March 13, 1939 – February 27, 2026

Neil Sedaka was one of the defining voices of early pop and rock-and-roll, known for timeless hits such as “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen.” His bright melodies and piano-driven style helped shape the sound of popular music in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Beyond his success as a performer, Sedaka was also an accomplished songwriter, composing and co-writing hundreds of songs over a career that spanned decades. After the changing music landscape of the late 1960s slowed his chart success, he experienced a major comeback in the 1970s with hits including “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood.”

Neil Sedaka passed away on February 27, 2026, at the age of 86. His music remains an enduring part of pop history, and the songs he created continue to resonate with generations of listeners around the world.