Neil Sedaka, the singer-songwriter behind dozens of hits of the 1960s and '70s, dies at age 86

"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. He retained the enthusiasm and broad vocal range of his youth and never tired of the standards he had sung hundreds of times."

Neil Sedaka, a Juilliard-trained Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter, became a major figure in early rock 'n' roll through his work with the Brill Building songwriting factory alongside lyricist Howard Greenfield. His boyish soprano and bright melodies produced numerous hits during the late 1950s and early 1960s, including 'Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,' 'Calendar Girl,' and 'Oh! Carol.' After a career decline, he experienced a resurgence in the 1970s with songs like 'Laughter in the Rain' and 'Bad Blood.' Known for his high-pitched voice, big smile, and energetic performances, Sedaka continued performing dozens of concerts annually into his 80s, maintaining his vocal range and enthusiasm throughout his long career.

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