Neil Sedaka, the legendary songwriter behind hits including “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo,” “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Love Will Keep Us Together,” has died. He was 86.
The New York-born songwriter was reportedly rushed to hospital in Los Angeles this morning. No cause of death has yet been announced.
In a statement posted to social media, Sedaka’s relatives 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.”
Sedaka was born in Brooklyn on 13 March 1939. His father was a New York City taxi driver. Sedaka showed a talent for piano from a young age, and won a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music's Preparatory Division for Children at the age of eight.
While still a teenager, he teamed up with lyricist Howard Greenfield and the pair found work at New York’s Brill Building, one of the most influential hit factories of the era.
In 1958, Sedaka released his own debut single “The Diary”, which became a Top 20 hit. The song was included on his debut solo album Rock with Sedaka the following year.
Sedaka had a number of further hits in the following decade, including 1960’s “You Mean Everything To Me” and 1962’s “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”.
He also continued writing songs with Greenfield for other artists, including Connie Francis (1958’s “Stupid Cupid”) and “When Love Comes Knockin' (At Your Door)” for The Monkees in 1967.
In 1971, Sedaka and Greenfield’s song “(Is This The Way To) Amarillo” was recorded by English singer Tony Christie. The song was very successful in mainland Europe but only a minor hit in England until many years later.
In 2002, the song enjoyed a resurgence in popularity after its use in comedian Peter Kay’s sitcom Phoenix Nights. It was re-released in 2005 accompanied by a video starring Kay, and in 2006 a soccer-themed version was re-recorded by Christie under the title “(Is This The Way To) The World Cup”.
Sedaka released his version of “Love Will Keep Us Together” in 1973. It was covered two years later by pop duo Captain & Tennille, becoming a worldwide hit.
Sedaka married Leba Strassberg in 1962. He is survived by his wife and his two children, Marc and Dara Sedaka.
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