Legendary singer and songwriter Neil Sedaka has died at 86.
According to his death certificate, obtained by the New York Post, Sedaka died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with kidney failure listed as a contributing factor.
The music icon, known for timeless hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” “Laughter in the Rain,” and “Bad Blood,” passed away after being hospitalized in Los Angeles.
His family described him as “a true rock and roll legend” and “an incredible human being” who will be deeply missed.
Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Sedaka became one of the most influential figures of early pop music. He studied at Juilliard, rose to fame in the late 1950s, and helped define the sound of an era.
Throughout his six-decade career, he earned Grammy nominations, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and sold millions of records worldwide.