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Legendary Singer-Songwriter Neil Sedaka Dead at 86

No cause of death has been released as I type this, but I recently came across a show he was hosting on SiriusXM, and his breathing and speech sounded labored, as if he was dealing with some health issues. RIP to an entertainment legend…Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.
 
Should "The True Oldies Channel" (WINS-FM 92.3 HD3) do all songs of the late Neil Sedaka very importantly for everybody.

Why don't you track down Scott Shannon and ask him?

I think the way you phrased the question is part of the answer. What percentage of "everybody" would consider that important?
 
A lot of people credit Elton John for reviving Sedaka's career in the 70s. No question that he helped a lot, signing Neil to his Rocket Records label, releasing the album "Sedaka's Back" with the hit Laughter In The Rain. But one year before Sedaka met Elton, he met the pop quartet 10cc. They were led by 60s hit songwriter Graham Gouldman. The band produced an album with Sedaka in 1972 that contained a song called "Love Will Keep Us Together." Daryl Dragon heard the song, and recorded it with his wife Toni Tennile. Yes, better known as the Captain & Tennile. It was a 4-week #1 song, and won a Grammy for Record of the Year. And it was written by Neil Sedaka.
 
I met him years ago at a Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters luncheon. A very, very pleasant man, ego completely kept in check.
And I had conversations with him regarding some of the articles I had on WorldRadioHistory. He was fascinated by my project, and we spoke several times.

I'm used to dealing with artists, and he was exceptionally nice and enjoyable to talk with. I casually mentioned having played a lot of his songs on my station in Ecuador in the 60's and he was very interested in hearing about that and about my experience outside the U.S.

Again, a nice guy. In an industry not overpopulated with such people.
 
One of my very first 45s was "Laughter In The Rain". "The Immigrant" is also a time warp piece that sounds like it was made yesterday, in spite of it being 50 years old.

RIP Neil Sedaka
 
It's funny, but the only place where I've heard the most Sedaka tribute music being played, is...Talk radio.

Last night on WGN, Steve and Johnnie played at least 10 or more songs in their entirety, and reminisced with great stories about him.
 
It's funny, but the only place where I've heard the most Sedaka tribute music being played, is...Talk radio.

Last night on WGN, Steve and Johnnie played at least 10 or more songs in their entirety, and reminisced with great stories about him.
That happened locally with the death of Prince. The best tribute was on the local News-Talk station. Helps when the host is a musician and music promoter though
 
Neil was one of the few artists from the original oldies era (50s and pre-Beatles 60s) who managed to have a second successful career in the 70s. Paul Anka was another.
 
Blogger Bob Lefsetz wrote a remembrance of Neil, pointing out that he's not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He received this email:

Dear Bob, You are absolutely right. Neil should have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame decades ago.
Thank-you for writing such lovely things about him.

Much love,
Elton
 


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