Neil Diamond’s “Cherry, Cherry”: A Classic Hit that Defined an Era
“Cherry, Cherry,” written, composed, and recorded by the iconic Neil Diamond in 1966, is a song that truly encapsulates the spirit of its time. This track, initially recorded as a demo in February and March of 1966, became a defining moment in Diamond’s career, transforming him from a budding artist into a household name. The song’s production, under the expert guidance of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, and the distinctive arrangement by Artie Butler, played pivotal roles in its success.
The background of “Cherry, Cherry” is as intriguing as its catchy melody. The song was brought to life with a team of talented musicians and producers who believed in Diamond’s potential. Ellie Greenwich, who also contributed significantly to the chorus, can be distinctly heard in the background vocals, blending seamlessly with Jeff Barry’s accompaniments. The song’s inspiration stemmed from Diamond’s early relationship with an older woman, adding a layer of personal depth and nostalgia to its upbeat rhythm. Session guitarist Al Gorgoni, renowned for his work on iconic tracks like “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel and “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, lent his expertise, further enriching the song’s sonic landscape. Rolling Stone later celebrated “Cherry, Cherry” as “one of the greatest three-chord songs of all time,” a testament to its enduring appeal and simplicity.
Upon its release, “Cherry, Cherry” received widespread acclaim from music critics and audiences alike. Billboard praised the single for its “exciting production,” highlighting the distinctive bass piano backing and choral support that complemented Diamond’s vocal performance. Cash Box described it as a “lively, pulsating chorus-backed romancer with an infectious repeating riff,” predicting its blockbuster potential. Record World echoed these sentiments, calling the track “groovy” and noting the “nifty piano and guitar backing” that made it irresistible to teeny hoppers.
The song’s reception translated into impressive chart performance, marking Neil Diamond’s first major hit. “Cherry, Cherry” soared to No. 6 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box chart in October 1966, solidifying Diamond’s status in the music industry. A live version of the song, released in 1973 from Diamond’s live album “Hot August Night,” also garnered significant attention, reaching No. 24 on the Cash Box chart and No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. Billboard noted that the live rendition’s unique arrangement and lively atmosphere gave it a fresh and almost different character from the original studio version.
Interestingly, two versions of “Cherry, Cherry” exist. The one most listeners are familiar with was recorded in late January 1966 and released by Bang Records later that year. This version, initially intended as a demo, featured Butler on keyboards and Barry and Greenwich on backing vocals and hand claps. The other version, with different lyrics and originally planned for release as the single, was eventually made available in 1996 on Diamond’s compilation album “In My Lifetime,” providing fans with a fascinating glimpse into the song’s evolution.
“Cherry, Cherry” remains a beloved classic, a vibrant testament to Neil Diamond’s enduring talent and the timeless appeal of his music. The song’s infectious energy and memorable riff continue to captivate new generations of listeners, ensuring its place in the annals of rock and pop history.