Neil Sedaka, Legendary Singer-Songwriter Behind ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,’ ‘Bad Blood’ and ‘Love Will Keep Us Together,’ Dies at 86

The world of popular music has lost one of its great architects with the death of Neil Sedaka at 86. His family announced the news, expressing they are "devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather." In their statement, they highlighted that while he was a "true rock and roll legend," he was first and foremost "an incredible human being who will be deeply missed." The artist's prolific songbook, featuring timeless classics like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "Calendar Girl," and "Laughter in the Rain," ensures his voice will endure.

Sedaka’s professional life exemplified remarkable staying power, covering more than sixty years and yielding three Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles and nine Top 10 hits. His story started in New York's iconic Brill Building—a songwriting hub that also launched the careers of Carole King and Neil Diamond—where he perfected a melodic genius that shaped the sound of multiple decades. Following a decline in popularity during the British Invasion, he engineered an extraordinary resurgence in the mid-1970s, notably with the chart-topper "Bad Blood," which featured Elton John. This comeback underscored a rare ability to adapt and reinvent his sound for new audiences.

His impact was not confined to his own performances. As a songwriter, frequently collaborating with lyricist Howard Greenfield, Sedaka penned significant hits for other major acts. He gave Connie Francis her first big success with 1958's "Stupid Cupid" and supplied Captain & Tennille with their defining 1975 smash, "Love Will Keep Us Together." Music critic and historian Dr. Evelyn Shaw noted, "Sedaka’s gift was creating deceptively simple melodies with universal emotional hooks. His career forms a vital link between the Tin Pan Alley tradition and the introspective pop of the 1970s singer-songwriters." This dual role as both performer and behind-the-scenes craftsman doubled his influence on the industry.

Sedaka’s musical journey began in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach, where he was born on March 13, 1939. A recognized child prodigy, he was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School's Preparatory Division for piano on a teacher's recommendation. Despite this rigorous classical foundation, he was irresistibly drawn to popular music, famously beginning his songwriting partnership with neighbor Howard Greenfield when they were just 13. His initial foray into performing was with a high school doo-wop act called the Linc-Tones, which later morphed into the Tokens of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" fame. Choosing a solo path, he departed the group in 1957 to sign with RCA Victor, launching his distinctive career.

His sustained excellence earned him widespread recognition, including five Grammy nominations, a 1983 induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He maintained an unwavering creative drive, once stating on his website that his goal was to "always top the last collection, raise the bar and reinvent Neil Sedaka." He remained a dedicated performer and recording artist throughout his life. Sedaka is survived by his wife of over six decades, Leba Strassberg, and their two children. His legacy as a definitive pop melodist and resilient entertainer will undoubtedly continue to inspire artists and delight listeners for generations.