Neil Diamond struggled to get his songs accepted.

Neil Diamond Shares Life-Altering Health Diagnosis

Record companies wanted catchy, commercial hits, but he wrote deeply personal, emotional songs.

This made him hard to market and led to years of rejection.

Everything changed in 1966 when he finally found success with songs like “Solitary Man” and “Cherry Cherry.

”
His music began to reach a wider audience, and his career took off.

Yet, his personal life was far from perfect.

His first marriage to Jayne Posner ended in 1969.

Later, Neil Diamond admitted that he was not a good husband or father.

He carried anger and resentment that affected his relationships deeply.

This pain was often reflected in his songwriting.

As his career progressed, Neil Diamond’s music became more autobiographical.

Songs like “Brooklyn Roads” told stories of his upbringing and inner struggles.

He moved from pop tunes to heartfelt narratives that connected with fans on a deeper level.

By the 1970s, Neil Diamond was a household name.

Hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Holly Holy,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie” topped charts and became anthems.

His live performances were legendary, including a record-breaking solo run on Broadway.

Neil Diamond Gives Surprise Performance After Sad Diagnosis

However, success brought new dangers.

Neil Diamond faced threats from mafia-linked figures connected to his early record label.

He carried a gun for protection and sent his family away to keep them safe.

This dark side contrasted sharply with his public persona.

In 1973, Neil Diamond signed a $5 million contract with Columbia Records.

This deal gave him creative freedom and changed the music industry’s approach to artists.

Despite this freedom, some projects failed, like the film “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” which was a commercial flop.

Still, its soundtrack was a huge success.