Neil Sedaka, songwriter to the stars for decades, dies at 86

[demmiblue]

Source: NBC News

Neil Sedaka, one of pop's most enduring songwriters whose career extended from after World War II to the countercultural days of Elton John, has died, his family said Friday.

Sedaka, the writer behind such songs as "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," "Love Will Keep Us Together" and dozens of other hits, was 86. His cause of death was not clear.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," his family said in a statement to NBC News.

Sedaka got his start in high school, performing with a doo-wop group, the Tokens, that recorded two hit singles. Later collaboration with his young neighbor, Howard Greenfield, led to a songwriting partnership that lasted a half-century and resulted in 40 million records sold between 1959 and 1963, according to his official bio.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/neil-sedaka-songwriter-dies-86-rcna261065

[turbinetree]

1. Neil Sedaka - Bad Blood

[Lithos]

2. Sad...

He was a unique talent. I know he was popular to a lot of people, but the songs themselves are part of the American Songbook.

Personally, it took me years to understand that my 6th-grade music teacher preferred his music to what I wanted to listen to at the time, which was Wings and Elton John. So, I sort of despised him. Of course, it should have been directed towards her, but I was young.

[Wiz Imp]

4. Interesting, since Sedaka recorded for Elton John's Rocket Recotds label in the 1970's

And Elton John contributed backing vocals to his #1 hit in 1975 "Bad Blood" (which ended up being the most sucessful recording of Sedaka's career)..

[Lithos]

6. Agreed

I'm sure that was a detail my teacher was not aware of. TBH, I can see why Elton was uniquely able to see his talent. This was 6th grade after all. It was also Austin, Texas, and at the time, they had pulled all 6 graders into special 6th-grade-only magnets. (Failed experiment, but that's another story) I am fairly sure she was just an elementary school music teacher who was being asked to do extra-duty and was over her head. Time adds perspective.

L-

[Wiz Imp]

3. Neil Sedaka - The Immigrant (1975)

&t=98s

Still relevant today. Lyrics:

Harbors open their doors to the young searching foreigner
Come to live in the light of the big L of liberty
Plains and open skies, bill boards would advertise
Was it anything like that when you arrived?
Dream boats carried the future to the heart of America
People were waiting in line for a place by the river

[Chorus]
It was time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play
They tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune, and there was so much room
That people could come from everywhere

Now he arrives with hopes, and his heart set on miracles
Come to marry his fortune with a hand full of promises
To find they've closed the door, they don't want him anymore
There isn't any more to go around
Turning away, he remembers he once heard a legend
That spoke of a mystical, magical land called America

[Chorus x 2]

[MustLoveBeagles]

14. Thanks for posting

[Wiz Imp]

5. Breaking Up is Hard to Do was a top 10 hit in 2 different versions 13 years apart

&list=RD7z4CLycqbbs&start_radio=1

&list=RDZnsPvqmcAyQ&start_radio=1

[msongs]

7. tra la la la la, la la, la la happy birthday sweet 16

[debsy]

8. This one is my favorite Neil Sedaka song

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He was a true inspiration. Kind, caring, and dedicated to his life’s passion.

RIP

[llmart]

13. Mine too!

[BumRushDaShow]

9. Didn't realize his age but that would make sense

He did so many songs that other singers covered but I'll add to what was already noted!

(with Elton John)

R.I.P.

[llmart]

12. Such catchy tunes.

Is it sad that I know all the words to Calendar Girl? My sister and I used to listen to the radio after dinner while she washed and I dried the dishes. I'd sing harmony, she had the higher voice. We knew all the lyrics. Yeah, I'm channeling my 14 year old self.

He was one of a kind.

[chouchou]

10. My favorite was "Stairway to Heaven"

Somewhere around 1960 ???

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

11. Just saw that

[2naSalit]

15. ...