Singer-Songwriter Neil Sedaka Dies at 86

Neil Sedaka, the prolific singer-songwriter whose melodic pop hits defined generations of American music, died on Friday in Los Angeles. He was 86.

His publicist, Victoria Varela, confirmed the death. Sedaka had been rushed to a hospital earlier that morning after feeling unwell, according to reports from family sources. No cause of death was immediately disclosed. In a statement, his family expressed profound grief: "Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed."

Born on March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Sedaka grew up in the Brighton Beach neighborhood, the son of a taxi driver and a homemaker. His musical talent emerged early; by second grade, his teacher recommended piano lessons. His mother worked extra hours to buy a secondhand upright piano, and at age 9, Sedaka earned a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music's preparatory program. He studied classical piano, performing on New York radio stations alongside renowned...