Remembering those we recently lost
David Martinez planted a tree
Key moments and achievements from Neil Sedaka's life.
Neil was born
· Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Education
At age nine, Neil Sedaka won a child prodigy scholarship to Juilliard and was hand-selected by classical pianist Arthur Rubinstein to perform on live radio. This early classical training provided the musical foundation for his prolific career as a pop songwriter and performer.
Education
At age nine, Neil Sedaka won a child prodigy scholarship to Juilliard and was hand-selected by classical pianist Arthur Rubinstein to perform on live radio. This early classical training provided the musical foundation for his prolific career as a pop songwriter and performer.
No. 1 Hit
Sedaka's "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, becoming his signature song. The track, written with longtime collaborator Howard Greenfield, epitomized the Brill Building pop sound and became one of the most recognizable songs of the early rock era.
No. 1 Hit
Sedaka's "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, becoming his signature song. The track, written with longtime collaborator Howard Greenfield, epitomized the Brill Building pop sound and became one of the most recognizable songs of the early rock era.
Comeback
In 1975, after Elton John signed him to his Rocket Records label, Sedaka enjoyed a remarkable comeback with two No. 1 hits: "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood" (a duet with Elton himself). The renaissance proved that great songcraft could transcend changing musical tastes.
Comeback
In 1975, after Elton John signed him to his Rocket Records label, Sedaka enjoyed a remarkable comeback with two No. 1 hits: "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood" (a duet with Elton himself). The renaissance proved that great songcraft could transcend changing musical tastes.
Hall of Fame
Sedaka was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, recognizing a catalog of over 500 songs written for himself and other artists including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, the Monkees, and the Fifth Dimension. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.
Hall of Fame
Sedaka was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, recognizing a catalog of over 500 songs written for himself and other artists including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, the Monkees, and the Fifth Dimension. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.
Career Achievement
Beginning his music career in 1957, Sedaka sold millions of records worldwide over six decades. He was nominated for five Grammy Awards and his songs, from "Oh! Carol" (1959) to "Calendar Girl" (1960) to "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" (1961), became enduring standards of American popular music.
Career Achievement
Beginning his music career in 1957, Sedaka sold millions of records worldwide over six decades. He was nominated for five Grammy Awards and his songs, from "Oh! Carol" (1959) to "Calendar Girl" (1960) to "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" (1961), became enduring standards of American popular music.
Neil Sedaka passed away
