Legendary Singer-Songwriter Neil Sedaka Dies at 86

Washington D.C. – American legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka has passed away. Sedaka, famous for delivering dozens of hit songs in the 1960s and 70s, died at the age of 86.

His family announced his sudden passing in a statement released on Friday. No immediate details regarding the cause of death have been made public.

“We are devastated by the untimely passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was not only a true legend of rock ‘n’ roll but also an extraordinary human being,” the family stated in the release. Sedaka, an important member of the Brill Building songwriting group, created many popular songs in collaboration with his childhood neighbor, lyricist Howard Greenfield. His famous songs include ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’, ‘Laughter in the Rain’, ‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen’, ‘Calendar Girl’, among others.

During the transitional pop-rock era between Elvis Presley and before The Beatles, he achieved great success through his melodious songs capturing teenage emotions. After a brief lull in his career, he made a comeback in the 1970s with hits like ‘Laughter in the Rain’ and ‘Bad Blood’. His song ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’ was made a chart-topper in 1975 when covered by The Captain & Tennille.

Sedaka, born in Brooklyn, was a musician trained by Juilliard. Even after turning 80, he continued to perform regular concerts. He never stopped singing his classic songs.