music
February 28, 2026
From Amarillo to Stockport: 15 of Neil Sedaka’s greatest songs, and their extraordinary stories
From being a writer for hire in the 1950s to his solo pop stardom and emphatic 1970s comeback, the late musician’s catalogue is stuffed with stunning, surprising songcraft
TL;DR
- Neil Sedaka started as a songwriter for hire in the 1950s, penning hits like 'Stupid Cupid' for Connie Francis.
- His early solo career produced hits such as 'The Diary' and 'Oh! Carol', the latter inspiring Carole King's 'Oh! Neil'.
- Despite some dismissals as 'poppy fluff', Sedaka's early work, like 'One Way Ticket (To the Blues)', possessed impressive depth.
- The Beatles' arrival rendered Sedaka's style passé, leading to a career slump in the late 1960s.
- Inspired by Carole King's success, Sedaka attempted a transition to contemporary singer-songwriter with his album 'Emergence'.
- The song '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo?' had a peculiar journey, becoming a hit in Germany, being re-recorded by Sedaka, and later a ubiquitous charity single in the UK.
- Sedaka's 1970s comeback was fostered in Stockport with the nascent band 10cc, resulting in the album 'Solitaire' and songs like 'The Tra-La Days Are Over'.
- Hits from his 70s resurgence include 'Laughter in the Rain', a transatlantic success, and 'Bad Blood', featuring Elton John.
- While not known for protest songs, 'The Immigrant' from the 'Laughter in the Rain' album addressed immigration struggles.
- Sedaka continued releasing music into the 2010s, exploring various genres and formats.
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