Lifetime achievements in the performing arts that have had a significant impact on American culture are recognized with Kennedy Center Honors.

Fred Astaire (1978), Lucille Ball (1986), Sidney Poitier (1995), Tony Bennett (2005), Carole King (2015), and Dick Van Dyke (2017) are just a few of the famous winners (2020).

Neil Diamond was recognized in 2011 for his impact on American popular culture. Jennifer Nettles, lead singer of Sugarland, gave a heartfelt performance of a Diamond classic at the ceremony.

Smokey Robinson sang a rendition of a song in front of the singer-songwriter, but it wasn’t ‘Sweet Caroline.’

Diamond along with Alan Lindgren wrote “Hello Again,” and it appeared in the 1980 film The Jazz Singer. The song was later released as a single from the film’s soundtrack.

It reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. In 1981 it was listed as the 70th top pop single.

Watch Nettles’ stunning performance from 2011 in the video below.