RIP Neil Sedaka
Neil Sedaka first became a star in the post-Elvis Army/pre-Beatles era of the early 1960's. It's a part of Rock history that often gets dismissed by music critics. Despite the fact that some incredible records came out during that time. Sedaka often gets lumped in with the teen idols of the era, usually the most scorned by critics. But Sedaka was more of a Pop professional than those idols. For one he played piano and co-wrote his own songs. His songs became hits for Connie Francis and Gene Pitney. Still, if you're looking for a reason that Sedaka was never nominated, let alone put in under Musical Excellence or Influence, consider the era he first had hits.
The British Invasion put an end to Sedaka's 60's chart run. His hits would be ones that others covered. Which gives me the chance to bring up another early 60's institution that deserves more respect: the Brill Building. The NYC building that was home to a bunch of the greatest songwriters who crafted future classic songs: Goffin/King, Bacharach/David, Mann/Weil, Barry/Greenwich, Leiber/Stoller, Neil Diamond and Sedaka/Greenfield.
Sedaka's 70's comeback didn't begin in United States, but in the UK. There he recorded three albums of varying success. But the recordings caught the attention of Elton John who signed him to his new Rocket Records in 1974. A compilation album, Sedaka's Back, containing tracks from those three albums was released to acclaim in the U.S. And one of its tracks, 1975's "Laughter In the Rain" became Sedaka's first number one since the early 60's. Sedaka's Back is a great album. Even though a compilation, its still his best album, outside of greatest hits sets. Sedaka quickly followed it up with 75's The Hungry Years, and had another one with "Bad Blood" that featured Elton on vocals. But things began to slow down in 1976. The hits dried up again. After 1976 Sedaka only had one other Top 40 hit, a duet in 1980 with his daughter.
But he never stopped recording or touring. Most of us that hadn't followed him in years caught up with him again during the 2020 COVID shutdown. Sedaka took to social media to do mini concerts consisting of his hits, deep tracks and covers. The ultimate professional, he never let up on his posts up until his death. Because Neil Sedaka loved to please. His passion was performing and pleasing his audience. Nearly 68 years since his first Top 40 hit, he accomplished that and more.
posted by Tom Lane at 8:24 AM
