Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, whose impersonators rival those of Elvis, will be performing at 8 p.m. Tuesday The Bryce Jordan Center.

Diamond, who is known for four decades of love songs, blues and patriotic tunes, will highlight material from his Three Chord Opera album as well as the newly released Essential Neil Diamond.

When asked about Diamond's music, most Penn State students respond the same way as Chris Snyder (senior-earth science).

"My mom listens to it," he said.

However, almost everyone is familiar with one of his songs. "Sweet Caroline" is a well-known Diamond tune among students at Penn State.

Two Diamond hits have become prominent recently. The Today Show on NBC has his "America" as its current theme song during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

And the soundtrack to the movie Shrek features "I'm a Believer," written by Diamond with The Monkees and performed by Smash Mouth.

Last February Diamond also had a cameo appearance in the motion picture Saving Silverman.

Diamond's career began in 1966, several years after he dropped out of college to pursue songwriting.

Forgoing a college degree did not hinder Diamond's success.

His lifetime achievements include being the first rock-era superstar to headline on Broadway, several Grammy and Golden Globe awards, numerous Recording Industry Association of America-certified platinum albums, TV specials, a No. 1 hit on the singles chart with Barbara Streisand and the "Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award."

Diamond gave a "riveting" performance at The Bryce Jordan Center three years ago when he returned to State College for the first time in 20 years.

Billie Rockey, staff assistant in West Halls and Diamond fan for 15 years, went to this concert when she was offered a free ticket for being a Penn State housing employee.

She said about his last State College performance that "it was awesome" and she expects him to do another good show. Rockey's favorite song is "Cracklin' Rosie."

Reserved seats are still on sale for $67.50 and $37.50 and can be purchased at the BJC, Eisenhower Auditorium, selected Uni-Mart ticket outlets, Commonwealth Campus ticket outlets, or by calling (800) 863-3336 or (814) 865-5555.