Legendary singer Neil Diamond is returning to Boston to join conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra at the Hatch Shell for their annual 4th of July celebration. The concert, now its 36th year, will be televised locally by WBZ TV and nationally by CBS with host Craig Ferguson of The Late Late Show.
Of course, Diamond performed a sold out show at Fenway Park last summer, in which he performed Red Sox nation favorite “Sweet Caroline” three times. It’s safer to say that this year, he’ll cut back on that. Diamond will also peform with the Pops on July 3 as part of an open rehearsal.
Diamond’s impressive musical career has spanned nearly five decades. During that time, the Granny Award winner has released dozens of albums and sold more than 125 million records worldwide, including 15 Top Ten albums and 37 Top Ten singles. Earlier this year, he was named the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year. Diamond’s latest release was 2008’s Home Before Dark, which was produced by Rick Rubin.
Last year, Country music superstars Rascal Flatts with the Boston Pops on July 4.