Singer Neil Diamond has topped the US Billboard album chart for the first time with his latest release ‘Home Before Dark’.

The record, which is Diamond’s 29th studio album, sold 146,000 copies in its first week.

Diamond’s previous highest chart position, number 2, was with his soundtrack to Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Diamond admitted that he was excited about the prospect of earning his first number one, saying he planned to “celebrate in a big way”.

The veteran singer is scheduled to perform at the Glastonbury Festival this summer for the first time.

Diamond showcased songs off ‘Home Before Dark’ for the first time at a secret show in New York last month.

(by Jason Gregory)