Neil Sedaka dead at 86. The legendary singer-songwriter passed away on 2-27-2026, according to a family statement.
“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather,” the family said. “A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, and an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”
News of his death followed reports that Sedaka had been rushed to a hospital earlier in the day.
Rise To Fame In The 1950s And 1960s
Sedaka rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hit songs including:
“Oh! Carol”
“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”
“Next Door to an Angel”
“Calendar Girl”
“Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen”
He became one of the defining voices of the Brill Building pop era, writing alongside Howard Greenfield and crafting songs that shaped a generation of music.
No. 1 Hits And Major Comeback
Sedaka achieved multiple No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts, including:
“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” in 1962 and again in 1975
“Laughter in the Rain” in 1974
“Bad Blood” in 1975
His 1970s resurgence cemented his status as a cross-generational music icon.
Songwriting Legacy
Beyond his solo success, Sedaka wrote major hits for other artists, including:
“Love Will Keep Us Together” for Captain & Tennille
“Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are” for Connie Francis
“(Is This the Way to) Amarillo” for Tony Christie
Throughout his 6-decade career, Sedaka received 5 Grammy Award nominations, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.
Sedaka is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Leba, and their 2 children, Dara and Marc.
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