Over his five-decade-long career, Neil Diamond became known not only for his deep, resonant voice and iconic ballads, but also for his professionalism and seemingly drama-free work ethic. But few know about a stormy collaboration with another music titan that nearly led him to walk away from music entirely.
The story takes place in the late 1970s. Neil was coming off the success of his album Beautiful Noise and was in search of a fresh direction. That’s when he was introduced to Barbra Streisand—a powerhouse vocalist and commanding presence in the entertainment industry. Their pairing promised greatness, but it also brought together two strong musical identities… and egos.
Initially, they met to record what would later become the hit duet “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.” While the public would eventually embrace it as a heartfelt masterpiece, the reality in the studio was far more tense.
Neil was a perfectionist—he wrote from the heart and believed in subtle, honest delivery. Barbra, on the other hand, was theatrical and emotionally intense, often suggesting vocal changes and dramatic emphasis to suit her performance style.
Things came to a head during a heated disagreement about how to sing the chorus. Neil wanted simplicity; Barbra wanted grandeur. The creative clash grew so tense that Neil walked out of the studio, refusing to return for several days.
What the public didn’t know was that during that brief hiatus, Neil seriously contemplated stepping away from recording altogether. He questioned whether music had become too political, too driven by image, and too far from the raw emotion that had once inspired him.
Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed. After a private conversation, both artists returned to the studio, found compromise, and recorded a version of You Don’t Bring Me Flowers that remains hauntingly beautiful. The song topped the Billboard charts and became one of the most beloved duets of its era.
That experience marked a turning point for Neil. He learned to navigate collaboration without compromising his voice. The once-contentious relationship with Barbra Streisand evolved into one of mutual admiration and professional respect.
Sometimes, the most powerful songs are born from the strongest conflicts. And for Neil Diamond, what nearly ended his career instead helped shape its next great chapter.