Music legend Neil Sedaka, the golden-voiced crooner whose career spanned seven decades, has died at the age of 86, per bbc.com. The prolific singer-songwriter passed away in Los Angeles on Friday after being admitted to hospital earlier that morning.
In a statement released to the media, his family expressed their profound grief: “Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. A true rock and roll legend and an inspiration to millions, he was, above all, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”
Reports indicate that Sedaka was taken from his home by ambulance at approximately 8am. local time after waking up feeling unwell. While early bulletins suggested he was recovering, his condition deteriorated later in the day.
Sedaka first rose to prominence in the 1950s as a founding member of the doo-wop group The Tokens, before embarking on a stellar solo career. He became a defining voice of the 1960s with a string of chart-topping hits including “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Calendar Girl”.
A five-time Grammy nominee and an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Sedaka’s influence stretched across generations. In recent years, he found a new audience on social media, frequently sharing TikTok duets with his grandson, Michael. The pair had appeared on television as recently as last week to perform together.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Leba Strassberg, their two children, Dara and Marc, and three grandchildren.
•Featured image: Neil Sedaka/Redferns via Getty Images
