Washington, Feb. 28 -- Neil Sedaka, the Brooklyn-born hitmaker whose melodic genius powered some of the most enduring songs in American pop history, including 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do', 'Bad Blood', 'Laughter in the Rain' and 'Calendar Girl', has died at the age of 86, closing the curtain on a career that helped define multiple generations of popular music.
"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, ...