Neil Diamond Is Still Going Strong – He Exercises & Follows Medication Regimen With Wife’s Constant Care

Feb 22, 2023 by apost team

Neil Diamond is a singer, songwriter, and musician who has been entertaining audiences for over six decades. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on Jan. 24, 1941, Diamond showed an early interest in music and began writing songs as a teenager. His love of music led him to attend New York University on a fencing scholarship, where he studied music and played in a band called the “Cards.”

After leaving college, Diamond worked as a songwriter in New York’s famed Brill Building, where he wrote songs for other artists. In 1966, he signed with Bang Records as a solo artist and released his first hit single, “Solitary Man.”

Over the next few years, Diamond became a popular performer, known for his distinctive voice and his ability to write songs that spoke to people’s hearts. He wrote and performed hit songs such as “Cherry, Cherry,” “Kentucky Woman,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “I Am...I Said.” His music was a mix of pop, rock, and folk, with lyrics that often dealt with love, loss, and the search for meaning in life.

Throughout the 1970s, Diamond continued to produce hit albums and singles. He released the albums “Stones,” “Moods,” and “Love at the Greek,” all of which were commercial successes. In 1972, he released “Hot August Night,” a live album recorded at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, which became one of his most beloved recordings.

Despite his success, Diamond’s personal life was not without its challenges. He struggled with drug addiction in the 1970s but overcame it through a combination of therapy and his own inner strength. He also went through two divorces before finding his true love. Read on to find out how love has inspired his music and what the talented musician is up to now.

In 2018, Diamond revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would retire from touring. However, he remained active in the music industry. In 2021, he released “Classic Diamonds with the London Symphony Orchestra.” 

Throughout his career, Neil Diamond has been recognized for his contributions to music. He has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and has received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His music has touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Now 82, Diamond still plans on releasing music whenever inspiration hits him. From the way he talks about his current wife, Katie McNeil, whom he married in 2012, it sounds like he has the perfect inspiration right at home. He told Billboard his 2014 album “Melody Road” was inspired by their love:

“There’s no better inspiration or motivation for work than being in love. It’s what you dream of as a creative person. I was able to complete this album – start it, write it and complete it – under the spell of love, and I think it shows somehow.”

After two failed marriages, Diamond admitted he had qualms about settling down for the third time as he wasn’t the easiest person to live with. He told Parade:

“I’m throwing myself back in because I like being married. I don’t want to end this whole fabulous journey alone. I want someone by my side who I love and who loves me. I’ve finally found somebody who’s up to the task of being my wife, because I’m very… high maintenance.”

In the same interview, McNeil, who is 29 years Diamond’s junior, said she, too, was hesitant at first, but their “chemistry grew into something that couldn’t be denied.”

apost.com

While the Parkinson’s diagnosis put a dent in Diamond’s touring career, he still makes rare appearances and thrills his fans with performances. He told AP he remained optimistic about his future.

“It does have its challenges, but I’m feeling good and I feel very positive about. I’m feeling better every day,” he added. “Just dealing with it as best I can, and just keep the music coming.”

He added his strong support system helped him get through each day. “Well, I’m doing pretty well. I’m active. I take my meds. I do my workouts. I’m in pretty good shape. I’m feeling good. I want to stay productive. I still have my voice. I just can’t do the traveling that I once did, but I have my wife there supporting me (and) friends.” 

Early after his diagnosis, Diamond was able to give one-song performances, such in 2018 for firefighters who had battled a blaze near his Colorado home. 

Then on Dec. 7, 2022, Diamond shared a clip on his Instagram account of a surprise performance he gave during the opening night of “A Beautiful Noise” on Broadway. As he sang “Sweet Caroline” to the packed theater, the audience jumped out of their seats, waved their hands in the air and sang along to the music legend, who confidently sang one of his greatest hits. The moment looked full of splendor and joy that was echoed in the comments.

“It was overwhelming to hear him sing Sweet Caroline, he totally succeeded in this surprise, I was so touched that I couldn’t resist a few tears of joy,” one fan wrote.

It’s clear that, despite the challenges he faced, he remains committed to his craft, which has made him one of the most beloved performers of all time.

How wonderful is it to see Neil Diamond still performing? What are your favorites songs from his repertoire? Let us know and don’t forget to pass this on to all the Diamond fans you know out there.