Neil Sedaka, the American singer, songwriter and pianist known for “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” died on February 27, 2026.
He began his music career in 1957 and sold millions of records worldwide. Sedaka wrote or co-wrote more than 500 songs for himself and other artists, working mostly with lyricists Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody.
After a short-lived tenure as a founding member of the doo-wop group the Tokens, he scored hit singles in the late 1950s and early 1960s including “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.” His career continued through 2026.
Neil Sedaka (/səˈdækə/; March 13, 1939 – February 27, 2026) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Beginning his music career in 1957, he sold millions of records worldwide and wrote or co-wrote over 500 songs for himself and other artists, collaborating mostly with lyricists Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody.