At the time, many people across the UK were puzzled by one particular choice during the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. Why was “Sweet Caroline” — a song written and recorded by an American artist — treated like the unofficial anthem of such a deeply British royal occasion? And why did Rod Stewart perform it outside Buckingham Palace instead of singing one of his own classics?
The answer is surprisingly simple.
The beloved Neil Diamond hit won a public vote organised by BBC Radio 2, where listeners were asked to choose the perfect Jubilee anthem. “Sweet Caroline” came out on top, and royal fans across the country were encouraged to sing it at street parties and community celebrations on 5 June 2022.
As for Sir Rod Stewart’s performance at the televised Party at the Palace concert on 4 June, he reportedly sang the song at the BBC’s request. It was already the people’s choice — and by then, the feel-good chorus had become impossible to resist.
Why Didn’t Neil Diamond Perform It Himself?
Many viewers wondered why the BBC did not simply invite Neil Diamond to perform his own signature hit.
Sadly, the legendary singer retired from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His final tour ended in 2017, and although he still makes occasional public appearances, extensive live performances are no longer possible.
One of those rare appearances came at the Broadway opening of A Beautiful Noise, the musical inspired by Diamond’s extraordinary life and career. Seeing him perform “Sweet Caroline” there was an emotional reminder of the enduring magic of his music.
More Than Just “Sweet Caroline”
While “Sweet Caroline” may be his most universally recognised anthem, Neil Diamond’s influence on popular music stretches far beyond one song.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Diamond first found success as a songwriter before becoming a global recording star himself. Over the decades, he wrote an astonishing number of hits — not only for himself, but for many other legendary artists.
Many music fans are surprised to discover that Diamond wrote:
- “I’m a Believer” — famously recorded by The Monkees
- “Red Red Wine” — later transformed into a worldwide hit by UB40
His songs were also recorded by artists including:
- Elvis Presley
- Lulu
- Cliff Richard
- Deep Purple
Diamond’s own catalogue is equally remarkable. His US number-one hits include:
- “Cracklin’ Rosie”
- “Song Sung Blue”
- “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”
According to Wikipedia, he has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
“Beautiful Noise” and Neil Diamond at His Peak
One of Diamond’s greatest recordings is undoubtedly “Beautiful Noise” from 1976 — the song that eventually inspired the title of the Broadway musical based on his life.
The original promotional film remains a wonderful time capsule of Diamond during his creative peak. Even though surviving online copies are incomplete due to an old television fade-out, the performance still captures the warmth, charisma, and musical confidence that made him such a beloved artist.
An interesting piece of music history: the “Beautiful Noise” single was produced by Robbie Robertson of The Band.
A Song Preserved for History
In 2019, the Library of Congress selected “Sweet Caroline” for preservation in the National Recording Registry, recognising its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
It was a fitting honour for a song that has transcended generations, sporting events, concerts, pubs, weddings, and even royal celebrations.
By the time the Platinum Jubilee arrived in 2022, “Sweet Caroline” no longer felt like an American song being borrowed for a British event. It had become something larger — a shared anthem of joy, nostalgia, and togetherness.