Neil Sedaka, Pop Music Icon Behind ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,’ Dies at 86
Neil Sedaka, the legendary singer-songwriter responsible for a string of hits including “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Bad Blood,” has died, his family confirmed to Variety. He was 86 years old.
“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” the family said in a statement. “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.”
A Brill Building Staple
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sedaka rose to prominence as a teen idol in the late 1950s and early 1960s, becoming a key figure in the famed Brill Building songwriting scene. He scored three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and nine Top 10 singles during his initial run of success.
Beyond his own recordings, Sedaka penned numerous hits for other artists, including Connie Francis’ 1958 hit “Stupid Cupid” and the Captain and Tennille’s 1975 chart-topper “Love Will Retain Us Together.”
A Career Spanning Decades
Sedaka’s career spanned over six decades, during which he wrote or co-wrote over 500 songs. He received five Grammy nominations throughout his career and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.
After a period of diminished commercial success in the late 1960s, Sedaka experienced a significant career resurgence in the 1970s, aided by a collaboration with Elton John. He signed with John’s Rocket Records label and released the album Sedaka’s Back in 1974, which featured the No. 1 hit “Laughter in the Rain.” He followed that success with another No. 1 single, “Bad Blood,” in 1975, featuring uncredited backing vocals from Elton John.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Sedaka was born on March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. He began piano lessons at a young age and successfully auditioned for a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music’s Preparatory Division for Children. While initially focused on classical music, he soon developed a passion for pop music.
At age 13, he began a songwriting partnership with Howard Greenfield that would last for 25 years. He formed a doo-wop group called the Linc-Tones while in high school, which later evolved into the Tokens, who achieved fame with the 1961 hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Later Years and Legacy
Sedaka continued to tour and record music throughout his life. In 2003, his song “Solitaire” gained renewed attention when performed by Clay Aiken on American Idol, leading to a hit single and guest appearances on the show.
In 2022, Sedaka retired from songwriting and sold his song catalog to Primary Wave Music in 2024.
He is survived by his wife, Leba Strassberg, whom he married in 1962, and their two children, Marc and Dara.