“Cherry, Cherry” by Neil Diamond: A Classic Gem from 1966
In the pantheon of great pop songs, “Cherry, Cherry” by Neil Diamond holds a special place. Released in 1966, this track is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a testament to Diamond’s emerging brilliance as a songwriter and performer. Recorded between February and March of that year, the song was initially meant to be a demo. Yet, with the remarkable arrangement by Artie Butler and the production finesse of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, it quickly transformed into a vibrant, full-fledged single. Greenwich’s contribution to the chorus and her background vocals, alongside Barry, added an infectious energy that helped propel the song up the charts.
Neil Diamond has often reflected on the inspiration behind “Cherry, Cherry”. The song was born out of a relationship with a significantly older woman, a detail that adds a layer of depth to its playful lyrics and upbeat tempo. This personal connection shines through in Diamond’s enthusiastic vocal delivery, which is both heartfelt and invigorating. The involvement of session guitarist Al Gorgoni, who later worked on iconic tracks like Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” brought a touch of musical sophistication to the song, enhancing its appeal.
Critics and music aficionados alike have hailed “Cherry, Cherry” as one of the greatest three-chord songs ever written. Rolling Stone magazine, known for its discerning taste, recognized the song’s simplistic genius and infectious rhythm. Upon its release, the single was met with rave reviews. Billboard praised its exciting production, highlighting the bass piano backing and choral support that complemented Diamond’s vocal prowess. Cash Box echoed this sentiment, describing it as a lively, pulsating romancer with an infectious riff that promised to be a blockbuster hit. Record World simply called it “groovy,” noting the nifty piano and guitar backing that would undoubtedly get listeners dancing.
Commercially, “Cherry, Cherry” was Neil Diamond’s first major hit. It soared to No. 6 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box chart in October 1966. This achievement marked the beginning of Diamond’s ascent to stardom. In 1973, a live recording from his album Hot August Night was released as a single, once again capturing the public’s imagination. This version reached No. 24 on the Cash Box chart and No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. Billboard noted that the live arrangement gave the song a fresh, almost different feel compared to the original studio version.
Interestingly, there are two versions of “Cherry, Cherry”. The version most listeners are familiar with was recorded in late January 1966 and released by Bang Records. This recording, initially a demo, featured Butler on keyboards and Barry and Greenwich on backing vocals and hand-claps. A second version, with different lyrics, was intended to be the single but was not released until 1996 on the compilation album In My Lifetime.
In summary, “Cherry, Cherry” is a quintessential Neil Diamond song that captures the essence of 1960s pop music. Its catchy melody, engaging lyrics, and lively production make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.