Neil Sedaka, Pop Icon and Hitmaker Behind 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,' Dies at 86

The world mourns the loss of Neil Sedaka, the prolific singer and songwriter celebrated for chart-topping hits such as "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," "Bad Blood," and "Laughter In The Rain." Sedaka's family confirmed his passing in a statement to Variety, expressing their profound grief: "Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. 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." The cause of death has not been disclosed. He was 86.

Born in New York City in 1939, Sedaka demonstrated an early aptitude for music, studying piano at the Juilliard School of Music's Preparatory Division. Despite his classical training, he gravitated towards pop music, securing a songwriting position at the legendary Brill Building while still a teenager.

During his teenage years, Sedaka founded the doo-wop group the Linc-Tones, later known as The Tokens, achieving regional success in the mid-1950s before embarking on a solo career in 1957. While The Tokens continued to release hits, Sedaka began penning songs for other artists, including Connie Francis's "Stupid Cupid" in 1958. He also contributed as a session pianist, notably on Bobby Darin's "Dream Lover."

Sedaka's initial solo singles did not chart, but his burgeoning career gained momentum, leading to an appearance on American Bandstand and a recording contract with RCA Victor. His breakthrough came in 1960 with "Oh! Carol," a top 10 hit inspired by his former girlfriend and fellow Brill Building songwriter, Carole King. This prompted a playful response song titled "Oh! Neil" from Gerry Goffin, King's husband and songwriting partner.

Sedaka continued to amass hits, including "Calendar Girl," "Little Devil," and "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," culminating in his first #1 hit, "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," in 1962. Another significant hit followed with "Next Door To An Angel." However, the arrival of The Beatles and the subsequent shift in the pop music landscape led to a decade-long decline in Sedaka's career. Despite this, he remained active as a songwriter and touring artist, particularly in the UK and Australia.

In the early 1970s, Sedaka collaborated with future members of the band 10cc to record his 1972 album Solitaire at Strawberry Studios in England. Although the album wasn't initially successful, it fostered a productive creative partnership. Their subsequent album, 1973's The Tra-La Days Are Over, spawned "Love Will Keep Us Together," which later became a #1 hit for Captain & Tennille. His song "Ring Ring" also became an early hit for ABBA. Around the release of 1974's Laughter In The Rain, Sedaka experienced a resurgence in popularity.

In 1973, Sedaka met Elton John, who signed him to Rocket Records and played a pivotal role in revitalizing his career in the US. The 1974 compilation Sedaka's Back, featuring tracks from his recent albums, propelled Sedaka back into the spotlight. "Laughter In The Rain" became his second #1 hit, and he once again topped the Hot 100 with "Bad Blood" in 1975. After transitioning from Rocket to Elektra, Sedaka achieved one final top 40 hit with "Should've Never Let You Go."

Sedaka's contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1983 and a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. He remained an active performer, recording artist, and cultural presence for decades.

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