Neil Sedaka dies at 86; prolific singer-songwriter had huge hits with Breaking Up Is Hard to Do' and Laughter in the Rain'

"A key member of the Brill Building songwriting factory, Sedaka teamed with lyricist and boyhood neighbor Howard Greenfield on songs that reflected the teen innocence of the post-Elvis/pre-Beatles era of the late 1950s-early 1960s, including Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Calendar Girl and Oh! Carol, a lament for his high school sweetheart, Carole King."

"Short and dark-haired, with a big smile and high-pitched voice, he was a Juilliard-trained, Brooklyn-born son of a Jewish taxi driver who began performing as a teen and kept at it for decades. Sedaka still played dozens of concerts a year well into his 80s."

"It's nice to be a legend, but it's better to be a working legend. Sedaka's songs sold millions worldwide and have been covered by a variety of artists throughout his career."

Neil Sedaka, a prominent figure in early rock and roll, passed away at 86. His boyish soprano and bright melodies made him a top act in the late 1950s and early 1960s as part of the Brill Building songwriting factory. Collaborating with lyricist Howard Greenfield, he created teen-oriented hits including 'Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,' 'Calendar Girl,' and 'Oh! Carol.' After a career lull, he experienced a resurgence in the 1970s with songs like 'Laughter in the Rain' and 'Bad Blood.' The Captain & Tennille's cover of his 'Love Will Keep Us Together' topped charts in 1975. A Juilliard-trained Brooklyn native, Sedaka continued performing dozens of concerts annually into his 80s, maintaining his vocal range and enthusiasm throughout his long career.

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