R.I.P.: Neil Sedaka, Rock & Roll Legend

Neil Sedaka (1939-2026)

Neil Sedaka, the beloved singer-songwriter whose catchy pop hits like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "Calendar Girl," "Laughter in the Rain," and "Oh! Carol" defined eras of rock 'n' roll and soft rock, died Friday at age 86 in Los Angeles.

He was hospitalized earlier that day after an undisclosed medical emergency and passed away shortly after, according to family statements and reports. No cause of death has been released.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," his family said in a statement. 

"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."

A Juilliard-trained pianist born in Brooklyn on March 13, 1939, Sedaka rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s as part of the Brill Building songwriting scene. He co-wrote and performed teen-oriented classics with lyricist Howard Greenfield, including "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," "Stupid Cupid" (a hit for Connie Francis), and "Where the Boys Are." 

His boyish soprano voice and upbeat melodies captured the innocent spirit of pre-Beatles pop.After a career lull in the late 1960s, Sedaka staged a triumphant 1970s comeback with solo smashes like the No. 1 "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood," plus the Grammy-winning Captain & Tennille cover of his "Love Will Keep Us Together"—which famously ended with Toni Tennille's ad-lib "Sedaka is back!"

Sedaka's songs sold millions, were covered by artists from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to modern acts, and earned him enduring acclaim. He remained a tireless performer, playing dozens of concerts annually into his 80s, crediting his preserved vocal range and passion for the stage.

Short, dark-haired, and ever-smiling, the Brooklyn native from a Jewish family credited music with overcoming childhood challenges. A second-grade teacher spotted his talent, leading his mother to buy a used piano. He co-founded doo-wop group The Tokens early on and never stopped writing or performing, once telling interviewers the adrenaline of live audiences was an addictive "natural high."

Sedaka's legacy endures through timeless hits that bridged generations and his role as a prolific craftsman of American pop.