Capitol signs Neil

DIAMOND IN THE TOWER: Capitol Records has inked music icon Neil Diamond to a worldwide, long-term deal. In addition to uniting the legendary singer/songwriter’s Columbia, Uni/MCA and Bang catalogs (encompassing his entire career’s recordings) under one roof for the first time—as well as covering future albums—the pact reunites Diamond with Capitol chieftain Steve Barnett, with whom he had great success at Columbia. The Grammy winner, Rock and Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree and Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award winner is currently writing for his next album, and a comprehensive catalog plan is being hatched by Capitol and UMe. Declared UMG overlord Lucian Grainge, “There are few moments in my career that make me as proud as having the opportunity to help bring Neil back to the Universal Music family. His remarkable body of work and enduring appeal to fans around the world puts him in very rare company among the greats. We’re thrilled that Neil has selected Capitol and Universal Music as his home.” Noted Barnett, “I had the pleasure of working closely with Neil for many years and was delighted to see him achieve great commercial and critical success with albums that so beautifully showcased his distinctive songwriting. I am genuinely thrilled that he has signed with us and is already at work on a new album. All of us at Capitol and UMe pledge our full commitment to Neil as both a contemporary recording artist and as an iconic musician with a singular 50-year legacy of recordings. And I expect you all to join me for Neil karaoke happy hour tonight.” (1/21p)