From Brooklyn to Buckingham Palace: The Story of How ‘Sweet Caroline’ Became a Royal Anthem
In June 2022, as the United Kingdom was immersed in the historic Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II, a curious musical question arose. During the star-studded party outside Buckingham Palace, Sir Rod Stewart took the stage and delivered a rousing rendition of “Sweet Caroline.” The performance left many wondering: Why had this quintessentially American song, created by the legendary Neil Diamond, become the unofficial anthem for such a monumental British occasion?
The answer is a simple and heartwarming testament to the song’s universal appeal. In the lead-up to the Jubilee weekend, BBC Radio 2 asked its listeners to vote for the one song they wanted to be the soundtrack for the nationwide celebration. The winner, by a landslide, was Neil Diamond’s infectious 1969 hit. The British public had chosen their anthem, and its joyous, sing-along chorus was deemed perfect for the thousands of street parties planned for June 5th.
As for Sir Rod’s involvement, the BBC simply extended an invitation to one of Britain’s most beloved performers to lead the nation in song. This, of course, led to the next question: why wasn’t Neil Diamond himself there to perform his masterpiece? The reason is a poignant one. In 2018, Diamond announced his retirement from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a condition that has since limited his public performances.
However, in a rare and emotional recent appearance, Diamond delighted fans by taking the stage at the Broadway opening of “A Beautiful Noise,” the musical based on his life, to lead the cast and audience in a heartfelt sing-along of “Sweet Caroline.”
The Songwriter Who Gave the World Its Voice
The journey of Neil Diamond, a kid from Brooklyn, to becoming one of the world’s most successful songwriters is a remarkable story of talent and perseverance. Long before he was a global superstar, he was a powerhouse writer for others, penning timeless hits like “I’m a Believer” for The Monkees and providing the original version of “Red, Red Wine,” which later became a worldwide smash for UB40.
Of course, his own recordings solidified his legendary status. With chart-topping hits like the energetic “Cracklin’ Rosie,” the classic “Song Sung Blue,” and his iconic duet with Barbra Streisand, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” Diamond became one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 130 million records sold worldwide. His 1976 album and its title track, “Beautiful Noise,” remain beloved classics that showcase his exceptional gift for melody and storytelling.
A Legacy That Endures
Even with his touring days behind him, Neil Diamond’s legacy continues to echo globally. The selection of “Sweet Caroline” for the Queen’s Jubilee is a perfect example of his music’s ability to transcend borders and generations. In 2019, the song’s immense impact was officially recognized when it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Ultimately, the reason an American classic became the sound of a British celebration is simple: “Sweet Caroline” is a universal anthem of joy. Its magic lies in its ability to bring people together, and on a day of national unity and happiness, it was the perfect choice.