Yesterday we learned about the passing of Neil Sedaka. The singer-songwriter was 86 years old. It’s a sad day for the music world for sure. Then we learned that Mr. Sedaka wasn’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and my jaw about hit the floor. Are you kidding me? That’s insane and needs to be remedied immediately.
How in the world is Neil Sedaka NOT in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Seven decades in the music business. Over 60 million in record sales?! The guy wrote some great songs! He had a giant impact on the music industry. Was he edgy and dangerous? No. But he paved the way for so many other artists. I don’t think you get Elton John with Neil Sedaka building a foundation. Get Sedaka in the Hall. Immediately.
Now can we talk about some of the songs he created? Let’s do it. The man was responsible for some huge hits. Again, and again and again this guy would write hit songs. It’s incredible!
The year was 1959. Dude was a pioneer. Are you going to smash police car windows to this song? No. It was 1959! Get a grip.
And then in 62, this absolute classic. Crank this up. And listen the vocals. So smooth. The tones and harmonies are next level goodness. I would have played the absolute f*ck out of this in 62. This and Everly Brothers? Oh, hell yeah. This is literally paving the way for Rock and Roll.
Let’s keep going. Just know that I JUST listened to ‘Breaking up is hard to do’ about 7 times in a row.
I’m gonna wrap it up before I can even mention other songs like ‘Calander Girl’. Just know this: “Love will keep is together” is a Neil Sedaka song. If that was the ONLY hit, he ever wrote, that gets him in the Hall. This song was a monster hit. Just a monster. Every time a human being turned on a radio in the 1970’s this song was playing. It’s only now in 2026 have I found myself ready to hear it again. And guess what? It’s great song. There’s a reason this was played to death. It’s great.
God Bless you Neil Sedaka. RIP you total legend. Let’s get him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, pronto.
What a terrific tribute for Neil Sedaka. It’s a crime that he isn’t in the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame.
He influenced so many musicians like Carole King (who he dated),Stevie Wonder and Elton John ,who signed him to his Rocket record label, directed his comeback and sang on “Bad Blood”. A prolific songwriter, musician and vocalist. His comeback led to some fantastic collaborations. You can’t mention his name without thinking of “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do is one of my favorites. I’ll probably get chastised for it, but I loved his remake of it when he did it as a slow song. I thought it was his best vocal performance. It really showed off the range and richness of his voice. Everytime I saw him do it live,it was amazing. It was such a sad day to learn of his passing. He deserves to be recognized as a important influence in music history. Let’s get him into the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame. Rest In Peace Neil Sedaka . Thanks for the music.
Yeah! We gotta get that dude in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame! I got nothing but respect and admiration for the guy! I gotta think they’ll induct him on the very next go around.