The Surprising Origins of the UB40 Reggae Song ‘Red Red Wine’

Digital creator Dan Kohler explained that the upbeat UB40 reggae classic “Red Red Wine” was written by Neil Diamond, who first recorded it for his 1967 studio album Just For You in a very different style.

The funny thing is that UB40 had no idea that Diamond had written the song, as it was introduced to them by reggae artist Tony Tribe, whose 1969 reggae version followed Jimmy James and the Vagabonds’ 1968 cover.

UB40 had a #1 hit with a song they had no idea who wrote — until the royalty checks started coming in and it turned out to be Neil Diamond.

Diamond also wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by many other artists, including Elvis Presley (“And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind”), The Monkees (“I’m a Believer”), Deep Purple (“Kentucky Woman”), Barbra Streisand (“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”) and Urge Overkill (“Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon”).

Original Neil Diamond Recording of “Red Red Wine”

UB40’s Version

Thanks Chip Beale!

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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