Neil Sedaka, Legendary Singer-Songwriter Behind 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,' Dead at 86
Neil Sedaka, the Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter whose irresistibly catchy pop hits and songwriting pen shaped the careers of artists from Connie Francis to Captain & Tennille, died Friday in Los Angeles. He was 86.
His family confirmed the news, saying: "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." No cause of death was provided. TMZ reported that Sedaka wasn't feeling well Friday morning and was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Los Angeles at approximately 8 a.m.
The Voice Behind the Songs
Sedaka was born on March 13, 1939, and raised in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach neighborhood. His early proficiency at piano earned him a spot at the famed Juilliard School of Music, where he attended both prep school and college. At the same time he was getting a classical education, Sedaka was falling in love with early rock & roll.
He teamed up with neighbor and lyricist Howard Greenfield while still a teenager, and the pair set up shop at the famous Brill Building — the legendary New York City hit factory that also housed Gerry Goffin & Carole King, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, and Burt Bacharach & Hal David. Their first major success came when Connie Francis recorded their song "Stupid Cupid," which helped land Sedaka a recording deal with RCA Victor.
He quickly cemented his pop stardom with a string of hits including "Oh! Carol" — written about his teenage girlfriend and future music legend Carole King — "Calendar Girl," "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen," and "Next Door to an Angel." Then came the song that would define him forever. "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," with its carefree, nonsensical opening, proved irresistible to teens, enjoying a 14-week run on the singles chart and becoming Sedaka's first No. 1 hit in the summer of 1962.
@neil_sedaka_official Which song is your favorite? ????❤️ #neilsedaka
♬ original sound - Neil Sedaka
Sedaka's Legacy
Sedaka was nominated for five Grammy Awards, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He scored three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and nine in the Top 10.
He seemed to know, long before the end, exactly what he was leaving behind. "I think the reason I've been around so long is I've always been able to raise the bar, reinvent Neil Sedaka, and to develop and grow," he said in a 2020 interview. "It's still very gratifying to hear my music played on the radio — the songs will outlive me."
He was right about that. Breaking up may be hard to do. But some songs never really leave.