Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, known for hits like ‘Oh! Carol’ and ‘Breaking Up Is Hard To Do’, has died aged 86.
His family confirmed the news in a statement on February 27: ‘Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.
‘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.’
The family did not disclose his cause of death, or where he died.
Sedaka wrote songs alongside Howard Greenfield for other artists too, including hits like Stupid Cupid by Connie Francis and (Is This The Way To) Amarillo by Tony Christie.
Other popular hits of his own include Stairway to Heaven and Calendar Girl, both of which made it into the US top ten.
He was also a pianist, and nominated for five Grammy awards.
The singer-songwriter was born on March 12, 1939, in Brookyln.
As a teenager, he wrote his first hit song with his neighbour. Stupid Cupid was released in 1958.
Sedaka attended Julliard School in New York and founded The Tokens, a doo-wop group, in the late 1950s.
He recorded albums for Elton John’s record label during six-decades-long career, and wrote for legends including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and The Monkees.
Micky Dolenz, from the latter-mentioned band, wrote on X: ‘I was saddened to hear of Neil Sedaka’s passing.
‘A rare talent, he gave us many hits and co-wrote “When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door” with Carole Bayer Sager, beloved by Monkees fans too.
‘My thoughts are with his family and all who cherished his music.’
More to follow…
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