Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka has died at 86. According to his death certificate, he passed from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with kidney failure as a contributing factor.
Earlier that day, Sedaka was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital after feeling unwell, where he later died.
In a statement, his family called him “a true rock and roll legend” and “an incredible human being” who will be deeply missed.
Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Sedaka rose to fame with hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Oh! Carol.” He also built a successful songwriting career and enjoyed a resurgence in the 1970s with support from Elton John.
Over six decades, he earned Grammy nominations, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Leba Strassberg, and their two children.