Neil Sedaka, singer-songwriter with hits like 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,' dies at 86

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American singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka performing on stage, London, April 1977. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

Neil Sedaka, the famed singer-songwriter who had several hits in the post-Elvis, pre-Beatles era of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, has died. 

He was 86 years old. 

Neil Sedaka’s death

What we know:

Sedaka’s family confirmed his death in a statement. 

What we don't know:

They didn’t say when or how he died. 

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What they're saying:

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

Neil Sedaka’s life

The backstory:

Sedaka grew up in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach neighborhood, in a two-bedroom apartment he shared with 11 relatives. A street in Brighton Beach – Neil Sedaka Way – is named in his honor.

His second-grade teacher recognized Sedaka’s early talents and urged his mother to buy him a piano. His homemaker mom took a job at a department store to pay for a secondhand upright. She also managed his career for years, as did his wife, Leba.

As a teenager, Sedaka teamed up with lyricist and childhood neighbor Howard Greenfield to write songs that focused on teen innocence. After high school, and then Julliard, Sedaka and Greenfield were signed to Don Kirshner’s Aldon Music, where they wrote "Stupid Cupid," their first hit with Connie Francis. 

In 1958,when Sedaka was 19, he signed with RCA Victor Records. After his first single, "The Diary," he began touring and performing regularly on Dick Clark’s "American Bandstand" and "Shindig!"

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Other hits in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s include "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," "Calendar Girl" and "Oh! Carol," an ode to his high school sweetheart, Carole King.

"Neil Sedaka was so talented, and he inspired me to follow my dream of being a songwriter," King said on her Facebook page Friday. "With love and gratitude and condolences to his family."

Sedaka reemerged in the ‘70s after a long spell with no hits. That was in large part thanks to Elton John, whom he met at a party after Sedaka moved his wife and two kids to England. John signed him to his U.S.-based Rocket Records label, where he released his comeback album, "Sedaka’s Back." He recorded five albums from 1972 to 1976.

In the ‘70s, he was known for "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood." The Captain & Tennille’s cover of his "Love Will Keep Us Together" was a chart-topper in 1975.

Sedaka’s songs sold millions worldwide and have been covered by a range of performers, from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to The 5th Dimension and Nickelback. He performed dozens of concerts a year well into his 80s. 

Sedaka is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, but he never made it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite a fan petition drive.

Sedaka married wife Leba in 1962. They had two children.