Diamond retired from touring in 2018 following a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
(Picture: REUTERS)The back catalogue of ‘Sweet Caroline’ singer Neil Diamond has been sold to Universal Music Group for an undisclosed fee.
Diamond, whose hits also include ‘I’m a Believer’ and ‘Red Red Wine’ has sold over 130 albums spanning a 60-year career.
The deal follows a publishing arrangement signed with Universal in 2014. It is the latest in a series of back catalogue acquisitions made by Universal, including the songs of Bob Dylan in 2020 and the works of Sting earlier in 2022.
The deal also includes over 100 previously unreleased tracks as well as archival long form videos. Any future recordings will be owned by Universal under the terms of the deal, should Diamond decide to make a return to the studio.
Since releasing his first track in 1962, the American singer-songwriter has gone on to amass a string of awards, including a Grammy and a Golden Globe, and has been inducted to the Songwriters’ and the Rock and Roll halls of fame.
He retired from touring in 2018 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Diamond said: “After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together.”
Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline,’ which peaked at number eight in the UK singles chart in 1971, has become a favourite anthem to sing at sporting events, including by the Northern Ireland national football team and American baseball team the Boston Red Sox.
It briefly re-entered the UK singles charts in summer 2021, when it was sung by fans at England games at Euro 2020.
Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Sir Lucian Grainge, said: “Neil Diamond is by definition, a truly universal songwriter. His immense songbook and recordings encompass some of the most cherished and enduring songs in music history.
“Through our existing partnership, we are honored to have earned his trust to become the permanent custodians of his monumental musical legacy.”
