Neil Sedaka, a rock and roll legend, has died at age 86, according to TMZ. His family confirmed his death in a statement, which they shared with Variety. In the statement, they said, 'Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka.' They added, '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.' TMZ reported that Neil Sedaka was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after he woke up Friday morning feeling unwell, according to the outlet.
Neil Sedaka is best known for the 1960s tune 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,' which reached number one in 1962. According to reports, he recorded the song after he became a solo artist. His first hit was reportedly 1961's 'Calendar Girl,' and other early hits include 'Little Devil,' 'Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,' and 'Next Door to an Angel,' sources say. In 1962, one of the most successful years of his career, 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do' reached number one and 'Next Door to an Angel' got to number five, according to reports. He also sang 'Oh! Carol' and 'Calendar Girl,' which skyrocketed on the charts, sources indicate.
Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka.
In the 1970s, Neil Sedaka had two big hits: 'Laughter In The Rain' and 'Bad Blood,' according to reports. He wrote songs for other artists, including 'Stupid Cupid' for Connie Francis, 'Is This the Way To Amarillo' for Tony Christie, and 'Love Will Keep Us Together' for Captain & Tennille. He is reportedly a prolific songwriter who has written or co-written over 500 songs. Neil Sedaka has been nominated for five Grammy awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, sources say.
Neil Sedaka reportedly got his start in the 1950s with the band The Tokens. He was from Brighton Beach, New York, according to sources. His father was a taxi driver, and his parents struggled to make ends meet, reports indicate. His mother worked a second job to save up for a piano for him in second grade after his teacher noticed he had talent, according to accounts. In 1947, Neil Sedaka auditioned successfully for a piano scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music's Preparatory Division for Children, which he attended on Saturdays, sources say. He started writing pop songs at age 13 with a poet neighbor, according to reports.
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.
Due to disputes with RCA Records over ownership of his original hits from the late 1950s and early 1960s, Neil Sedaka re-recorded those tunes in 1991, according to sources. He financed the recording, production, and distribution of new CDs and repackaging of his existing catalog through his own business, Neil Sedaka Music, reports indicate.
Neil Sedaka served as a guest judge on season two of American Idol, sources say. He has been married to Leba Strassberg since 1962 and has two children: Dara and Marc, according to reports.