A full page ad appears in Variety: “Neil–Special congratulations on your Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance for The Move Album–As Times Goes By.” –signed by Elmer Bernstein.

At the Grammy ceremonies held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Neil (along with Gloria Estefan and Vince Gill) presents the “Record Of The Year Award” to Carlos Santana for “Smooth.”

Neil’s second grandson, Elijah, is born. Elijah is the first son of Neil’s oldest son, Jesse.

Neil sings “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Colorado University spring graduation ceremonies in Boulder, Colorado.

“Greatest Hits 1966-1992” album is certified triple platinum.

Neil receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame ceremonies in New York City.

Neil travels to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, for a week of filming the scenes for the upcoming film, “Saving Silverman.”
While in Vancouver, Neil is interviewed by Entertainment Tonight, segments of which appear on the syndicated show’s August 14th broadcast.

Neil performs “The Carousel Ball,” a dinner to benefit the Barbara Davis Children’s Diabetes Foundation, in Denver, Colorado.

Neil surprises tribute band SuperDiamond with a stage appearance during their Hollywood House of Blues engagement, where Neil joins the band in singing “I Am…Said.”

“Saving Silverman” premieres at Hollywood’s Mann’s West Village Theater. Neil appears in a cameo role in this motion picture starring Jack Black and Jason Biggs. The scenes in which Neil appears were filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Neil performs “I Believe in Happy Endings” during one scene, and “Holly Holy” in a concert setting as the final credits run.
Neil attends the premiere as well as the party that followed, at which he performs “Cherry Cherry” and “Forever In Blue Jeans” with the young stars of the film on stage at the Hollywood House of Blues. This movie is later released outside the United States as “Evil Woman.”

Neil’s third grandson, Benjamin Sam, is born in New York.
Benjamin is the second son of Neil’s oldest daughter, Marjorie.

Neil sings “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Colorado University spring graduation ceremonies in Boulder, Colorado.

The animated feature movie, “Shrek,” premieres in the United States. This movie features Neil’s long-time popular 60’s hit, “I’m A Believer,” which was recorded for the movie by Smash Mouth.

NDRRT is stunned and deeply saddened by the sudden passing away of beloved steel drummer, Vince Charles.

VH-1 Cable Network airs “Behind the Music-Neil Diamond.”
As Neil prepares to release a new album and begin a huge world tour, this extensive look at Neil’s entire career includes interviews with many professionals from the motion picture and music industry, including Ellie Greenwich, Paul Shaffer, Linda Press, and Jack Black, and Neil himself.

Sony Music releases “Three Chord Opera” album.
This is the first album, since “Serenade” was released in 1974, that an album of new material penned entirely by Neil is released.

Neil appears on NBC’s Today Show’s Summer Concert Series.
Neil is interviewed by hostess Katie Couric, and performed “I’m A Believer,” “I Haven’t Played This Song In Years,” from the newly released “Three Chord Opera” album, and “Sweet Caroline.”

Neil appears on A&E Cable’s “Live By Request” show.

Neil makes a guest appearance on the ABC-TV show, “The View.”

“Hot August Night II” album is certified platinum.

“September Morn” and “The Christmas Album” albums are certified double platinum.

“Three Chord Opera” album is certified gold.

SESAC Focus Magazine publishes feature article, “Neil Diamond-The Return of an American Original.”

Three Chord Opera World Tour begins in Columbus, Ohio.
This tour is for the fans! This tour sees a noticeable break from tradition with fresh new performances of songs such as “Lady Magdalene” and “Yes I Will.” A special tribute to heroes (in the wake of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001), along with a moving rendition of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” is one of several highlights of these performances. A dedication and tribute to long-time NDRRT member, Vince Charles, who passed away the previous June, with a touching and loving performance of “Captain Sunshine” is another highlight of the show.

Neil performs at “The Carousel Ball,” a benefit for the Barbara Davis Children’s Diabetes Foundation, in Denver, Colorado.

Columbia releases “The Essential Neil Diamond Collection” album.
This album includes live tracks from the Three Chord Opera World Tour.

Three Chord Opera Tour resumes in Pensacola, Florida, and continues through the eastern United States, ending on March16, 2002, with a performance in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“The Essential Neil Diamond” album is certified gold.

Neil appears as a special guest at spring graduation ceremonies at New York University, where he performs “Forever NYU,” a song written especially for the occasion.

Three Chord Opera tour resumes in Dublin, Ireland, with a one-month leg with stops in Scotland and England, ending with a three night stand at Earl’s Court in London.

Three Chord Opera tour resumes in New Orleans, Louisiana, and continues through the eastern United States and through Canada.

Neil appears as a surprise guest at Chabad’s 22nd Annual “L’Chaim – To Life” Telethon, performing “America.”