I’m A Believer” and “Red Red Wine” are two of many songs written by Neil that were made famous by other artists.
6. For decades, Neil Diamond wore shirts designed by Bill Whitten, who also designed Michael Jackson’s famous rhinestone glove and socks.
7. Neil was the first rock-and-roll era superstar to headline on Broadway. His 1972 one-man show at the Winter Garden Theatre was a sold-out run of twenty performances.
8. In 2008, Neil appeared as a guest mentor for American Idol contestants, who were challenged to sing his songs for that week’s broadcasts.
9. Neil had a personal relationship with boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who was a fan of his and loved the song “America.”
10. Early in his career, Neil was an opening act for The Who.

Want to learn more about Neil’s life, performed live onstage by world-class Broadway performers? Check out A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical!