Who Is Neil Diamond? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Neil Diamond, born on January 24, 1941, is an iconic American singer-songwriter celebrated for his deep, emotive voice and timeless music. As of 2025, he is 84 years old and continues to be a significant influence in the music industry. Diamond gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s with hits such as "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie," and "Song Sung Blue." His journey has spanned decades, evolving from a young songwriter to a global superstar with numerous awards to his name.
| Occupation | Folk Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1941 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Neil Diamond's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Neil Diamond stands approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. Over the years, his weight has fluctuated, but as of 2025, he is believed to weigh around 190 lbs (86 kg). While he has maintained a healthy lifestyle, details about his body measurements and other physical attributes have been kept relatively private.
In 1966, Diamond signed a deal with Bert Berns's Bang Records, then a subsidiary of Atlantic. His first release on that label was "Solitary Man", which was his first true hit as a solo artist. Diamond followed with "Cherry, Cherry" and "Kentucky Woman". His early concerts featured him opening for bands such as Herman's Hermits and the Who.
As a guest performer with The Who, he was shocked to see Pete Townshend swinging his guitar like a club and then throwing it against walls and off the stage until the instrument's neck broke.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Neil Diamond was previously married to Marcia Murphey from 1969 until their divorce in 1995. He has two sons, Jesse and Micah, from this marriage. In 2012, he married Katie McNeil, a producer and director 30 years his junior. As of 2025, Diamond and McNeil remain together, celebrating their love through the years. Their relationship has been characterized by mutual support, particularly during Diamond’s health battles in recent years.
All four of his grandparents were immigrants, from Poland on his father's side and Russia on his mother's. His parents were Rose (née Rapoport; 1918–2019) and Akeeba "Kieve" Diamond (1917–1985), a dry-goods merchant.
He grew up in several homes in Brooklyn, having also spent four years in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where his father was stationed in the army. In Brooklyn, he attended Erasmus Hall High School and was a member of the Freshman Chorus and Choral Club, along with classmate Barbra Streisand.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Neil Diamond's net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. His wealth primarily stems from his music sales, concerts, and various business ventures, including songwriting and production deals. With over 100 million records sold globally, Diamond's earnings continue to grow as he maintains a loyal fan base and generates revenue from royalties and touring.
"And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind" brought covers from Elvis Presley (who also interpreted "Sweet Caroline") and Mark Lindsay, former lead singer for Paul Revere & the Raiders. Other notable artists who recorded his early songs were Lulu, Cliff Richard and the English hard-rock band Deep Purple.
Career, Business and Investments
Neil Diamond's illustrious career began in the early 1960s, and he has since released a plethora of albums—many of which have achieved multi-platinum status. His music transcends genres, merging elements of rock, pop, and even folk. In addition to his work in music, Diamond has ventured into film and television, influencing and participating in various projects.
He is also known for his savvy investments in real estate and other lucrative ventures, solidifying his status as not just a musician, but a successful entrepreneur. Diamond's continued involvement in music ensures that he remains a prominent figure, with occasional performances and new releases, keeping his legacy alive.
Diamond next attended New York University as a pre-med major on a fencing scholarship, again on the fencing team with Herb Cohen. He was a member of the 1960 NCAA men's championship fencing team. Often bored in class, he found writing song lyrics more to his liking.
He began cutting classes and taking the train up to Tin Pan Alley, where he tried to get some of his songs heard by local music publishers.
In his senior year, when he was just 10 units short of graduation, Sunbeam Music Publishing offered him a 16-week job writing songs for $50 a week (equivalent to about $0 per week, in ), and he dropped out of college to accept it.
Social Network
Neil Diamond has a significant presence on social media, where he interacts with fans and shares updates about his life and music. His official accounts, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, keep followers engaged with behind-the-scenes looks at his projects, insights into his personal life, and perspectives on his musical journey.
- Instagram: Neil Diamond Official
- Twitter: Neil Diamond Official
In the fall of 1972, Diamond performed for 20 consecutive nights at the Winter Garden Theater in New York City. That theater had not staged a one-man show since Al Jolson in the 1930s. The approximately 1,600-seat Broadway venue provided an intimate concert setting not common at the time, with every performance reportedly sold out.
It also made Diamond the first rock-era star to headline on Broadway. The review in The New York Times stated: "Neil Diamond's one-man show seemed, on the face of it, to be a brash idea. One-man shows have traditionally been associated with talents like Judy Garland and Danny Kaye. But Mr.
Diamond is clearly a brash young man and one with both the musical track record and the performance macho to bring it off...He needn't worry about comparisons with the likes of Garland and Kaye."
Education
Diamond attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York, and later enrolled at New York University, where he majored in drama. His education provided a strong foundation for his artistic endeavors, enhancing his skills as a performer and songwriter.
Diamond recalled they were not close friends at the time: "We were two poor kids in Brooklyn. We hung out in the front of Erasmus High and smoked cigarettes." Also in their class was chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer. After his family moved to Brighton Beach, he attended Abraham Lincoln High School and was a member of the fencing team.
Also on the team was his best friend, future Olympic fencer Herb Cohen.
