"cherry, cherry" is a song written, composed, and recorded in february - march 1966 by american musician neil diamond. the song (originally intended as a demo) was arranged by artie butler and produced by jeff barry and ellie greenwich. it was issued as a 45 single in 1966 and became diamond's first big hit, reaching #6 on both the "billboard" hot 100 chart, in october 1966, and the "cash box" chart. ellie greenwich came up with the chorus and can be heard as the prominent background voice, accompanied by jeff barry. neil diamond has stated that the song was inspired by an early relationship with a significantly older woman.