5 APRIL 1966
Neil Diamond released ‘Solitary Man’ in the US. It reached #55 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, his first ever chart success as a performer (he had also written a few other hit singles by this point). He then had a run of about 20 charting singles in the US before he eventually had a hit in the UK (with 'Cracklin' Rosie' in 1971).
Later in 1966 he wrote the songs 'I'm a Believer,' 'A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You', and 'Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)' for himself, but versions were released by the Monkees before he could release them. This cemented his reputation as a songwriter and made him a nice bit of royalty money too.
B-side: 'Do It'
Released: April 4, 1966
Highest chart position: #55 (US)
Length: 2:27
Label: Bang
Writer: Neil Diamond
Producers: Jeff Barry & Ellie Greenwich
