In 1982 Burt Bacharach and his wife at the time Carole Bayer Sager along with Neil Diamond attended a screening of the year’s biggest blockbuster movie, “E.T.” Afterwards they went to Bacharach and Bayer Sager’s apartment, inspired to write a song about the lost alien creature far from home.

“We wanted to express how all of us felt about the little alien who suddenly appears in a strange world.”

The result was “Heartlight,” based on E.T.’s heart glowing a bright red when he departs Earth.

MCA was in charge of the many marketing products for the film and threatened to sue Diamond who paid the company $25,000 to stay out of court.

Diamond is now the latest big name artist to lend old songs to new renditions backed by a large orchestra.

On November 20, 2020, Diamond will release a new album, Neil Diamond With The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic Diamonds, via Capital Records.

The album will feature these hits:

“Beautiful Noise”
“I Am…I Said”
“I’m A Believer”
“Song Sung Blue”
“September Morn”
“America”
“Holly Holy”
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”
“Play Me”
“Love On The Rocks”
“Heartlight”
“I’ve Been This Way Before”
“Sweet Caroline”

The songs were recorded at Abbey Road in London and Diamond’s L.A. studio.

“Neil Diamond is simply one of the most important vocalists and songwriters in the history of popular music, and this majestic new album shines a beautiful spotlight on some of his greatest works,” said Steve Barnett, Capitol Music Group Chairman/CEO. “Classic Diamonds is a glorious addition to Neil’s body of work, and we are proud to be presenting it to listeners around the world.”

“Heartlight” was Diamond’s last TOP TEN recording.