RIP: Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka died yesterday at the age of 86.  No cause of death was given.

Neil Sedaka was a singer and songwriter who graduated high school at the age of 17 and began his professional career in music the following year.  Although Neil Sedaka was a founding member of The Tokens, he soon departed for a solo career.  Hits quickly followed.  From 1958 to 1963, Mr. Sedaka charted 14 top 30 hits.  During this same period, Neil Sedaka wrote or co-wrote hits recorded by other artists including Connie Francis, The Everly Brothers, The Monkees, The 5th Dimension and Tom Jones just to name a few.

Although Mr. Sedaka’s singing career in the US dipped in the mid 60s, he continued to have a strong career as a songwriter and singer overseas.  In 1975, Neil Sedaka returned to the US charts with the #1 hit, “Laughter in the Rain”.

Although Mr. Sedaka officially retired from songwriting in 2022 and sold his music catalog in 2024, he continued to make live appearances and perform on social media with his last outing taking place in December 2025.

Some of Mr. Sedaka’s greatest hits include: Breaking Up is Hard to Do; Bad Blood; Laughter in the Rain and Calendar Girl.

Hits written or co-written for others include: “Love Will Keep Us Together” – Captain & Tennille; “Ring Ring” by ABBA; “Where the Boys Are” – Connie Francis; “Lonely Night (Angel Face)” – Captain & Tennille; “Crying in the Rain” – The Everly Brothers; “Workin’ on a Groovy Thing” – The 5th Dimension; “Puppet Man” – Tom Jones; “When Love Comes Knockin’ (At Your Door)” – The Monkees; “The Girl I Left Behind Me” – The Monkees; “I Go Ape” – The Monkees and “Rainy Jane” – Davy Jones.

What an amazing career!  Neil Sedaka was a wonderful singer and songwriter.  His performances always left me smiling.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Neil Sedaka’s family, friends and fans.