Neil Sedaka was born on March 13, 1939. His impressive sixty year career ranges from being one of the first teen pop sensations of the 50's to a successful songwriter for himself and other artists in the 60's, a superstar in the 70's, remaining a constant force in writing and performing worldwide.
Along with song writing partner Howard Greenfield, they signed with Don Kirshner and Al Nevins’ Aldon Music, which would be later associated with The Brill Building. Aldon would eventually sign Neil Diamond, Carole King and Paul Simon and they became the centre of the pop world.
Neil catapulted to stardom after Connie Francis recorded 'Stupid Cupid’ and she then went on to sing the theme tune Neil and Howard had written for the 1960 MGM classic 'Where The Boys Are'.
Neil signed to RCA as a writer and performer of his own material and was soon having hits with ‘Oh Carol!’, ‘The Diary‘, ‘Stairway to Heaven’, ‘Calendar Girl’, ‘Little Devil’, ‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen’, ‘Next Door to An Angel’, and ‘Breaking Up is Hard to Do’.
During the British Invasion in America, Neil retreated to the UK where he found creative and commercial success with the hits “Solitaire”, “Laughter in the Rain”, “Love Will Keep Us Together” and the re-imaging of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” as a ballad. With these songs and the influence of Elton John, Neil would re-emerge and remain a global sensation.
In 2006, Guinness World Records: British Hit Singles and Albums named “Is This The Way To (Amarillo)” the most successful UK single of the 21st Century and presented Neil with the award during his performance at The Royal Albert Hall.
Trained at Juilliard as a child prodigy, Neil has since returned to his classical roots. In October 2010, Neil recorded his first symphony, “Joie De Vivre” and his first piano concerto, “Manhattan Intermezzo” at Air Studios in London with The Philharmonia Orchestra of London.
Neil has been married for fifty-four years to his wife Leba and they have two children and three grandchildren. Inspired by his grandchildren, Neil released 'Waking Up Is Hard To Do' a collection of his hits that have been re-invented as children's songs.
Neil is planning on releasing his new album “I Do It For Applause” UK this fall in conjunction with the tour. The album includes twelve new Sedaka songs and the official release of ‘Joie De Vivre'. Neil says 'this album is the culmination of sixty-four year of writing. This is a gift I was born with. My main objective is to always top the last collection, raise the bar and reinvent Neil Sedaka.'
Neil said of his return to the UK "It is always wonderful to return to my second home in the UK, where the fans have been faithful to me for almost sixty years. They have always welcomed the classic Sedaka hits and my new work with open arms. I have made many friends there over the years, ranging from people in the business to many lifelong, devoted fans. I certainly look forward to returning for my tour in September. I thank them for inviting me back."
