Legendary Singer Neil Sedaka Dead at 86

Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka — who gained worldwide fame in the 1960s — has passed away at the age of 86. TMZ has confirmed.

Reports indicate that Neil wasn’t feeling well on Friday morning and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

Neil Sedaka’s family shared a statement with TMZ, saying, “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, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

According to the L.A. County West Hollywood sheriff’s station, deputies responded to a medical request call and transported Neil to a local hospital around 8 AM today.

Neil Sedaka achieved multiple No. 1 hits in the early ’60s, including “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” He experienced a career resurgence in the mid-1970s with hits like “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood.” Sedaka was also a founding member of the Tokens in the late 1950s.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sedaka received five Grammy nominations. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Neil made several television appearances over the years, including guest spots on “King of Queens” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” He also served as a guest judge on “American Idol” season 2, where he praised Clay Aiken’s rendition of his song “Solitaire.”

Neil is survived by his wife Leba Strassberg and their two children.

He was 86.