“Red red wine” is one of those lines many people sing as shorthand for laid-back evening vibes, but the question of who sang “Red Red Wine” first points to a specific writer and an evolving recording legacy. The song was written by American folksinger Neil Diamond and first recorded by him for his 1967 album “Just for You.” Although Diamond’s version framed the song as a somber reflection on heartbreak, it was the 1983 reggae‑infused cover by British band UB40 that turned the track into a global smash. This article clarifies the song’s origins, key recordings, and lasting impact, separating writer credits from the performers most familiar to today’s listeners.
Neil Diamond’s Original Version: The First Recording
Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” debuted on his 1967 album “Just for You” and reflected the introspective singer‑songwriter style of the mid‑1960s. Diamond wrote the song as a personal exercise in looking back on a relationship, and his original recording features a gentle folk‑pop arrangement with subdued instrumentation. While Diamond’s version found some airplay, it did not achieve major chart success at the time. Nevertheless, as the first released recording of the song, it establishes Neil Diamond as the writer and the artist who sang “Red Red Wine” first in a formal, issued form.
Key Details: Neil Diamond’s Original
- Written by: Neil Diamond
- First released: 1967 on “Just for You”
- Chart performance: Modest regional impact; not a major chart hit
- Style: Folk‑pop, reflective, solo vocal with light accompaniment
UB40’s Breakthrough Cover: The Version Most People Know
UB40’s 1983 cover of “Red Red Wine” transformed the song into a reggae‑tinged anthem that topped charts worldwide. Their relaxed, upbeat arrangement, featuring prominent guitar rhythms and a singalong chorus, introduced the track to a new generation. The timing was crucial: UB40’s version arrived during a period when reggae and pop‑reggae were gaining broad commercial traction. As a result, many listeners first encountered the song through UB40, even though they were covering Diamond’s earlier recording.
Notable Differences in UB40’s Treatment
- Tempo and rhythm: Upbeat, reggae groove compared to Diamond’s moderate folk pace
- Instrumentation: Prominent guitar, bass, and drums; UB40’s signature clean production
- Chart success: Reached number one in multiple countries, including the US and UK
- Legacy association: UB40 became the version most linked to the song in popular memory
Other Covers and Performances Over Time
Beyond the original and the UB40 hit, “Red Red Wine” has been taken on by numerous artists in various styles. These covers highlight the song’s malleable melody and enduring emotional resonance. While none matched the commercial impact of UB40’s reading, each interpretation contributed to the song’s ongoing presence across radio formats and streaming playlists.
| Artist | Release Year | Chart Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neil Diamond | 1967 | Modest regional impact | Original writer and first recording |
| UB40 | 1983 | Number one US and UK | Reggae‑pop cover that popularized the song |
| Jimmy Fallon (with The Roots) | 2009 | Digital chart appearance | Comedic late‑night performance version |
| Alley Cats | |||
| 1970s regional releases | Limited chart presence | Danish pop group cover |
Songwriting Credits and Legal Context
Understanding who sang “Red Red Wine” first requires clear attribution of writing rights. Neil Diamond is the sole writer of the song. Copyright records and publishing registrations consistently list him as the author. When UB40 recorded their version, they obtained proper licensing and credited Diamond, ensuring legal compliance and acknowledging his authorship. This distinction between writing and performing is central to music copyright and explains why Diamond receives songwriting royalties across all versions.
Copyright and Credits Snapshot
- Writer: Neil Diamond
- Publisher: Associated with Diamond’s catalog administered by music publishing entities
- UB40 licensing: Secured rights and provided standard songwriting credit
- Royalty flow: Songwriter earns performance and mechanical royalties across recordings
Why UB40’s Version Overshadowed the Original
Several factors explain why UB40’s “Red Red Wine” became the dominant reference for the song. The late‑1970s and early 1980s saw a surge in reggae‑influenced pop, creating a receptive audience for UB40’s blend of upbeat rhythms and melodic hooks. Their production quality, polished yet retaining a live energy, helped the song stand out on radio and in clubs. Additionally, the timing of UB40’s release aligned with a resurgence of interest in feel‑good, singalong tracks, propelling the cover to far greater chart heights and longer chart runs than Diamond’s original.
Legacy and Influence on Later Artists
The endurance of “Red Red Wine” as a staple of pop‑reggae playlists underscores the importance of both Diamond’s composition and UB40’s reinterpretation. Cover artists continue to reference UB40’s arrangement when tackling the song, and it remains a common karaoke and wedding playlist choice. Streaming data show that the UB40 version accounts for the vast majority of plays, although Neil Diamond’s original is often included in retrospectives and “songwriter origin” features. This dual legacy illustrates how a song can travel from an intimate demo to a worldwide hit through distinct, well‑recorded versions.
Summary of Key Facts
To directly answer who sang “Red Red Wine” first: Neil Diamond wrote and first recorded the song in 1967, making him the original performer. UB40 did not sing it first, but their 1983 cover became the definitive version for most listeners. The distinction between writer, first recording artist, and most famous interpreter is crucial for accurate attribution and appreciation of the song’s history.
- First writer and recording artist: Neil Diamond (1967)
- Most commercially successful version: UB40 (1983)
- Songwriting credit: Neil Diamond
- Key takeaway: Originality of creation does not always align with popularity of interpretation
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Neil Diamond ever perform “Red Red Wine” live in a notable way?
Neil Diamond has included “Red Red Wine” in his live sets at various concerts and televised appearances, often revisiting the song as part of his catalog. These performances highlight his roots as a songwriter and the emotional core of the original composition.
How can I tell the two versions apart when listening?
Diamond’s version is more acoustic and intimate, with a folk tempo and softer vocal delivery. UB40’s reading features a steady reggae rhythm, brighter guitar tones, and a fuller band arrangement that gives it a distinctly 1980s pop‑reggae character.
Are there other notable covers besides UB40’s?
Yes, several artists have recorded the song, including regional pop acts and musicians in various languages. However, none achieved the chart success or widespread recognition of UB40’s interpretation, which remains the touchstone for the track. By tracing the song from its first creation to its most recognized rendition, this overview clarifies the lineage of “Red Red Wine” and underscores the difference between writing, first recording, and enduring popularity.