Whatever Happened To Neil Sedaka?
86-year-old Neil Sedaka has one of those voices you never forget. Born in Brooklyn on March 13, 1939, Sedaka grew up with a father who drove a taxi and a mother determined to support his talent. By second grade, a schoolteacher noticed his gift for music, and thanks to his mother’s sacrifice, he began piano lessons that would ultimately lead him to Juilliard’s preparatory division by the age of eight.
But Sedaka didn’t just grow into a gifted pianist; he grew into a pop star. After a short stint with the doo-wop group the Tokens, he went solo in 1957 and never looked back. Throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s, he released a string of irresistible hits like “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.” His name became a fixture on American Bandstand and his voice soundtracked the lives of a generation.
But by the mid-1960s, everything changed. The British Invasion swept in, and suddenly the clean-cut pop sound Sedaka had mastered was out of step with what radio wanted. RCA dropped him in 1966, and for a while, it seemed like his moment might be over. Still, Sedaka pivoted, focusing more on songwriting for others. He and longtime collaborator Howard Greenfield had already written “Stupid Cupid” for Connie Francis and “Love Will Keep Us Together,” which later became a massive hit for Captain & Tennille.
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By the early 1970s, Sedaka made a bold move. He relocated to Britain and began reinventing himself. He ended his partnership with Greenfield and started working with lyricist Phil Cody. The result was a wave of new material that helped Sedaka find his footing again, first with fans overseas and eventually back home in the U.S. His songs “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood” both hit No. 1 in 1975, marking a true comeback.
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He recorded in multiple languages, scored hits internationally and even released an album in Yiddish. He remained dedicated to the craft, whether it was composing, performing or supporting his family. His daughter Dara, a singer in her own right, joined him for the 1980 duet “Should’ve Never Let You Go,” proving that musical talent ran deep in the family. He has been married to Leba Strassberg since 1962; they also have a son named Marc, as well as several grandchildren.
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In more recent years, Sedaka found a new way to connect with fans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he shared mini-concerts from his home, performing from his piano with the same warmth and talent that first made him a star. Just this past July 4th weekend, Knots Landing star Michelle Lee shared a photo with Sedaka on Instagram, writing, “Flashback to July 4th weekend. That’s me with Neil Sedaka the incredible singer/songwriter,” followed by hashtags celebrating his legendary hits.
Remind 
Pop Music Legends
August 2017
Dedicated to the sights, sounds and stories of the golden age of pop.
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