Neil Sedaka dies at 86; prolific singer-songwriter had huge hits with ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’ and ‘Laughter in the Rain’

By Leanne Italie | Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Neil Sedaka, the hit-making singer-songwriter whose boyish soprano and bright melodies made him a top act in the early years of rock ‘n’ roll and led to a second run of success in the 1970s, has died.

Sedaka, whose hits included “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Laughter in the Rain,” died Friday at age 86.

“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” his family said in a statement.