Neil Sedaka, Legendary Rock Pioneer Behind 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,' Dies at 86

Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, the rock icon whose six-decade career produced enduring hits like 'Oh! Carol,' 'Calendar Girl,' and 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,' has died at the age of 86. Sedaka's passing marks the end of an era — he was among the last surviving architects of early rock and roll, a Brooklyn-born prodigy who co-wrote over 500 songs and sold millions of records across two distinct waves of stardom. His ability to reinvent himself in the 1970s after falling out of fashion made him a rarity in popular music: a teen idol who proved his artistry had staying power far beyond the moment that created him.