Legendary Singer Dies at 86

The music world just lost one of its original hit machines.

Neil Sedaka — the Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter behind classics like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” “Laughter in the Rain,” and “Bad Blood” — has died at 86, a representative confirmed.

“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather,” his family said in a statement. “A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions… an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”

For decades, Sedaka’s melodies were everywhere. If you grew up with oldies radio in the background, chances are you sang along to at least one of his songs — whether you realized it or not.

Born March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach neighborhood, Sedaka was a musical prodigy almost from the start. A second-grade teacher spotted his talent and nudged him toward piano lessons. Within a few years, he had earned a scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School’s preparatory division, studying classical music before falling headfirst into pop.

As a teen, he teamed up with lyricist Howard Greenfield, launching one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the early ’60s. Together, they churned out hit after hit from New York’s legendary Brill Building — the same songwriting hub that produced icons like Carole King and Neil Diamond.

Sedaka’s own solo career took off fast. Songs like “Oh! Carol,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” “Little Devil,” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” dominated the charts. He eventually scored three No. 1 singles and nine Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

But Sedaka wasn’t just writing for himself.

He penned smash hits for other stars, including Connie Francis’ “Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are.” Years later, he co-wrote “Love Will Keep Us Together,” which became a massive 1975 chart-topper for Captain & Tennille. He even had a hand in writing English lyrics for a Swedish group then known as Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid — who would soon rebrand as ABBA.

When the British Invasion reshaped pop music in the mid-’60s, Sedaka’s chart dominance cooled. Instead of fading away, he pivoted. He wrote for legends including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and The Monkees, proving he was far more than a teen idol.

Then came the comeback.

In the mid-1970s, a surprise boost from Elton John — who signed Sedaka to his Rocket label and sang backup on “Bad Blood” — helped reignite his solo career. “Laughter in the Rain” soared to No. 1 in the U.S., and suddenly Sedaka was back on top nearly 13 years after his first chart peak.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Sedaka earned five Grammy nominations, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Even into the 2000s, his music found new life. “American Idol” contestant Clay Aiken revived “Solitaire,” introducing Sedaka’s songwriting brilliance to a new generation.

In 2022, Sedaka officially retired from songwriting. Two years later, he sold his catalog — a treasure trove of pop history — to Primary Wave Music.

Through every reinvention, Sedaka often said he was driven by one goal: to top his last collection and keep raising the bar.

He is survived by his wife of more than six decades, Leba Strassberg, and their two children, Marc and Dara.

The man who made breaking up sound catchy, who turned heartbreak into harmonies, and who helped shape the golden age of pop leaves behind a soundtrack that won’t be fading anytime soon.