Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka has died at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and influence across generations. Sedaka, known for hits such as Breaking Up Is Hard to Do and Oh! Carol, was hospitalized on February 26 and passed away later the same day, according to a statement from his family.

Family and Friends Mourn the Loss

The Sedaka family released a statement expressing their devastation at the sudden loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather. They described Sedaka as a true rock and roll legend and an inspiration to millions.

Neil’s former girlfriend and fellow musician Carole King paid tribute to him on social media, recalling how his music inspired her to pursue a career as a songwriter. She wrote on Facebook, “Neil Sedaka was so talented, and he inspired me to follow my dream of being a songwriter. With love and gratitude and condolences to his family.”

Members of The Monkees, including Micky Dolenz, also honored Sedaka for his contributions to their music. Dolenz posted on Instagram, “Neil was one of those rare songwriters who could do it all. He gave the world so many great hits of his own, and Monkees fans will know his work, too.”

A Career Spanning Decades

Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Sedaka began playing piano at a young age and won a place in Juilliard’s children’s prep program. He met Howard Greenfield when he was 13, and the two formed a songwriting partnership that lasted for decades.

Their first major success came in 1958 with Stupid Cupid, released by singer Connie Francis. That same year, Sedaka released his first solo single, The Diary, and continued to write for other artists, including Jimmy Clanton and The Monkees.

Sedaka’s 1960 hit Oh! Carol became a classic, and he continued to enjoy chart success with Breaking Up Is Hard to Do in the early 1960s. However, the rise of British bands in the mid-1960s, led by The Beatles, pushed Sedaka and his contemporaries out of the charts.

Despite this, Sedaka continued to write for other artists, including The Monkees and The 5th Dimension. In 1971, his album Emergence was a commercial failure, prompting him to move to the UK, where he co-wrote Ring Ring, which became ABBA’s first global hit.

Return to Fame and Recognition

During his time in the UK, Sedaka connected with Elton John, who signed him to his Rocket Record Company, Limited label and helped plan his US comeback. In 1974, he released Back, featuring songs previously only available in the UK, and had a Billboard Hot 100 number one with Laughter in the Rain.

Sedaka continued to enjoy success with Bad Blood in 1975, and over the course of his career, he released more than 25 studio albums. He was nominated for five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, five years after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sedaka’s influence on music is still felt today, with his songs continuing to be played on radio and streaming platforms around the world. His work with artists like The Monkees, ABBA, and Carole King cemented his legacy as a flexible and influential songwriter.

As the music world mourns the loss of Neil Sedaka, fans around the globe are remembering the man behind the music and the impact he had on generations of listeners. His family has requested that donations be made to the MusiCares Foundation in his honor.