Is the Neil Diamond movie 'Song Sung Blue' a true story? We fact check
- - Is the Neil Diamond movie 'Song Sung Blue' a true story? We fact check
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYDecember 24, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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Spoiler alert! We're discussing key plot points in the movie "Song Sung Blue" (in theaters now). Beware if you haven't seen it yet and don't want to know.
You have to brace yourself for "Song Sung Blue."
The actual story of real-life Neil Diamond "interpreter" Mike Sardina (played by Hugh Jackman) and his wife Claire (Kate Hudson) − the husband-and-wife duo known as Lightning & Thunder − has more drama than the movie. The struggling musicians rose to regional stardom in the 1990s, admired by superfans like Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder, before facing staggering life setbacks.
Many of these obstacles are depicted in director Greg Koh's 2008 documentary (also called "Song Sung Blue"), which followed the Sardinas for eight years and inspired writer and director Craig Brewer to make the new film.
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Claire Sardina and Hugh Jackman at the Milwaukee premiere of "Song Sung Blue."
Mike died in 2006. But Claire, 64, tells USA TODAY that she cried watching the movie at a private screening set up for her family, including her two grown children, Dayna and Rachel, from a previous marriage.
"We relived it all. Thank God we had a box of tissues," says Claire Sardina. "The movie is based on a true story. There's some Hollywood there. But it's pretty spot-on."
Here's what's true and what's not in "Song Sung Blue."
Claire and Mike met as middle-aged divorcés and became a star couple
Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) and Claire Stengl (Kate Hudson) practice in their Milwaukee garage in "Song Sung Blue."
"Song Sung Blue" shows the two performers meeting at the Wisconsin State Fair. In reality, the two met because Claire was a fan of Mike's band, Positive Traction, and even submitted a blind audition tape in 1987. When the divorcés subsequently met at a gig, Mike told her, "You're more beautiful than I ever imagined." In 1989, Mike started Lightning & Thunder with Claire.
"We were supposed to be business associates," says Sardina, who says the duo ended up parking by a lake after their first work meeting. "It turned into love."
Mike morphed into a full-time Diamond performer in Lightning & Thunder, and the duo often performed at the state fair. The couple even famously held their 1994 wedding during a set break at the Wisconsin fair. With their blended families (Mike had two children from his earlier marriage), the duo experienced more than a decade of success and heartbreak together.
"Mike changed my life. I wanted to be with him 24/7. He was my soulmate," says Sardina.
Lightning & Thunder opened for superfan Eddie Vedder
Vedder was an even bigger fan of Lightning & Thunder than shown in the movie. The duo also opened for Pearl Jam on a bigger stage, in front of a sold-out Summerfest in Milwaukee's Marcus Amphitheater in July 1995, and they returned for an encore.
"After my marriage to Lightning, and my children's birth, it was the greatest moment in my life," says Sardina. "There were 40,000 people singing 'Forever in Blue Jeans.' "
Lightning & Thunder took off when the duo booked gigs in Chicago, like at the House of Blues. "All due to Eddie and Pearl Jam," says Sardina.
Not shown in "Song Sung Blue": Vedder sent a touching two-page letter to Claire after Mike died, along with his Gibson guitar. "It's my prized possession," says Sardina.
Claire Sardina really did get hit by a car while gardening: 'The ultimate shock'
The filmmakers have prepared audiences in the trailer for the impactful scene in which Claire is gardening in her front yard when a car careens off the road and hits her. It still brings an audible gasp in theaters.
The freak accident happened in 1999, and it's depicted wildly close to how it occurred.
"I was gardening in my front yard and a car came up on my property and ran over me," Sardina says. "People are always like 'Oh, my gosh!' when I tell them."
She recalls very little of the aftermath, which involved an emergency hospital airlift and the amputation of her left leg below the knee.
"There's the feeling of slow motion as it happened that people talk about. And then I was in shock," Sardina says. "I could hear voices, but I felt no pain. It was the ultimate shock."
Another car hit the Sardinas' home, proving lightning can strike twice
As Claire dealt with the trauma of the accident, and the family navigated financial problems, another car ran into the house about two years later. No one was injured.
"That was shocking," says Sardina, who didn't have the cathartic laugh seen in the movie. There was a humorous aspect to the TV interview Claire gave after the accident. "When I was interviewed for one station, I was wearing a T-shirt for the competing news station. I still laugh about that."
"Song Sung Blue," starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Here, Diamond is seen in London for his first British concert during a tour of Europe in 1971.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Singer and songwriter Neil Diamond's music career spans five decades, marked by beloved hits and global acclaim. A look back at his years in music ahead of the Diamond-inspired movie "Song Sung Blue," starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Here, Diamond is seen in London for his first British concert during a tour of Europe in 1971.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KqgZiNtKpo421Yd3ewuOTA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzI4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d056b5f51e480729f509d36642c63c59 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Singer and songwriter Neil Diamond's music career spans five decades, marked by beloved hits and global acclaim. A look back at his years in music ahead of the Diamond-inspired movie "Song Sung Blue," starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Here, Diamond is seen in London for his first British concert during a tour of Europe in 1971.
">Singer and songwriter Neil Diamond's music career spans five decades, marked by beloved hits and global acclaim. A look back at his years in music ahead of the Diamond-inspired movie "Song Sung Blue," starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Here, Diamond is seen in London for his first British concert during a tour of Europe in 1971.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KqgZiNtKpo421Yd3ewuOTA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzI4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d056b5f51e480729f509d36642c63c59 class=caas-img>The musician concentrates during a chess game in 1972.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0D8RsTUY1RmN5b3ss7746g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/811c7b4fd40206a408350e1e37f012df class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
The musician concentrates during a chess game in 1972.
">The musician concentrates during a chess game in 1972.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0D8RsTUY1RmN5b3ss7746g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/811c7b4fd40206a408350e1e37f012df class=caas-img>Neil Diamond relaxes with his guitar in 1979, shortly before making his film debut in a remake of "The Jazz Singer."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yoOEzOQdoqwWXQZwtKOgbg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05ODg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e5a91733b8608d2c72e9de85effeb06c class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond relaxes with his guitar in 1979, shortly before making his film debut in a remake of "The Jazz Singer."
">Neil Diamond relaxes with his guitar in 1979, shortly before making his film debut in a remake of "The Jazz Singer."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yoOEzOQdoqwWXQZwtKOgbg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05ODg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e5a91733b8608d2c72e9de85effeb06c class=caas-img>Neil Diamond, left, and Waylon Jennings, second from right, get makeup while shooting a video in Nashville on Jan. 16, 1996, for their duet "One Good Love." The tune appears on Diamond's "Tennessee Moon" album.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/feJ5xWuUltXrCVvbuTempw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b8e24d737f809b0aff1492134bb64acc class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond, left, and Waylon Jennings, second from right, get makeup while shooting a video in Nashville on Jan. 16, 1996, for their duet "One Good Love." The tune appears on Diamond's "Tennessee Moon" album.
">Neil Diamond, left, and Waylon Jennings, second from right, get makeup while shooting a video in Nashville on Jan. 16, 1996, for their duet "One Good Love." The tune appears on Diamond's "Tennessee Moon" album.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/feJ5xWuUltXrCVvbuTempw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b8e24d737f809b0aff1492134bb64acc class=caas-img>Amanda Peet and performer Neil Diamond arrive at the premiere of "Saving Silverman" on Feb. 7, 2001, in Westwood, California. Diamond makes a cameo in the movie.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1FJUuIrKh9MLfMKBt7wlfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjIw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbc9410e78a56f0b4cda3ddccebcd377 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Amanda Peet and performer Neil Diamond arrive at the premiere of "Saving Silverman" on Feb. 7, 2001, in Westwood, California. Diamond makes a cameo in the movie.
">Amanda Peet and performer Neil Diamond arrive at the premiere of "Saving Silverman" on Feb. 7, 2001, in Westwood, California. Diamond makes a cameo in the movie.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1FJUuIrKh9MLfMKBt7wlfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjIw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbc9410e78a56f0b4cda3ddccebcd377 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond performs on the "Today" show on May 6, 2005, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4azKEeQMLskwm2LfLlOTEA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cec39ca1d54e7ce99baf30b199f4a794 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond performs on the "Today" show on May 6, 2005, in New York City.
">Neil Diamond performs on the "Today" show on May 6, 2005, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4azKEeQMLskwm2LfLlOTEA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cec39ca1d54e7ce99baf30b199f4a794 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond sings the national anthem prior to Super Bowl XXI between the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 25, 1987, in Pasadena, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0pCDNgNYseACVy0EIt0spg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODU1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3b178da16120fe2e5dd86ac666a9c9fc class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond sings the national anthem prior to Super Bowl XXI between the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 25, 1987, in Pasadena, California.
">Neil Diamond sings the national anthem prior to Super Bowl XXI between the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 25, 1987, in Pasadena, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0pCDNgNYseACVy0EIt0spg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODU1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3b178da16120fe2e5dd86ac666a9c9fc class=caas-img>Neil Diamond performs on Day 3 of Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England, on June 29, 2008.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VmtIaBm_nqP7k1samoDtfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODI2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3b558ee33d2015e4967b157784f6ec8 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond performs on Day 3 of Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England, on June 29, 2008.
">Neil Diamond performs on Day 3 of Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England, on June 29, 2008.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VmtIaBm_nqP7k1samoDtfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODI2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3b558ee33d2015e4967b157784f6ec8 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond (left) and Jeremy Piven attend Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 12, 2009, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xD5J0xcE_KRDLE7mSgdnkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTYx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/28d56e2f060b5e4bb4a6bd5d15018497 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond (left) and Jeremy Piven attend Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 12, 2009, in Los Angeles.
">Neil Diamond (left) and Jeremy Piven attend Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 12, 2009, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xD5J0xcE_KRDLE7mSgdnkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTYx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/28d56e2f060b5e4bb4a6bd5d15018497 class=caas-img>Faith Hill and honoree Neil Diamond perform at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 6, 2009.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tarc4u6buqG6LBaD1SxsaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/36b53899a6ddb15db6e19fe2584b6388 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Faith Hill and honoree Neil Diamond perform at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 6, 2009.
">Faith Hill and honoree Neil Diamond perform at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 6, 2009.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tarc4u6buqG6LBaD1SxsaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/36b53899a6ddb15db6e19fe2584b6388 class=caas-img>
Neil Diamond on the Mount Rushmore float as it makes its way down Seventh Avenue through Times Square during the 85th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Nov. 24, 2011.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PsTuxwDNKIs8dEZdUxDKcw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b2789316f5cc9dfbfd873d243ab3a0f5 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond on the Mount Rushmore float as it makes its way down Seventh Avenue through Times Square during the 85th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Nov. 24, 2011.
">Neil Diamond on the Mount Rushmore float as it makes its way down Seventh Avenue through Times Square during the 85th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Nov. 24, 2011.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PsTuxwDNKIs8dEZdUxDKcw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b2789316f5cc9dfbfd873d243ab3a0f5 class=caas-img>The five recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors pose with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (left) and former President Bill Clinton (right) following a dinner at the State Department on Dec. 3, 2011, in Washington. Front: Sonny Rollins and Barbara Cook. Back: Yo-Yo Ma, Meryl Streep and Neil Diamond.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xKiqb7Wrl10T.jGlYhv15A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/12685667fcf8ea8fdf7f5e4b01679f1c class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
The five recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors pose with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (left) and former President Bill Clinton (right) following a dinner at the State Department on Dec. 3, 2011, in Washington. Front: Sonny Rollins and Barbara Cook. Back: Yo-Yo Ma, Meryl Streep and Neil Diamond.
">The five recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors pose with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (left) and former President Bill Clinton (right) following a dinner at the State Department on Dec. 3, 2011, in Washington. Front: Sonny Rollins and Barbara Cook. Back: Yo-Yo Ma, Meryl Streep and Neil Diamond.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xKiqb7Wrl10T.jGlYhv15A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/12685667fcf8ea8fdf7f5e4b01679f1c class=caas-img>Neil Diamond performs during the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 22, 2011, in Las Vegas.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CQiNJss96Gwo6PRgBBSgNw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d9e2d648cb400d83650a2f57c695db36 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond performs during the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 22, 2011, in Las Vegas.
">Neil Diamond performs during the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 22, 2011, in Las Vegas.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CQiNJss96Gwo6PRgBBSgNw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d9e2d648cb400d83650a2f57c695db36 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond performs during the 26th anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Oct. 20, 2012, in California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lZVmZETr24ex3awlsAnNZw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2318295064e077ecae7b9a26fe833490 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond performs during the 26th anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Oct. 20, 2012, in California.
">Neil Diamond performs during the 26th anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Oct. 20, 2012, in California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lZVmZETr24ex3awlsAnNZw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2318295064e077ecae7b9a26fe833490 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond (left) and George Clooney perform during the Carousel of Hope Ball.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/etUK6Exr7IIswZeXIZc95w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTY5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7a5a5e1da11659bc4aa8bfc5c499e676 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond (left) and George Clooney perform during the Carousel of Hope Ball.
">Neil Diamond (left) and George Clooney perform during the Carousel of Hope Ball.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/etUK6Exr7IIswZeXIZc95w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTY5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7a5a5e1da11659bc4aa8bfc5c499e676 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond attends a ceremony honoring him with the 2,475th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Aug. 10, 2012.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dEVyp3Epijoy1jgOcxa8Rg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3f0a5017fa7dc7005b05c7965cd8a177 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond attends a ceremony honoring him with the 2,475th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Aug. 10, 2012.
">Neil Diamond attends a ceremony honoring him with the 2,475th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Aug. 10, 2012.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dEVyp3Epijoy1jgOcxa8Rg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3f0a5017fa7dc7005b05c7965cd8a177 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond sings "Sweet Caroline" during a game between the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox in the 8th inning at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013, in Boston.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PC7_87ngwLaVUPCCvSU9ag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03MTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cc2ec3145da11f6b87f9d3cca70cc5c4 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond sings "Sweet Caroline" during a game between the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox in the 8th inning at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013, in Boston.
">Neil Diamond sings "Sweet Caroline" during a game between the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox in the 8th inning at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013, in Boston.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PC7_87ngwLaVUPCCvSU9ag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03MTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cc2ec3145da11f6b87f9d3cca70cc5c4 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond performs during A Capitol Fourth, an Independence Day concert on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol on July 4, 2013, in Washington.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SSeIP8R2beYrI5_JfWad_A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/deeadf09fcaee69e9c24c72eac2295d0 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond performs during A Capitol Fourth, an Independence Day concert on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol on July 4, 2013, in Washington.
">Neil Diamond performs during A Capitol Fourth, an Independence Day concert on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol on July 4, 2013, in Washington.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SSeIP8R2beYrI5_JfWad_A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/deeadf09fcaee69e9c24c72eac2295d0 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on Oct. 20, 2014, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SZqOSpNFMIVCPhUZu2OiEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjI0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ebde238e1a758d4bb08b5eaa4dde53ae class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on Oct. 20, 2014, in New York City.
">Neil Diamond performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on Oct. 20, 2014, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SZqOSpNFMIVCPhUZu2OiEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjI0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ebde238e1a758d4bb08b5eaa4dde53ae class=caas-img>Neil Diamond performs at the 84th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 30, 2016, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0IeSvOQel8cs0Bda89mzsQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f1fcbc0ad69299e40c3e701dc109f811 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond performs at the 84th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 30, 2016, in New York City.
">Neil Diamond performs at the 84th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 30, 2016, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0IeSvOQel8cs0Bda89mzsQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f1fcbc0ad69299e40c3e701dc109f811 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond performs at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, on April 26, 2017.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/64exl0IMqfvpzxoS88.e7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c48be80ae42e88fc0b19a5aa371e2c9 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond performs at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, on April 26, 2017.
">Neil Diamond performs at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, on April 26, 2017.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/64exl0IMqfvpzxoS88.e7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c48be80ae42e88fc0b19a5aa371e2c9 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond signs autographs at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th annual induction and awards dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.tWAmA4tO8TQ4deXjqQK.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ec5b334b2cebde49b1d71ad77e8f5fd class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond signs autographs at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th annual induction and awards dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018, in New York City.
">Neil Diamond signs autographs at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th annual induction and awards dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.tWAmA4tO8TQ4deXjqQK.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ec5b334b2cebde49b1d71ad77e8f5fd class=caas-img>Neil Diamond hoists his award during the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OP74r9VBtwvuS.23nRS2wg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d333129a4753f4694bf02d18fe8a0243 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond hoists his award during the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction.
">Neil Diamond hoists his award during the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OP74r9VBtwvuS.23nRS2wg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d333129a4753f4694bf02d18fe8a0243 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond attends the 24th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 7, 2020, in Las Vegas.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Sg_arC.Od.vNUHfZt2MZqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6c10611850d303d2487864ce624b07f1 class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond attends the 24th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 7, 2020, in Las Vegas.
">Neil Diamond attends the 24th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 7, 2020, in Las Vegas.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Sg_arC.Od.vNUHfZt2MZqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6c10611850d303d2487864ce624b07f1 class=caas-img>Neil Diamond and wife Katie Diamond attend the 39th annual Carousel Ball at Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center on Oct. 11, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.7Q_BEMH34H4K4V8Lr0sRQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1c70e48322b8e56b29a9576bba88b9ee class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond and wife Katie Diamond attend the 39th annual Carousel Ball at Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center on Oct. 11, 2025.
">Neil Diamond and wife Katie Diamond attend the 39th annual Carousel Ball at Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center on Oct. 11, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.7Q_BEMH34H4K4V8Lr0sRQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1c70e48322b8e56b29a9576bba88b9ee class=caas-img>Neil Diamond, inspirational lifetime achievement award recipient, performs during the 39th annual Carousel Ball in 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AyxMwIlKX6nPVu1VEpPFew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0adb172539a81c5d3cdd9d86dd5cf71d class=caas-img data-headline="See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'" data-caption="
Neil Diamond, inspirational lifetime achievement award recipient, performs during the 39th annual Carousel Ball in 2025.
">Neil Diamond, inspirational lifetime achievement award recipient, performs during the 39th annual Carousel Ball in 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AyxMwIlKX6nPVu1VEpPFew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0adb172539a81c5d3cdd9d86dd5cf71d class=caas-img>
1 / 27See Neil Diamond and his career in music ahead of 'Song Sung Blue'
Singer and songwriter Neil Diamond's music career spans five decades, marked by beloved hits and global acclaim. A look back at his years in music ahead of the Diamond-inspired movie "Song Sung Blue," starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Here, Diamond is seen in London for his first British concert during a tour of Europe in 1971.
Mike Sardina's tragic death was different than shown the film
Lightning & Thunder did make a comeback. But Mike's sad death did not come in the back of the car before meeting Diamond, as seen onscreen.
In real life, Mike hit his head on a dresser − not a sink − before a July 2006 show.
"Mike refused to have treatment because we had a gig coming up," says Sardina. "And he deteriorated after that."
After a playing a show a week later, Mike finally went to the hospital, where doctors discovered bleeding around his brain. He died after surgery at age 55 on July 27, 2006.
While Mike never met Diamond, Claire met the singer backstage before his Milwaukee concert in November 2008.
"He was the most gracious man on Earth and treated me as if we were best friends," says Sardina.
She believes her departed husband is enjoying the movie from beyond.
"Mike is taking all of this in. He's here," says Sardina. "But I know he's performing in heaven right now. Because that was his passion."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is 'Song Sung Blue' based on a true story? Real Claire fact checks
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
