Neil Sedaka, ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’ Singer, Dead at 86

Neil Sedaka, the iconic songwriter and pop musician, has passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy marked by numerous hits and a profound impact on the music industry. The news of his death was confirmed following his hospitalisation on Friday, with details emerging shortly after from various media outlets.

Sedaka’s career began in the 1950s, during which he composed chart-topping songs such as “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen.” His early work established him as a household name in the evolving pop scene of the time. Amidst the changing music landscape, he experienced a renaissance in the 1970s, solidifying his status as a songwriter of immense talent and creativity.

The Sedaka family released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief over his untimely death. “Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” they conveyed. They described him as “a true rock and roll legend and an inspiration to millions,” while highlighting his essence as an exceptional human being who will be profoundly missed by loved ones.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1939, Sedaka exhibited musical talent early on. Encouraged by a music teacher, he began playing the piano, which eventually led him to enrol in Juilliard’s children’s prep programme. In an interview, he revealed that his personal experiences in Brooklyn, where he often felt out of place, spurred him to seek acceptance through music. “I thought that the way to get invited to parties would be to write and sing pop music,” he noted in a 1975 conversation with People magazine.

At just 13 years old, Sedaka formed a partnership with lyricist Howard Greenfield, who would be instrumental in shaping his career. After finishing high school, Sedaka started a band called The Linc-Tones. Although his stint with the group was short-lived, he continued to collaborate with Greenfield at the famous Brill Building while also pursuing a solo career. Their first significant success arrived in 1958 when Connie Francis recorded “Stupid Cupid,” marking the beginning of a fruitful songwriting partnership.

Sedaka’s song “Oh! Carol,” released in 1959, drew inspiration from his high school relationship with the esteemed songwriter Carole King. He continued to find success with tracks such as “Stairway to Heaven,” “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” and others that resonated with audiences during the early 1960s. Despite the challenges posed by The Beatles and the British Invasion around the same time, his songwriting prowess remained unwavering, supporting various artists including The Monkees and Jimmy Clanton.

Over the years, Sedaka successfully navigated the shifting tides of the music industry, even after experiencing a decline in his own singing career in the latter half of the 1960s. He expressed his resilience, stating, “The creative mind is still working, and it’s a drive. You have to prove yourself each time.” His determination led him to the UK during a career low, where he found renewed success. Notably, his song “Love Will Keep Us Together” became a triumph for Captain & Tennille, and he collaborated with ABBA to co-write “Ring Ring,” which became the band’s first global hit.

His partnership with Elton John brought about a significant revival of his career. John signed Sedaka to his label, Rocket Record Company, Limited, ultimately leading to the release of “Sedaka’s Back” in 1974. The album featured successful tracks that included “Laughter in the Rain,” which topped the U.S. charts, along with “Bad Blood” and a reimagined version of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Neil Sedaka produced over 25 studio albums and received multiple Grammy nominations. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978. Even in his later years, Sedaka actively engaged with fans through social media, sharing his love for music and performance.

Married to Leba Strassberg since 1962, Sedaka is survived by his wife and their two children, Dara and Marc. Dara, following in her father’s musical footsteps, featured on some of Sedaka’s recordings and collaborated with him on the hit duet “Should’ve Never Let You Go.” His passing marks a significant loss to the music community, with many reflecting on his lasting influence and contributions to the world of pop music.