HERE'S a little trivia for you – which recording artist is one of pop music's most enduring and successful singer-songwriters who has scored a number of hits in the 1960s, '70s and '80s?

As of 2002, this artist ranked third behind only Elton John and Barbra Streisand, on the list of the most successful adult contemporary artists in the history of the American Billboard charts. And if you Google him, you come up with more than 5.7 million results. Any guesses?

If you guessed Neil Diamond, you'd be right. Here's another question – did you know that America's number one Neil Diamond tribute artist will be here in Bermuda performing for two nights later this month?

Rob Garrett and his King of Diamonds Band will perform at the Fairmont Southampton on January 16 and 17. And, this group just aren't any old cover band, they have perfected their act for the past 14 years and Mr. Garrett has been named the top Male Musical Tribute Act of 2008.

The group, brought to Bermuda by 441 Productions, feature nine musicians in a cabaret-style act that performs more than 100 shows a year across the United States, including Las Vegas, where they are based.

The act is so popular in fact, Mr. Garrett, who travels most of the year to various shows, has made a very successful career as a Neil Diamond tribute artist.

"I have been making my living solely as a Neil Diamond tribute artist since June of 1995 when I auditioned and got the job working for a popular Las Vegas production show called 'Legends in Concert'," he explained.

"I worked for them for about five years before I decided to go out on my own."

Like the singing legend, Mr. Garrett (pictured) grew up in New York City and then moved to Las Vegas with his family in 1974. As a young boy, he had only two things on his mind – playing baseball and singing. Moving to Las Vegas pushed him towards the entertainment industry.

"It was that city that enabled me to fulfil my dream(s)," he said.

"I actually got to see Elvis 23 times (five times in New York and 18 times in Vegas) and a few days ago, I saw Neil in concert for my 12th time."

Being considerably younger than Neil Diamond, Mr. Garrett "matured" into the role, from first using a wig and eye brow pencil to make his brows appear fuller to eventually losing the wig in favour of cutting and styling his hair like Mr. Diamond's.

Throughout the years, Mr. Garrett's appearance began to closely resemble that of the star and continued to perfect his act.

"Gradually, it all came together. I had to work on perfecting his look, voice, and mannerisms," he said.

"I studied Neil (videos, photos, CDs, etc) like a scientist studying an atom. It took a little while but, now going on 14 years, I've got it down to where I cannot even remember what it's like to look and sound like myself anymore."

Even through the years of studying Diamond's persona and honing his craft, Mr. Garrett has never actually met the famous singer in person. Since Diamond is widely known for being a very private person – verging on being a recluse – Mr. Garrett doesn't take it to heart and doesn't seek the star out either.

"I've never been aggressive about pushing myself on him," he explained.

"He (Diamond) is familiar with what I do and I know he approves as I have a personal photo signed from him to me in my home office. I know some of his long-time musicians and have even had his percussionist sit in with me and my band."

Never meeting the star in person hasn't stopped Mr. Garrett from celebrating the career and the life of the musician. In fact, later this month he will be doing a show in honour of the "King of Diamonds" birthday.

"He (Diamond) turns 68 on January 24 and my band and I are doing a big concert that night at a local hotel/casino showroom in Vegas," he said.

Mr. Garrett and his band perform in front of crowds ranging from 25 at private parties to 15,000 at outdoor concerts. The concert here in Bermuda at Fairmont Southampton's Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre seats up to 650 people, so the event will be a fairly intimate affair, certainly pleasing those who are fans of Diamond's music.

"I believe we have 23-24 songs slated for our Bermuda shows – which are divided in half with an intermission in between," said Mr. Garrett, who's never been to Bermuda before.

"It's one of our longer shows. Good thing Neil has a bizillion hits, which coincidentally, he has written all of."

Part proceeds from the show go to the Live Healthy Bermuda Foundation, a new charity formed last year as an offshoot from the very successful Live Healthy Bermuda 100 Day Challenge.

"We found out that 441 Productions was looking to partner with a charity organisation and contacted group," Sarah Burrows, vice-president of the Live Healthy Foundation, said.

"After last year's success with the Live Healthy 100 Day Challenge, we formed the Foundation to make the challenge into an annual event and expand it to include a children's programme. We are grateful for any help we can get."

And, being that Ms Burrows is an avid fan of Diamond, the partnership seemed like a perfect match.

"I just went to a Neil Diamond concert in August in Philadelphia," she said.

"Neil's shows are so fun and have a great energy them, I know that this Neil Diamond tribute band is going to impress all who attend."

Tickets and tables for the event are still available and can be purchased from iStore and All Wrapped Up in Hamilton. The Fairmont Southampton is also offering a room and show package, which can be booked by calling the hotel's reservation desk at 238-8000. VIP tables for 14 people are still available for both nights and can be booked by contacting 441productionsbermuda.com or by calling 599-1441.