Neil Diamond's 'Red, Red Wine' entered the Hot 100 on April 13, 1968, but its potential wasn't realized until UB40's smash hit 1980s version.
Neil Diamond's "Red Red Wine" was initially released in 1967 on his album "Just for You," but it didn't achieve significant success until it was covered by Tony Tribe in 1969 and later by UB40 in 1983. UB40's reggae-infused version became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 in the UK and topping the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. The song's enduring popularity is attributed to its catchy melody and universal theme of using alcohol to cope with heartbreak, which resonated with audiences across different generations. Diamond himself has expressed pride in the song's success and its various interpretations, noting how it has taken on a life of its own through the years.
Food & Wine
Tue, April 29, 2025
