Neil Diamond was born on October 12, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York. During his childhood he played in a band called "The Young Lions" and sang as lead singer with the group "The Moonglows." The success of these two groups led to his recording his first solo album in 1958, but it wasn't until after he had married and moved to Los Angeles that he found the fame and recognition he was seeking. He first came to prominence as a member of the "folk group" The Monkees; however, they were not very successful and the group broke up after only four months on the air. The following year, after some work as a session musician, he released his first solo album under the stage name of Neil Diamond
In 1967, Diamond appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and sang "I'm a Believer." The song went on to become one of his biggest hits, spending 14 weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts.
I am, " I said To no one there An no one heard at all Not even the chair" I am, " I cried" I am, " said IAnd I am lost, and I can't even say why Leavin' me lonely stillNeil Diamond
I came back to performing with a different attitude about performing and myself. I wasn't expecting perfection any more, just hoping for an occasional inspiration.Neil Diamond
