“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” Singer Was 86

Neil Sedaka, the Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter and pianist behind No. 1 hits including “Laughter in the Rain” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” died on Friday, February 27th in Los Angeles. He was 86.

Beyond his performing career, Sedaka was a prolific songwriter who penned Captain & Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” as well as composing “Solitaire” for The Carpenters. He also scored global No. 1 hits with “Calendar Girl,” “Oh! Carol,” and “Bad Blood.”

“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather,” his family said in a statement. “A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”