Micky Dolenz Remembers Neil Sedaka: 'One of Those Rare Songwriters Who Could Do It All'
Micky Dolenz pays tribute to the late Neil Sedaka, highlighting his songwriting prowess and impact on The Monkees' music.
Neil Sedaka, a defining voice of the '60s and '70s, passed away on Friday at 86. His discography includes hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Laughter in the Rain”.
Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, honored Sedaka's memory, calling him “one of those rare songwriters who could do it all.” Dolenz emphasized Sedaka's contributions to The Monkees, noting, “Monkees fans will know his work, too – he co-wrote ‘When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door’ with Carole Bayer Sager, along with a few other songs that found their way into our world,” He also added, “He also wrote ‘Rainy Jane’ for [Davy Jones’] solo record.”
Dolenz fondly recalled Sedaka's presence at Davy Jones' memorial in Los Angeles, where he performed “Love Comes Knocking at Your Door.” He concluded his tribute by sending his condolences to Sedaka's family, friends, and fans.
Sedaka first hit the Top 10 in 1959 with “Oh! Carol,” followed by tracks like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Calendar Girl,” “Little Devil,” and “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen.” “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” reached Number One in 1962, and “Next Door to an Angel” peaked at Number Five.
In the 1970s, Elton John signed Sedaka to his label. In 1974, Rocket Record Company released Sedaka’s Back, a compilation of his U.K. songs, which went gold in the U.S. The following year marked Sedaka's major comeback, topping the Billboard Hot 100 twice with “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood.” A new ballad version of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” reached Number Eight.
In a 2006 interview with the Ocala Star Banner, Sedaka shared his view on inspiration: “People, places, emotions, family, movies, plays — many, many different inspirations,” he said. “Many of the songs are inspired by listening to singers. ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’ was inspired by different singing styles. In the last 20 years, I’ve been writing my own lyrics, which is what I prefer. Nobody puts words in my mouth, it just comes from my soul.”
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