Neil Sedaka, the renowned singer and songwriter, has passed away at the age of 86, with the cause of his death now disclosed. Sedaka, known for his chart-topping songs like Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, was hospitalized in Los Angeles in February prior to his demise. His family later confirmed the sad news of his passing.
According to a death certificate obtained by Fox News in the US, Sedaka succumbed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with kidney failure listed as a contributing factor. Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat and cholesterol within the arteries.
In a statement to The Mirror, Sedaka’s family expressed deep sorrow over the unexpected loss of their cherished husband, father, and grandfather. They described Sedaka as a rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, and above all, a remarkable individual who will be profoundly missed by those who knew him well.
Throughout his extensive music career that began in the late 1950s, Sedaka penned or co-wrote over 500 songs. Some of his notable hits include Oh! Carol (1959), Calendar Girl (1960), Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen (1961), and the iconic Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (1962). Despite his age, Sedaka continued to perform in numerous concerts each year, showcasing his enduring passion for his music. His songs have achieved global success and have been covered by various artists, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Nickelback.
A talented pianist and a five-time Grammy Award nominee, Sedaka also composed hits for several other renowned musicians during his illustrious six-decade-long career. He played a significant role in the ‘Brill Building’ songwriting factory and collaborated with lyricist Howard Greenfield, his childhood neighbor, on numerous hit songs.
Sedaka tied the knot with Leba Strassberg in 1962, with whom he had two children, Dara, a 62-year-old singer, and Marc, a 59-year-old writer. While Sedaka usually kept his family life private, he did share insights last September in celebration of National Grandparents’ Day.