Neil Diamond on "A Beautiful Noise," Parkinson's, and being thankful

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Neil Diamond, the legendary singer, and songwriter have been in the news recently because of the new Broadway show, "A Beautiful Noise," which chronicles his life and career. The show is a musical that covers Diamond's life from his childhood in Brooklyn to his rise to fame as a musician in the 1960s and beyond. Diamond, who is now 82 years old, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018, which abruptly ended his touring career. In a recent interview, he spoke candidly about his life, his disease, and his outlook on life.

Diamond was born in Brooklyn in 1941, and he grew up with a love of music. He started playing guitar at a young age and began writing songs in his teens. In the 1960s, he signed with Bang Records and started recording hit songs like "Cherry, Cherry," "Thank the Lord for the Night Time," "Holly Holy," and "Sweet Caroline." Diamond went on to sell more than 130 million records worldwide, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Despite his success, Diamond has struggled with self-doubt and insecurity throughout his life. He has said that he wanted the musical "A Beautiful Noise" to be honest about his life and career, warts and all. The show features two actors playing Diamond at different stages of his life: Will Swenson plays the young Neil Diamond, and Mark Jacoby plays the older Diamond.

Diamond has been married three times and has four children. He has said that his ambition was a major factor in the breakdown of his first two marriages. He also struggled with drug addiction early in his career and has spoken openly about his battles with depression.

In 2018, Diamond revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. He has since retired from touring, but he continues to write and record music. In a recent interview with CBS This Morning, Diamond spoke candidly about his disease and his outlook on life.

Diamond said that accepting his disease has been a work in progress. He initially went into denial after his diagnosis, but he has since come to accept it. He said that he has been able to find a sense of calm and peace in his life despite the challenges he faces.

Diamond still regularly visits his Archangel Studio in Los Angeles, where he writes and records music. He has said that singing is still important to him and that he enjoys the feeling of all the systems in his mind and body working as one when he sings. He has also spoken about how he has come to appreciate his life and career more as he has gotten older.

Diamond's music has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, and his story is an inspiration to many. Despite the challenges he has faced, he has remained positive and grateful for all the good things in his life. He has said that he is thankful for his family, his friends, and his fans, and he is determined to make the best of the hand he has been dealt.

In conclusion, Neil Diamond is a legendary musician and songwriter who has had an amazing life and career. His struggles with self-doubt, addiction, and Parkinson's disease have not stopped him from pursuing his passion for music and finding peace and joy in his life. His story is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity in their life, and his music will continue to touch the lives of generations to come.