Neil Sedaka, ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’ Singer, Dies at 86
Neil Sedaka, the celebrated singer-songwriter behind enduring hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Laughter in the Rain,” has died at the age of 86. His family announced the news on Friday, expressing their devastation at the loss of a “true rock and roll legend.”
From Brooklyn Roots to Brill Building Success
Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Sedaka’s musical journey began with a scholarship to the Juilliard School at the age of nine. Growing up in a crowded apartment with numerous relatives, his talent was nurtured from a young age, with his mother taking a job to afford a piano. He quickly rose to prominence as a key figure in the Brill Building songwriting scene, collaborating with lyricist Howard Greenfield to create a string of teen anthems in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
These early hits included “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Oh! Carol,” a song inspired by Carole King, a high school sweetheart. Sedaka’s knack for crafting catchy melodies and relatable lyrics resonated with a generation.
A Career Renaissance
After a period of relative quiet, Sedaka experienced a remarkable career resurgence in the 1970s, thanks to a pivotal partnership with Elton John. John signed Sedaka to his Rocket Records label, providing a platform for a comeback album, Sedaka’s Back. This led to chart-topping successes like “Bad Blood” and “Laughter in the Rain,” and the Captain & Tennille’s hit cover of “Love Will Keep Us Together.”
A ‘Working Legend’
Sedaka continued to perform for decades, captivating audiences with his energetic stage presence and enduring catalog. He remained remarkably active well into his 80s, playing dozens of concerts each year. “It’s nice to be a legend, but it’s better to be a working legend,” he once remarked. He attributed his vocal stamina to quality fortune, noting that even Pavarotti acknowledged the challenges of maintaining vocal cords over time.
Legacy of Songwriting
Throughout his six-decade career, Sedaka penned or co-wrote over 700 songs, earning five Grammy nominations and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. His music has been covered by a diverse range of artists, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and The 5th Dimension. He is survived by his wife, Leba, daughter Dara, son Marc, and three grandchildren.
FAQ
Q: What were some of Neil Sedaka’s biggest hits?
A: Some of his most famous songs include “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Laughter in the Rain,” “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen.”
Q: Did Neil Sedaka ever win a Grammy Award?
A: While he was nominated five times, he did not win a Grammy Award.
Q: What was Neil Sedaka’s connection to Elton John?
A: Elton John signed Sedaka to his Rocket Records label, which helped revitalize his career in the 1970s.
Q: Where did Neil Sedaka grow up?
A: He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and even had a street named after him there – Neil Sedaka Way.
Did you know? Neil Sedaka began studying piano at Juilliard School when he was just nine years aged.
Explore more about the history of rock and roll and the Brill Building era here.
Share your favorite Neil Sedaka song in the comments below!
