Fresh Air Neil Diamond / Noah Wyle On ‘The Pitt’
20 snips
Jan 9, 2026 
In this engaging conversation, iconic singer-songwriter Neil Diamond shares insights about his journey from writing hits for The Monkees to creating timeless classics like 'Sweet Caroline.' He reflects on the transformative impact of the Beatles and Dylan on songwriting. Meanwhile, actor and producer Noah Wyle discusses his return to medical drama with HBO Max's 'The Pit,' detailing the intense realism of his character and the inspiration drawn from COVID-19 experiences. Their stories blend musical legacy with captivating storytelling from the world of medicine.
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Demo Session That Launched A Career
- Neil Diamond described making a demo and hiring Ellie Greenwich as a backup singer which led to meeting Jeff Barry and a producing partnership.
- He told how that collaboration produced his first sessions and the recording of Solitary Man, launching his career as a vocalist.
How The Beatles Shifted Songwriting Roles
- Neil Diamond credited the Beatles and Bob Dylan with elevating songwriters to the front and changing the music industry.
- He observed that this shift hurt Tin Pan Alley but opened doors for singer-songwriters like himself.
Sweet Caroline Popped Out Overnight
- Neil Diamond recounted writing Sweet Caroline the night before a Memphis session and recording it the next day.
- He said it was one of the fastest songs he ever wrote and became one of his biggest hits because it's fun and easy to sing.