A Diamond in the Rough: Unveiling Neil Diamond’s “Cherry, Cherry”
For music lovers of a certain age, the name Neil Diamond evokes a specific image – a charismatic singer-songwriter with a powerful voice, belting out unforgettable tunes. But before the stadium anthems and glittering Las Vegas persona, there was a young Neil Diamond, brimming with raw talent and a yearning to make his mark. This brings us to his breakout hit, a song that unexpectedly blossomed from a mere demo: “Cherry, Cherry.”
Composed and recorded in 1966, “Cherry, Cherry” boasts an interesting backstory. Initially envisioned as a demo, the song was a collaborative effort. Artie Butler provided the arrangement, while the legendary songwriting duo of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich produced the track and even lent their voices to the catchy chorus. Notably, Greenwich’s vocals add a delightful layer behind Diamond’s lead.
Diamond himself has revealed a fascinating inspiration behind the song – an early relationship with a woman considerably older than him. This adds a layer of intriguing context to the lyrics, which speak to a young man’s passionate infatuation. The song’s emotional core is further enriched by the masterful contribution of session guitarist Al Gorgoni, whose work would later grace iconic tracks like Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.”
“Cherry, Cherry” is a testament to the power of simplicity. Rolling Stone magazine later hailed it as “one of the greatest three-chord songs of all time,” highlighting its infectious energy and straightforward composition. This stripped-down approach allowed the focus to remain on Diamond’s compelling vocals and the song’s captivating melody.
Contemporary reception for “Cherry, Cherry” solidified its status as a rising star. Billboard praised the song’s “exciting production,” while Cash Box lauded its “lively, pulsating chorus” and catchy riff, predicting it to be a “sure-fire blockbuster.” Even publications aimed at younger audiences chimed in, with Record World calling it “groovy” and predicting it would get “teeny boppers dancing.”
The song’s impact went beyond critical acclaim. “Cherry, Cherry” became Neil Diamond’s first major chart success, reaching a respectable No. 6 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box chart in 1966. This success marked a turning point in Diamond’s career, propelling him from a budding songwriter to a bona fide pop star.
Interestingly, the version of “Cherry, Cherry” most familiar to listeners isn’t the original intended release. A later recording, featuring Diamond on keyboards and Barry and Greenwich on backing vocals, became the definitive version. This recording served as a demo, showcasing the song’s potential, and ultimately captured the hearts of audiences.
The story of “Cherry, Cherry” is a captivating one. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, the magic that can arise from a simple demo, and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted song. For those who grew up with Neil Diamond’s music, “Cherry, Cherry” holds a special place – a reminder of his early days and the electrifying energy that launched him into superstardom.