Neil Diamond’s journey to quitting smoking is a powerful example of self-awareness and determination. Like many smokers, Diamond had been addicted to cigarettes for years. However, what ultimately motivated him to quit was a realization that his smoking was affecting his singing voice, which was central to his career.
Diamond had been noticing changes in his vocal quality and was concerned that his smoking was damaging his ability to perform at his best. As a singer who relied heavily on his voice, this was a wake-up call. He recognized that the long-term impact of smoking, such as the strain it put on his lungs and vocal cords, was something that could jeopardize his career and passion for music.
To quit, Diamond used a combination of approaches, including willpower, seeking support, and possibly using nicotine replacement therapies. He was committed to making a change, knowing that his voice and his health were worth the effort. Diamond has spoken in interviews about how difficult it was to stop smoking, but the drive to protect his voice and continue performing successfully helped him stay motivated. Over time, he successfully quit, and his vocal quality improved.
His decision to quit smoking and the impact it had on his voice is a testament to his dedication to his craft. It also shows the significant relationship between a musician’s instrument—whether that’s their voice, their guitar, or any other tool—and the effort required to maintain it.