Neil Sedaka, the singer-songwriter known for Neil Sedaka hits like 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,' died Friday at age 86 in Los Angeles. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital that morning after a medical call at his home. His family shared the news in a short statement. He leaves behind his wife and two kids.
Key Takeaways
- Neil Sedaka died at 86 after going to a hospital in Los Angeles on Friday morning.
- He's best known for 1960s smashes like 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do' and 'Calendar Girl.'
- Family described him as a rock and roll legend and incredible human being.
- He wrote hits for others too, like 'Love Will Keep Us Together' for Captain & Tennille.
Background
Neil Sedaka came from Brooklyn. Born in 1939, he grew up in Brighton Beach. Music grabbed him early. His second-grade teacher saw talent. She pushed his parents for piano lessons. That led to a spot at Juilliard's prep school. There, he studied classical piano. But pop called louder as a teen.
At 13, he met Howard Greenfield. Howard was three years older. They teamed up for songs. That pair lasted 25 years. They cranked out hits. Sedaka hit the Brill Building scene in the early 1960s. That's where songwriters worked like a factory. He landed three number one songs. Nine more cracked the top 10 on Billboard.
His own records sold big then. 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do' topped charts in 1962. It slowed down after. But he came back strong in the 1970s. Elton John helped. They did 'Bad Blood' together. It hit number one in 1975. Sedaka wrote for stars too. Connie Francis sang his 'Stupid Cupid' in 1958. It was huge. Captain & Tennille took 'Love Will Keep Us Together' to the top in 1975. That's his tune.
He kept going. Dozens of albums over decades. Tours never stopped. Grammy nods came five times. First one in 1959, the second ceremony ever. Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1978. Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. Lately, he posted about a new album. Excitement buzzed online.
Sedaka married Leba Strassberg in 1962. They had daughter Dara and son Marc. Family stayed close. He called music his gift. Always aimed to top the last work. Reinvent himself, he said.
Key Details
The call came Friday morning. Around 8 a.m. local time in West Hollywood. Deputies helped fire crews on a medical request. Paramedics took Sedaka to the hospital. He wasn't feeling well at home. That's all they said at first. Later reports said he passed that day.
No official cause out yet. Family didn't share details. They focused on grief. His last social post hyped the new album. Fans saw hope there. Then this.
His Biggest Hits
'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.' Slow version and fast one both charted. 'Calendar Girl.' Fun tune about months and girls. 'Laughter in the Rain.' Soft 1974 hit. 'Bad Blood' with Elton. Anger turned pop gold. He wrote over 500 songs. Some for him. Many for others.
Sedaka played piano always. Classical roots showed. But he loved pop crowds. Brill Building gave him polish. Teamed with Greenfield for lyrics. Sedaka on melody. Perfect match.
Career peaks. 1960s teen idol days. Then 1970s adult comeback. Elton John's label signed him. Rocket Records pushed the revival. Tours packed houses. Albums sold steady.
"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed." – Sedaka Family Statement
What This Means
Fans mourn a voice from their youth. Sedaka's songs defined eras. Teens danced to his 1960s beats. Adults swayed to 1970s ballads. His work lives on radio. Streaming keeps it fresh. Playlists full of his tracks. New fans find him daily.
Music world loses a craftsman. He shaped pop. Wrote simple hooks. Stories everyone knew. Brill Building style faded. But his songs stick. Covers keep coming. Artists sample bits.
Family faces quiet days. Wife Leba by his side 64 years. Kids grown. Grandkids now. They shared little. Privacy ruled.
Tributes pour in. Stars who knew him post memories. Bruno Mars Releases The Romantic Album After Decade Wait. Fans link his style to today's sounds. Sedaka influenced many. His piano runs echo.
Albums stay. New one might drop posthumous. He talked it up. Label holds masters. Tours end. But legacy tours forever. Radio spins. Spotify counts climb.
Hollywood star shines. Hall of Fame spot secure. Grammy nods remembered. Songwriters study his work. How he bridged decades.
Younger crowds discover via parents. TikTok clips go viral. 'Breaking Up' memes trend. Death sparks searches. Charts might move.
Neil Sedaka Dies at 86 After Hospital Visit in Los Angeles. That's our earlier report. Details match here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Neil Sedaka when he died?
He was 86.
What are Neil Sedaka's most famous songs?
Top ones include 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,' 'Bad Blood,' 'Laughter in the Rain,' and 'Calendar Girl.'
Who survives Neil Sedaka?
His wife Leba Strassberg, daughter Dara, and son Marc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Neil Sedaka when he died?
He was 86.
What are Neil Sedaka’s most famous songs?
Top ones include ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,’ ‘Bad Blood,’ ‘Laughter in the Rain,’ and ‘Calendar Girl.’
Who survives Neil Sedaka?
His wife Leba Strassberg, daughter Dara, and son Marc.
