Neil Sedaka Dies: ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’ Singer Was 86

Songwriter Behind "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" – Neil Sedaka – Dies At 86

Neil Sedaka, the celebrated singer-songwriter responsible for enduring hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” “Bad Blood,” and “Laughter In The Rain,” has died, his family announced Friday. He was 86 years old. Whereas the family shared the news with Variety, a cause of death was not immediately provided.

Sedaka’s career spanned decades, marked by initial success in the early 1960s, a period of relative quiet during the British Invasion, and a remarkable comeback in the 1970s fueled by collaborations and a new record deal. His influence on pop music is undeniable, and his songs continue to resonate with audiences today.

From Brill Building to Billboard Charts

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1939, Sedaka’s musical journey began with classical piano lessons, encouraged by his mother. He successfully auditioned for the Juilliard School of Music’s Preparatory Division, but his passion quickly shifted towards the burgeoning world of pop music. This led him to the famed Brill Building in his teens, where he began working as a songwriter. The Brill Building, a Manhattan landmark, was a hub for songwriters churning out hits for a new generation of artists.

Sedaka’s early career involved both performing and writing for others. He formed a doo-wop group, the Linc-Tones, which later became the Tokens, achieving regional success before he went solo in 1957. He likewise worked as a session pianist, contributing to recordings by artists like Bobby Darin. But, it was his songwriting that first brought him widespread recognition, penning “Stupid Cupid” for Connie Francis in 1958.

Early Success and the British Invasion

Sedaka signed with RCA Victor and began releasing his own singles. His breakthrough came in 1960 with “Oh! Carol,” a song inspired by Carole King, a fellow songwriter he had known previously. King playfully responded with “Oh! Neil,” co-written with her husband, Gerry Goffin. This exchange highlighted the collaborative spirit of the Brill Building era.

The early 1960s saw a string of hits for Sedaka, including “Calendar Girl,” “Little Devil,” and “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” culminating in his first #1 hit, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” in 1962. He followed this with another success, “Next Door To An Angel.” However, the arrival of the Beatles and the British Invasion dramatically altered the musical landscape, and Sedaka’s chart success waned.

A Comeback Fueled by Collaboration

Despite the decline in his own recording success, Sedaka continued to write songs and tour, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia. He began a fruitful collaboration with members of the future band 10cc, working on albums at Strawberry Studios in England. While his 1972 album, Solitaire, didn’t achieve immediate success, the partnership proved pivotal.

This collaboration led to “Love Will Keep Us Together,” which became a #1 hit for Captain & Tennille in 1975, as noted by Stereogum. Sedaka also penned “Ring Ring,” an early hit for ABBA.

Reclaiming the Charts with Elton John’s Support

A significant turning point came when Sedaka met Elton John, who signed him to his Rocket Records label in 1973. John’s support helped relaunch Sedaka’s career in the United States. The 1974 compilation album, Sedaka’s Back, featuring tracks from his recent albums, brought him back into the spotlight.

“Laughter In The Rain” became his second #1 hit, and he followed it up with another chart-topper, “Bad Blood” in 1975. After moving to Elektra Records, Sedaka scored one final top 40 hit with “Should’ve Never Let You Head.”

Legacy and Recognition

Throughout his career, Neil Sedaka demonstrated remarkable versatility, transitioning from teen idol to respected songwriter and performer. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying his place in music history. He continued to tour and record, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to be enjoyed by generations of fans.