Hit-making American singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, known for classic pop hits including “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” and “Laughter In The Rain”, has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed his death on Friday 27 February 2026. Further details about the cause of death or location were not immediately released.
In a statement, Sedaka’s family said:
“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed”.
Early life and first hit records
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sedaka developed as a pianist at a young age and studied at the preparatory program of the Juilliard School. In the late 1950s he helped form the doo-wop group The Tokens.
As a teenager, he began writing songs with lyricist Howard Greenfield. One of their early successes came when Connie Francis recorded “Stupid Cupid” in 1958.
Sedaka soon became a chart presence himself, releasing hits across the late 1950s and early 1960s including “Oh! Carol”, “Calendar Girl” and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”.
Songwriting career and influence
Alongside his own recordings, Sedaka wrote songs for other artists and earned five Grammy nominations during a career that spanned more than six decades.
His prominence faded in the United States during the mid to late 1960s as the British Invasion reshaped pop music. However, he continued recording and performing internationally.
Return to the charts in the 1970s
Sedaka returned to major chart success in the 1970s, including writing “Love Will Keep Us Together” later recorded by Captain & Tennille. He also recorded albums for the Rocket Record Company label founded by Elton John.
His comeback included a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 with “Laughter in the Rain” in 1974, followed by another chart-topping hit, “Bad Blood”, in 1975. A slower reworking of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” also returned him to the Top 10 during the same period.
Reflections on music and performing
During a 2012 interview with the BBC while visiting London to perform a piano concerto at the Royal Albert Hall, Sedaka spoke about balancing classical music with his own songwriting career.
“It’s wonderful for the soul to be able to play classical music.”
“But to travel around, playing your own lyrics and music is a very rewarding feeling and I chose that, and I have no regrets.”
A career spanning six decades
Sedaka’s career included hit singles in multiple eras of pop music and songwriting partnerships that helped shape early rock and roll and later mainstream pop.
He is survived by his wife, Leba Strassberg, whom he married in 1962, and their two children, Dara and Marc.
