Washington, Feb. 28 -- Legendary American singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, whose string of timeless pop hits including 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,' 'Bad Blood,' 'Laughter in the Rain' and 'Calendar Girl' defined multiple eras of popular music, has died at the age of 86.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," his family said in a statement, posted on Instagram, adding, "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."

Born on March 13, 1939, and raised in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach neighbourhood, Sedaka displayed prodigious musica...