How did Neil Sedaka die? Singer-songwriter's cause of death revealed
How did Neil Sedaka die? Singer-songwriter's cause of death revealed
Anna Kaufman, USA TODAYThu, March 19, 2026 at 2:35 PM UTC
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Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka's cause of death has been revealed, just under a month after his death.
The "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" artist died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with kidney failure listed as a contributing factor, according to a death certificate obtained by the New York Post. The Mayo Clinic describes the condition as the buildup of plaque, in the form of fats, cholesterol and other substances on the artery walls. It can cause blocked arteries or a blood clot.
Sedaka died in February at the age of 86, his rep, Victoria Varela, previously confirmed to USA TODAY.
Musician Neil Sedaka performs at 'SiriusXM's 'Artist Confidential' hosted by Cousin Brucie at SiriusXM Studios on July 11, 2013, in New York City.
Neil Sedaka, 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do' singer, dies: 'A true rock and roll legend'
"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," the family said in a statement to USA TODAY at the time of his death. "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."
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The Brooklyn, New York, native grew up to become a beloved pop and rock musician with hundreds of songwriting credits, including long-lasting, recognizable hits, such as "Laughter in the Rain" and "Calendar Girl."
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"Country Joe" McDonald, who became a Woodstock festival legend and fronted the band Country Joe and the Fish, has died at age 84.
The singer, born Joseph Allen McDonald, died March 7, in Berkeley, California, from complications from Parkinson's disease, according to a statement from the band that was shared on Facebook. McDonald served as the lead singer and co-founder of the 1960s psychedelic folk-rock group Country Joe and the Fish, and he wrote the group's most enduring songs, including the protest song against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, titled "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag." That track became a battle cry and was immortalized, along with an infamous f-word cheer during his 1969 Woodstock performance.
Before turning 20 in 1959, he and lyricist Howard Greenfield wrote Connie Francis' single "Stupid Cupid," which broke into the Billboard Top 100, peaking at No. 17. A year later, Sedaka wrote and recorded his own track, "Oh! Carol," which peaked at No. 9 and remains one of his career highlights.
Over the course of his career, Sedaka had three songs peak at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and nine chart in the Top 10, primarily during the early 1960s. In 1975, he followed his No. 1 pop and adult contemporary smash "Laughter in the Rain" - still a staple on soft rock formats - with "Bad Blood," featuring an uncredited Elton John on backing vocals, David Foster on keyboards and John's stalwart drummer Nigel Olsson.
The Recording Academy nominated him for five Grammy Awards, including in the song of the year category for "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Love Will Keep Us Together."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How did Neil Sedaka die? 'Bad Blood' singer's cause of death revealed
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
