Neil Diamond Debuts at No 2

Though nearly a septagenarian, at 68, Neil Diamond shows know signs of slowing down. In fact, his career is sizzling. His new CD/DVD release Hot August Night/NYC debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 charts just behind George Straits's debut release Twang.

The entry marks Diamond's 3^rd straight top 5 release, following 2005's 12 Songs (No. 4) and 2008's Home Before Dark (No. 1), and his 16th top 10 album on the Billboard 200.

The Sweet Caroline hitmaker filmed and recorded his new live release at New York's Madison Square Garden during his 4-night run there a year ago, during his highly successful Home Before Dark tour - his most successful tour since 1966. It features his entire 26-song performance as well as a documentary entitled "Welcome Home Neil."

Neil follows in the footsteps of acts like the Eagles, AC/DC and most recently KISS, and has given Wal-Mart & Sam's Club exclusive rights in the U.S. and Canada to sell Hot August Night/NYC. Wal-Mart has sold millions of units by these artists and seems poised to do the same with Diamond's CD/DVD collection.

A 1-hour special featuring highlights from the DVD was aired last Friday on CBS (08/14).

In February 6, 2009, The Cracklin' Rosie hitmaker was named the 2009 MusiCares person of the year at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. The Recording Academy and MusiCares Foundation presents the award in recognition of artistic accomplishments as well as philanthropic work.

Diamond's last album, 2008's Home Before Dark hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200. This marked the first chart-topping album of Diamond's career. It also entered at No.1 on the UK album chart.

Talking to Billboard about his next album, his follow-up to last year's red hot Home Before Dark, Neil says he and Rick Rubin, producer of 2005's 12 Songs and 2008's Home Before Dark, have, "already started talking about it and we've kicked a few ideas around...We're both open."

But, he cautions, little can be determined until he gets down to some serious songwriting.

Neil Diamond has sold well over 115 million records sales worldwide, including 48 million records in the U.S. In terms of Billboard chart success, Neil is the third most successful Adult Contemporary artist ever, ranking behind only Barbara Streisand and Elton John. Lofty company!

After 40 years years and counting, Diamond is still building on that success. Neil Diamond can still deliver!

R L Rheubottom