A special programme this December, Neil Diamond At The BBC, will be available on BBC Sounds and air on Radio 2.
The show brings listeners a curated selection of classic BBC archive interviews and a personal introduction from Hugh Jackman.
He describes the programme as a highlight he has wanted to share because of his long admiration for Neil and the deep connection he formed while preparing for his new film Song Sung Blue.
Jackman says the film tells a true story about “a Neil Diamond interpreter who overcomes many hurdles pursuing the American dream.” He explains that his preparation gave him access to Neil in a way fans rarely hear.
“I was lucky enough to spend some time with Neil,” he said. “He rang me when he saw the movie and he was crying because he knew of this story really well, and he gave all the rights to his music for this because he just loved the story so much.”
The special includes interviews Neil recorded with Steve Wright, Tim Smith, Paul Gambaccini, Nicky Campbell, Gloria Hunniford, Johnnie Walker and Matt Everitt.
Across these conversations he talks about songs including I Am I Said, Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie and Solitary Man.
He shares early memories from the Brill Building alongside Neil Sedaka, Carole King and Burt Bacharach, and recalls duetting with Barbra Streisand after a DJ merged their solo versions of You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.
He also discusses working with Rick Rubin, raising his children with a sense of normality and the surreal feeling of proving his identity by singing in public.
Jackman also brings his own stories, including his now-famous dinner visit to Neil’s home. “I actually invited myself, very Australian thing to do,” he said. “Neil pulled out a karaoke machine and we did karaoke together.”
He then discovered the family’s “Diamond rule”. “If anyone says ‘so good’ in their house, two other people have to say ‘so good so good’. Play that game at home folks, you’ll stop saying so good real fast.”
He says Neil’s music “expresses the loneliness of what it is to be a human” and that fans remain passionate because “nothing made him feel more alive than when he was with an audience.”
Jackman adds that hosting the BBC special is an honour. “I actually feel really honoured to be doing it,” he said. “Doing this show and highlighting it is one of the career highlights for me.”
Neil Diamond At The BBC will be available on BBC Sounds from 8 December and air on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday 28 December 12am-1am (Saturday going into Sunday).
