NPR: Neil Diamond Reveals Identity of 'Sweet Caroline'

Neil Diamond Reveals Identity of 'Sweet Caroline'

Neil Diamond performs in 2005.

Scott Gries/Getty Images

As a Boston Red Sox fan, I probably sing the words to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline a couple hundred times a year. The 1960s tune has become one of the Sox's theme songs.

But it wasn't until today that Diamond publicly revealed "Sweet Caroline's" true identity. He told The Associated Press that the Caroline of his song is none other than Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy.

Diamond says he was a "young, broke songwriter" when a picture of the president's daughter caught his eye. "It was a picture of a little girl dressed to the nines in her riding gear, next to her pony," Diamond said. "It was such an innocent, wonderful picture, I immediately felt there was a song in there."

Years later, Diamond quickly wrote the song in a Memphis hotel. It went on to become his biggest hit and eventually a Boston baseball staple. Diamond says he's even become a Red Sox fan.

4:25 PM ET | 11-20-2007 | permalink

Comments

Am I naive, or What? Or have I listened to too many Neil Diamond songs over the years.......but I thought this was common rock radio knowledge.

Do we next have a revelation that Elvis is dead?

Anway, if you want to see Neil Diamond perform in a comedy movie, 'Saving Silverman' features Diamond being kidnapped so he can sing for this guy's girlfriend, to convince her that he really loves her.

Finally, Neil Diamond accepts his kidnapping when he says(tongue in cheek) that all these years he's been going through the motion of singing all his love songs, now he has a chance to really prove something for someone in love.

fred call

Sent by fred call | 9:54 AM ET | 11-21-2007

As "antique" as it is now, Neil's double-LP "Hot August Night" album (recorded live at the Red Rocks amphitheater) still is one of the great pop moments of that creative era.

Sent by Scott Nunley | 10:41 AM ET | 11-21-2007

So, was Cracklin'Rosie inspired by Rose Kennedy?

Sent by Randy Freeman | 6:55 PM ET | 11-22-2007

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

Tom Regan

Blogger

About Us

This year's election cycle has been one of the most exciting in memory. At the NPR News Blog we'll do our best to bring you interesting, informative -- and controversial -- stories from our own reporters and bloggers, as well as the rest of the best of the Internet and blogosphere. And we hope you'll let us know what you think as well.

Want to learn more? Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions and our discussion guidelines.