If you love Neil Diamond, you probably know “Cherry, Cherry” within the first few seconds, but you may not know the surprisingly personal story behind it. The 1966 hit was inspired by Diamond’s romance with a significantly older woman, and somehow that real-life relationship became the catchy, feel-good song that gave him his first major hit. Nearly 60 years later, “Cherry, Cherry” is still one of those Neil Diamond songs that instantly takes you back.
Neil Diamond Was a Songwriter Before He Was a Star
@neildiamondLet’s kick off this week with some “Cherry, Cherry” ? ~Team Neil #CherryCherry #HappyMonday #NeilDiamond
♬ Cherry, Cherry – Neil DiamondBefore Neil Diamond became a recording artist and touring sensation in the 1970s and 1980s, he was already making a name for himself as a songwriter in New York’s Brill Building. His songs were being recorded by other artists while he was still trying to establish himself as a performer.
Jay and the Americans had a Top 20 hit with Diamond’s “Sunday and Me” in 1965. Diamond also wrote songs that would later become major hits for The Monkees, including “I’m a Believer,” which was recorded and released in 1966, and “A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You,” released in 1967.
Other artists soon discovered Diamond’s songwriting, too. He wrote “Kentucky Woman,” which he recorded himself in 1967, before Deep Purple released its own version in 1968. Elvis Presley also recorded Diamond’s “And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind” in 1969, along with a live version of “Sweet Caroline” that appeared on Elvis’ 1970 album On Stage.
Diamond was becoming known as a songwriter even as he was working toward becoming a star in his own right.
Related: 1971 Song That Took Four Months to Write Named Neil Diamond’s Greatest Song Ever
“Cherry, Cherry” Changed Neil Diamond’s Career
By 1966, Diamond had signed with Bang Records and was finally getting the opportunity to record his own material. “Cherry, Cherry,” released that year, was his second single for the label, following “Solitary Man.”
The song became his breakthrough hit, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. More than just another catchy pop song, it established Diamond as a recording artist who could create a hit for himself, not just write one for someone else.
And there’s an especially fun connection between “Cherry, Cherry” and one of the biggest songs of the 1960s.
After hearing “Cherry, Cherry,” music publisher Don Kirshner asked Diamond if he had another upbeat song that might work for The Monkees. Diamond played him “I’m a Believer,” a song he had originally intended to record himself. The Monkees recorded it with Micky Dolenz on lead vocals, and it became a No. 1 hit.
So the success of “Cherry, Cherry” didn’t just give Diamond his first major hit as a performer. It helped put another one of his songs on the path to becoming a pop classic.
Who Was the Older Woman Who Inspired “Cherry, Cherry”?
@neildiamondYoung people were searching for answers in the 1960s. Some took to the road, while Neil Diamond found his way to Greenwich Village, where he began performing in intimate coffeehouses. It was a formative chapter in Neil’s journey, a foundational era that helped shape the extraordinary artist we know and love today. ❤️
♬ Glory Road – Neil DiamondDiamond has said that “Cherry, Cherry” was inspired by an early relationship with a significantly older woman, but he never publicly identified her.
That mystery adds another layer to a song that sounds so carefree. “Cherry, Cherry” is bright, flirtatious and full of youthful energy, but its inspiration came from a real relationship that Diamond has kept largely private.
Rather than knowing the woman’s name or having every detail of their romance, we are left with the song itself. And maybe that’s part of what makes the story so intriguing: a private romance became one of Diamond’s most recognizable songs.
“Cherry, Cherry” Became a Neil Diamond Classic
The song’s initial success was only the beginning. Diamond continued performing “Cherry, Cherry” throughout his career, and the song became part of his signature live repertoire.
It was included on Hot August Night, Diamond’s landmark live album recorded at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in August 1972. The album helped capture the larger-than-life performer Diamond had become, while giving early songs such as “Cherry, Cherry” a second life onstage.
More than half a century after its release, “Cherry, Cherry” remains one of Diamond’s best-known songs. Its staying power is a reminder that the songs we remember for their irresistible hooks often have stories behind them that are far more personal than they first appear.
For Diamond, the story of “Cherry, Cherry” is also the story of a turning point. He didn’t become a music legend overnight. He built his career one song at a time, first as a songwriter for other artists and then as the unmistakable voice behind songs of his own.
Related: 1986 Song Inspired by ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ Became Carly Simon’s 12th Top 40 Hit
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