music
February 28, 2026
From the archives: Neil Sedaka on writing a hit song
Neil Sedaka, the singer and songwriter behind such hits as "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," "Calendar Girl," and "Love Will Keep Us Together," died on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at age 86. In this 2020 "Sunday Morning" story, David Pogue talked with Sedaka – as well as Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson), author John Seabrook, and producer Oak Felder – about the elements that go into writing a hit song.
TL;DR
- Neil Sedaka, a renowned singer and songwriter, died on February 27, 2026, at age 86.
- A 2020 "Sunday Morning" story featured Sedaka discussing the creation of hit songs.
- Participants in the discussion included Valerie Simpson, John Seabrook, and Oak Felder.
- The interview focused on the elements that contribute to writing successful music.
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