Page "Neil Diamond" Paragraph 13

Diamond's first recording contract was billed as " Neil and Jack ", an Everly Brothers – type duo comprising Diamond and high school friend Jack Packer *( Jack Parker ).

They recorded two unsuccessful singles, " You Are My Love At Last " b / w " What Will I Do " and " I'm Afraid " b / w " Till You've Tried Love ", both released in 1962.

Later in 1962, Diamond signed with the Columbia Records label as a solo performer.

Columbia Records released the single " At Night " b / w " Clown Town " in July, 1963.

Billboard gave an excellent review to " Clown Town " in their July 13, 1963, issue, predicting it would be a hit.

Despite a tour of radio stations, the single failed to make the music charts.

Furthermore, sales and Top 40 airplay were disappointing, and Columbia dropped Diamond from the label shortly thereafter.

Diamond was back to writing songs on an upright piano above the Birdland Club in New York City.