‘Legendary’ Neil Sedaka, singer of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, dies aged 86
Legendary Neil Sedaka, iconic singer of ‘Breaking Up Is Hard To Do’, dies at 86
Neil Sedaka, the acclaimed singer-songwriter behind timeless classics such as ‘Oh! Carol’ and ‘Breaking Up Is Hard To Do’, has passed away at the age of 86.
His family shared the tragic news on February 27, expressing deep sorrow: ‘Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather.’
Sedaka’s legacy as a rock and roll pioneer and musical inspiration endures, with his work resonating across generations. Yet, for those who knew him personally, his impact was deeply personal, as noted in a heartfelt tribute: ‘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.’
Collaborating with lyricist Howard Greenfield, Sedaka crafted hits for various artists, including Connie Francis’s ‘Stupid Cupid’ and Tony Christie’s ‘(Is This The Way To) Amarillo’. His own chart-topping works such as ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and ‘Calendar Girl’ reached the US Top 10, cementing his status as a versatile creator.
As a young teen, Sedaka penned his first chart success with Greenfield, leading to the 1958 release of ‘Stupid Cupid’. Later, he studied at the Juilliard School in New York and formed The Tokens, a doo-wop group, during the late 1950s.
The 1960s saw a shift in his career as the British Invasion dominated US music charts, with acts like The Beatles overshadowing his earlier work. This period marked his transition to writing for other artists, culminating in a 1975 comeback with ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’ for Captain & Tennille.
Throughout his six-decade career, Sedaka worked with industry giants such as Elton John’s label, contributing to the catalogs of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and the Monkees. His influence extended far beyond his own performances.
Micky Dolenz of the Monkees reflected on his passing: ‘I was saddened to hear of Neil Sedaka’s passing. A rare talent, he gave us many hits and co-wrote ‘When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door’ with Carole Bayer Sager, a song cherished by Monkees fans too.’
Tributes also poured in from DJ and vocalist Tony Blackburn, who shared: ‘How sad that Neil Sedaka has passed away. He was one of my favourites and I met him and interviewed him several times. He was a talented and lovely man.’
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