NEW YORK (AP) — Neil Sedaka, the singer-songwriter whose bright melodies and distinctive soprano helped define early rock ‘n’ roll and who later enjoyed a major comeback in the 1970s, has died at age 86.
His family announced his death Friday, calling him “a true rock and roll legend” and “an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.” No additional details were immediately released.
Sedaka was behind dozens of hits, including “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” “Oh! Carol,” “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood.” Over a career spanning more than six decades, his songs sold millions worldwide and were recorded by artists ranging from Elvis Presley to Frank Sinatra.
From Brooklyn to the Brill Building
Born and raised in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach neighborhood, Sedaka was a Juilliard-trained pianist whose songwriting partnership with lyricist Howard Greenfield helped shape the sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s. As part of the famed Brill Building songwriting scene, he crafted teen-pop classics during the post-Elvis, pre-Beatles era.
From 1959 to 1962, Sedaka placed 10 songs in the Top 10. But the rise of The Beatles and the British Invasion pushed the Brill Building style off the charts, leading to what Sedaka later described as 13 years “in the wilderness.”
A Comeback Fueled by Elton John
Sedaka’s resurgence came in the mid-1970s with support from Elton John, who signed him to Rocket Records. The album Sedaka’s Back launched a second wave of success, including chart-toppers “Bad Blood” and “Laughter in the Rain.”
He also achieved a rare feat by taking “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” to No. 1 twice — first as an upbeat hit in 1962, and again as a slower ballad in 1975.
A Lasting Legacy
Sedaka helped launch the career of Connie Francis with songs like “Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are.” The duo Captain & Tennille scored a Grammy-winning hit with his “Love Will Keep Us Together,” famously adding the line “Sedaka’s back!” at the end of the track.
Though inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Sedaka was never admitted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite fan campaigns.
Even into his 80s, he continued performing dozens of concerts a year, retaining the vocal range and enthusiasm that first made him a star.
“It’s nice to be a legend,” he once said, “but it’s better to be a working legend.”