“The advice I give to all aspiring songwriters and performers is ‘Don’t repeat yourself. Develop and grow. Raise the bar”: Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka has died, aged 86

American singer-songwriter and pianist Neil Sedaka, 13th April 1973. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images).

It’s been announced that Neil Sedaka, the doyen of Brill Building pop and writer of countless hit songs, has died, aged 86.

His family confirmed the news on Instagram over the weekend, writing: “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.”