On This Day in 1972, Neil Diamond Hit #1 on the Billboard Singles Chart With This Song, and a Year Later Was Nominated for Two Grammy Awards
via Arnie & Sue Tice / YouTube
A Soothing Hit for Summer 1972
On July 1, 1972, Neil Diamond’s “Song Sung Blue” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his second chart-topper in the US. The track stayed on the Hot 100 for twelve weeks and also topped the Adult Contemporary chart for seven weeks. In the UK, the song climbed to number 14 on the Singles Chart, showing its global appeal. “Song Sung Blue” came from Diamond’s album Moods, released in 1972, and became one of his signature songs.
Diamond based “Song Sung Blue” on the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. He kept the arrangement simple and heartfelt, using acoustic and slide guitar alongside soft vocals. In his own words, Diamond said the song had a “very basic message, unadorned. I didn’t even write a bridge to it. I never expected anyone to react to ‘Song Sung Blue’ the way they did. I just like it, the message and the way a few words said so many things.”
View this post on Instagram
Standing Tall Among Hits and Grammy Prize Competitors
“Song Sung Blue” was Neil Diamond’s second and final solo number one hit in the US, following 1970’s “Cracklin’ Rosie.” He did later earn another chart-topper with Barbra Streisand in 1978, when their duet “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” reached number one. The song’s success elevated Diamond’s profile and reinforced his place in ‘70s pop music.
At the 1973 Grammy Awards, “Song Sung Blue” received nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Both awards went to Roberta Flack’s powerful rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Flack’s version dominated the awards that year, but Diamond’s song held its own as a memorable entry in Grammy history.
Album and Industry Reception
Diamond’s 1972 album Moods, which featured “Song Sung Blue,” debuted at number five on the Billboard 200. The album was praised for showing different musical styles and helping define Diamond’s path in the 1970s.
Reviews from the time were complimentary. Cash Box remarked that the song gave the phrase “Everybody, sing!” a new meaning, while Record World called it “some of the best and most commercial soft sounds on the contemporary scene,” pointing out its wide appeal.
Lasting Popularity and Covers
Over the years, “Song Sung Blue” has been covered by many artists, including Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, and The Nolans. These versions helped introduce the song to new listeners while keeping Diamond’s original version alive in pop culture.
The song remains a key part of Neil Diamond’s live performances. His straightforward lyrics and simple melody still resonate, highlighting why it became such a major hit.
