"“Southern Nights” is a personal song by Allen Toussaint that reflects on childhood memories in Louisiana. The song was the final one written for his 1975 album and was inspired by a conversation with Van Dyke Parks. Glen Campbell connected with the song's storytelling and recorded a successful version for his 1977 album. Campbell's rendition of "Southern Nights" topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Country charts. Additionally, Campbell covered the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" and Neil Diamond's "Sunflower" on the same album."
Source: https://americansongwriter.com/neil-diamond-wrote-this-1977-country-hit-for-glen-campbell