Neil Sedaka, who recently turned 84, has been married to the love of his life for nearly 61 years. Despite his famous song, “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” he’s never really had to experience a heartbreak like that. Known for his charming “down doobie do down down” lyrics and heart-melting voice, Neil is still full of love, especially for his grandchildren, often saying he was “born married to his wife.”
Neil Sedaka’s contributions to music are immense, enchanting us with his talent for decades. A natural performer, Sedaka revealed that he used to be shy about singing as a child because of his high-pitched voice. However, when he sang at his bar mitzvah, it brought the rabbi to tears.
Sedaka’s musical journey began early. At 13, he was already a classically trained pianist attending Julliard’s Preparatory for Children on a scholarship. Around this time, he teamed up with 16-year-old Howard Greenfield to write songs for his school band, the Linc-Tones, which eventually became the Tokens.
The pair worked in New York’s historic Brill Building, churning out hits like Sedaka’s own “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” Captain & Tenille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together,” and Connie Francis’ “Stupid Cupid.” They started with a small cubicle, earning $50 a week, writing songs from 9 AM to 5 PM before presenting them to record labels. This tough but rewarding experience was excellent training for Sedaka.
Sedaka was the first in the Brill Building to record his own songs, hitting the Top 10 with “Oh! Carol” in 1959, a song inspired by his high school girlfriend Carole King. His partnership with Greenfield lasted until the mid-70s, and tragically, Greenfield passed away in 1986 due to complications from AIDS.
At 19, Sedaka left the Tokens before they became famous with hits like “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Pursuing a solo career, his initial releases didn’t chart, but one song landed him a spot on American Bandstand, leading to a recording contract. His first hit single, “The Diary,” peaked at 14 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1958. By 1960, with “Calendar Girl,” his sixth hit in two years, Sedaka’s popularity soared.
In 1962, Sedaka married Leba Strassberg, whom he met at the Esther Manor resort in the Catskills. Leba’s mother, Esther, wasn’t thrilled about her daughter dating a musician, but the couple stayed together, even navigating challenges with Sedaka’s own mother, Eleanor.
Eleanor had hoped Sedaka would pursue a classical career and even rode rollercoasters while pregnant to try and miscarry. However, she changed her tune when Sedaka earned a significant royalty check for “Stupid Cupid.” Despite this, Eleanor and her lover mismanaged Sedaka’s finances, leading to significant losses. Sedaka had to start over financially, cutting ties with his mother’s boyfriend and having his wife, Leba, take over as his manager.
Just as Sedaka was regaining his footing, The Beatles emerged, impacting his popularity. Moving to London with his family, Sedaka adapted to the changing music scene and met Elton John, who helped revive his career. Signing with Elton John’s Rocket Record Company, Sedaka’s fame surged again with the 1974 album “Sedaka’s Back.”
Sedaka’s achievements include induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He appeared as a guest judge on American Idol in 2003, where runner-up Clay Aiken’s cover of Sedaka’s “Solitaire” became a top-selling single in 2004.
During the COVID pandemic, Sedaka entertained fans with mini concerts on social media. For his 60th anniversary with Leba, he dedicated a special concert to her, showcasing songs he wrote for her.
In May, Sedaka joined Cameo, offering personalized messages for special occasions, delighting fans with his classic hits. Fans have expressed their deep appreciation for Sedaka, with one noting how his songs have been a part of their life since their teenage years.
Nowadays, Sedaka focuses on his family, cherishing his role as a devoted grandfather. Reflecting on his career, Sedaka acknowledges he could have been more controversial but chose a path of talent and hard work. He remains an inspiring figure, whose music will continue to influence future generations.
What’s your favorite Neil Sedaka song?
