Neil Sedaka, Pop Songwriter and Performer, Dies at 86: Rock World Reacts

Neil Sedaka, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for hits such as "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "The Diary," "Oh! Carol" and "Laughter in the Rain," has died at age 86.

Sedaka's family confirmed his death Friday in a statement.

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

Sedaka, born March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, began his music career in his teens during the 1950s. He first found success with the doo-wop group The Tokens, then partnered with neighbor Howard Greenfield. The Sedaka-Greenfield songwriting team reportedly sold 40 million records between 1959 and 1964.

Sedaka placed 30 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including three No. 1 singles and nine top 10 hits. Eleven of his albums reached the Billboard 200 chart, with "The Hungry Years" peaking at No. 16 in December 1975.

Sedaka's influence extended to other artists. Micky Dolenz of the Monkees called Sedaka "a rare talent," noting that Sedaka wrote "When Love Comes Knockin' (At Your Door)" for the group's 1967 album "More of the Monkees." Elton John called Sedaka's death "very sad news" and praised his work at Rocket Records in the 1970s, adding, "He deserves to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame." Carole King wrote, "Neil Sedaka was so talented, and he inspired me to follow my dream of being a songwriter."

Sedaka was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was honored with the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award and Special International Award from The Ivors. He received five Grammy nominations during his career.

Sedaka also made numerous television appearances, including as one of the first musical guests on "Saturday Night Live" and as a guest judge on "American Idol."

In April 2024, Sedaka partnered with Primary Wave to acquire a stake in the masters and publishing rights to his catalog, encompassing all of his compositions and recordings.

He is survived by his wife, Leba, whom he married in 1962; daughter Dara; son Marc; and three grandchildren.