Who knew that “Red, Red Wine” was originally a Neil Diamond song? Certainly not UB40, which turned the “Sweet Caroline” singer’s sombre 1968 single into a reggae-infused chart topper in the ‘80s.

I say ’80s because the song went to No. 1 twice, the first time upon its debut in the UK in 1983 and again five years later after being re-released in the US.

Not bad for a song that was an obscure hit by an American pop star at the start of his career and which Ali, Astro, and co. incorrectly attributed to Jamaican singer Negus Diamond – the N. Diamond of the song credit – linking him to the first reggae-fied cover of the song by another Jamaican, Tony Tribe.

Clearly the reggae touch was the magic ingredient that turned Diamond’s sombre song into a worldwide hit (including reaching No. 1 in Canada), which UB40 even sang at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday party.

Notably, the second version of the song included band member Astro’s signature rap (more appropriately called “toasting,” or lyrical chanting) – “Red red wine you make me feel so fine/ you keep me rocking all of the time…” – which was edited out of the first British single.

As for Neil, he says he loves the UB40 version and has adopted it in concert. Not sure if he does the rap!

Check out this unique version, with an elaborate orchestral intro and backing, at one of the famous Night of the Proms concerts in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 2000.

– Mike

Lyrics

Red, red wine
Go to my head
Make me forget that I
Still need her so

Red, red wine
It’s up to you
All I can do, I’ve done
But memories won’t go
No, memories won’t go

I’d have sworn
That with time
Thoughts of you
Would leave my head
I was wrong
And I find
Just one thing
Makes me forget

Red, red wine
Stay close to me
Don’t let me be alone
It’s tearing apart
My blue, blue heart