Akiva Diamond: Who Was Neil Diamond’s Father?

Akiva Diamond is the father of American singer-songwriter and actor Neil Leslie Diamond. Akiva’s son Neil Diamond is a music icon who has sold over 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. As an actor, he has acted in several films, making his screen debut in the 1980 musical drama film The Jazz Singer.

Akiva Diamond: Bio Summary

Who Was Neil Diamond’s Father, Akiva Diamond?

Akiva Diamond also known as Akeeba “Kieve” Diamond (Damenstein) is the man who is best known as the father of Neil Diamond. Akiva was born in the year 1917 to his parents Avraham and Zelda Damenstein/Diamond. His parents were Polish Jews. He was the brother of Hyman (Dick) Diamond. Many details of his childhood are not available.

Akiva Diamond was a dry goods merchant. He was married to Rose (née Rapoport; 1918–2019) and they had two children, Neil Leslie Diamond and Harvey Diamond. Their children grew up in several homes in Brooklyn. They spent years in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where Akiva was stationed in the army. He entered the army in the year 1944.

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Akiva Diamond was accompanied by his wife Rose and his children Neil and Harvey to Cheyenne, Wyo., where he was stationed. Speaking of his childhood in Cheyenne, Neil said: “I think Cheyenne had a big influence on me. That’s where I got to love cowboys, especially the singing kind. I always thought I was one after I came back to Brooklyn.”

The family settled in Brooklyn, where Akiva owned a dry goods store. Akiva and his wife Rose did their best to raise and provide for their children. Neil and his brother Harvey never lacked necessities. Akiva and Rose were also avid ballroom dancing enthusiasts. Akiva and Rose remained happily married for several years.

They were married until Akiva Diamond passed away. Neil Diamond said of his father: “He found success in what he had. He treasured his independence and he enjoyed his life to the fullest”. Akiva and Rose’s love and support helped shape Neil into the successful person he is today. Neil is one of the most successful singer-songwriters. He is also an actor.

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Neil Diamond is known for the hit songs “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Song Sung Blue”, “Longfellow Serenade”, “I’ve Been This Way Before”, “If You Know What I Mean”, “Desirée”, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, “America”, “Yesterday’s Songs”, and “Heartlight”. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Neil was an honoree at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011. He also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. As an actor, he appeared in the TV series Mannix. He played Jess Robin in the film The Jazz Singer. He appeared in Lost & Found, Saving Silverman, and Keeping Up with the Steins. He has been on The Clay Cole Show.

Neil Diamond has appeared as himself on The Merv Griffin Show, The Mike Douglas Show, The Joey Bishop Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Show with David Letterman, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Entertainment Tonight, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

According to Neil Diamond, “Though I spend most of my time working, it’s not the most important thing in my life. In my mind I can drop it, walk away and be perfectly satisfied. At some point I will have to take that step. I will have to eventually find out what real life is about.” Neil has been married three times and has four children.

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Neil says, “What drives me is the hope that I can create something beautiful. Even if it means spilling my guts, then so be it. I have created children, I will never create anything as beautiful as them, but this is something that’s mine. And if I decide to do it, I must do it with everything I have.”

What Happened To Akiva Diamond?

Akiva Diamond died in the year 1985. There isn’t much information about his death. His son Neil Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although he wouldn’t be touring anymore, it was revealed that he was not retiring from music. “In a strange way, I think I’m singing better than ever,” he says. “It’s probably because I’m not on the road singing full-out and tearing up my voice.”

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“So it’s in very good shape, which I didn’t expect.” He added, “I take my medication. I do my exercises and my workouts.” Speaking of the emotional impact of the disease, he said, “I don’t deal with it. I think I’m in denial or something. I feel fine. And it’s music—I’ve been doing it since I was a teenager. I don’t tense up when I get in front of a microphone. That’s when I loosen up and let it all hang out.”