Diamond Is Forever

Regarding “Songs Sung Blue . . . Diamond Reminisces,” last Sunday’s interview by Robert Hilburn:

When will you give Neil Diamond his due? Seventy million albums sold worldwide. Twenty million singles sold. Eight sold-out nights at the Forum this month, 10 in ’89 and seven in ‘83, plus 14 sold-out nights at the Greek in ‘86, yet Hilburn asks Neil about his (Hilburn’s) favorite Neil tunes.

Neil Diamond should be a cover story. Here’s a 51-year-old man selling out arenas in cities night after night. His material may not be cutting edge, but the phenomenon of Diamond and his live performances is news.

CORY PALKA

Marina del Rey