Neil Sedaka, the legendary singer-songwriter behind hits like “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” and “Love Will Keep Us Together,” has died at the age of 86.
American hit-song composer, singer and pianist Neil Sedaka, sitting at the piano during a rehearsal for his appearance at The Talk Of The Town, London. Original Publication: People Disc – HO0299 (Photo by Frank Barratt/Getty Images)
“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” his family said in a statement to Variety. “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.”
Throughout his career, Sedaka earned three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and nine in the Top 10. He also earned five Grammy nominations and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983.
American singer, songwriter and pianist Neil Sedaka sitting at a piano as he performs live in concert at a venue, 1986. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
In addition to his own songs, he wrote hits for other artists like the 1958 Connie Francis hit “Stupid Cupid” and Captain and Tennille’s mega-hit “Love Will Keep Us Together.”
Sedaka was born March 13, 1939 in Brooklyn and grew up in the Brighton Beach neighborhood.
He showed an early talent for music and after taking piano lessons, he auditioned for a scholarship for the Juilliard School of Music’s Preparatory Division for Children, which he ended up attending.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 09: Singer Neil Sedaka performs with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on stage at the Sydney Opera House on May 9, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)
On his official website, he wrote, “This is a gift I was born with. My main objective is to always top the last collection, raise the bar and reinvent Neil Sedaka.”
American pop singer Neil Sedaka and his wife Leba, November 1972. (Photo by Jack Kay/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Sedaka is survived by his wife, Leba Strassberg, whom he married in 1962, and his two children, Marc and Dara Sedaka, per Variety.
Follow us on Instagram @WeArePauseRewind for all your pop culture obsessions.