from »p44 ple are still interested in music. They can go the computer route but `I And you liked what you heard? they still have to be interested in it. That's what struck me first. have worked He proved he could handle both ends. It was doing damage to an industry at the beginning, because no- with Neil now body seemed to know what to do about it. I didn't know it had any ef- for over 30 years Talk about your relationship with Rubin. You share some common fect on singles, but I like that people still want to hear music. bonds in your background. You both grew up in New York and went and have a special to New York University. Do you own an MP3 player? friendship with They were only very superficially common bonds. Not once in the 21/2 I have an iPod. I love it. years that we worked on the album did we discuss NYU or New York him. He is an City. It had no relation to what we were doing now. He was the pro- Talk about the rerelease of "12 Songs." What's on the second disc? ducer. I was an artist and songwriter. We had to work with what we had It has a variety of things. Not songs that didn't make the album, but amazing person now. I don't think when he was going to NYU he was like he is now. various versions, some alternative versions and some demos. It's good. and an outstanding He's gone through a number of changes, as I have. I think he's in I like it as much as I like the original. a good spiritual place, and he's super talented and one of the easiest artist. A true people I've had a chance to get along with in the studio. When you were recording the album, Rubin brought in some ses- legend. My favorite He's an intimidating man. I had to get used to his penchant for hug- sion players, including Smokey Hormel, and Mike Campbell and Ben - ging. He's a big man. I finally did and embraced it myself, and now I mont Tench from Tom Petty's Heartbreakers. Is it true that you felt Neil Diamond hug him back just as enthusiastically. He's super talented. self -conscious about your guitar playing? song is "I Am . The mind is working, the heart is working, [and] the spirit is work- It was great. First of all, the musicians were encouraging. There was ing. [There's] never an argument [and] always a laugh when there no laughter in the room, which is always encouraging. Second of all, I Said." It speaks should be an argument. It's a tremendous relationship we have. I have they're all great musicians. They helped take the songs and flesh out a for me. of the humble the utmost respect for the guy. the songs. It was great experience frog within us all. Because of iTunes, we're returning to the days of the single, and I heard they left you with some CDs by other musicians. Is that true? people making their own albums. How do you feel about it? We talked about other artists, but Smokey in particular put together [It is] his profound I think it's good. The best thing about it is that it proves to me that peo- a couple of CDs for me. I asked some ques- continued on »p48 message of abiding love, from »p42 in a motion picture, for "Jonathan shipments exceeding 4 million. 1977 interconnection 1972 Livingston Seagull" and subse- "Serenade" goes gold. In 1986, "Love at the Greek" is awarded Diamond is awarded a gold quently wins a Grammy Award in it turns platinum. a gold, then quickly goes plat- and deep album for "Stones," "Moods," the same category. inum. Diamond's TV special communication.' "Hot August Night" and "Jona- 1976 "I'm Glad You're Here With Me -DENIS HANDLIN, SONY BMG than Livingston Seagull." 1974 "Beautiful Noise" is awarded a Tonight," a studio production "His 12 Greatest Hits" is gold record. Three months later, that included highlights from MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 1973 awarded a gold record. In 1993, it became his quickest album to the European portion of his AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Diamond wins a Golden Globe "His 12 Greatest Hits" was des- go platinum. tour, receives an Emmy nomi- CHAIRMAN /CEO Award, best original musical score ignated four -times platinum for nation. continued on »p48 Dear Bell, Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary in the business! P.blhbed by, Tellyread ASUik ew1 Produced by Jeff berry } et. t resmy cb CHERRY, CHERRY NEIL DIAMOND Real Talent Lasts... A Diamond Shines Forever! 46 1 DECEMBER 9, 2006 www.americanradiohistory.com.