Neil Sedaka, the singer and songwriter whose signature hits embrace “Calendar Girl” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The situation is brought on by the buildup of plaque — that means fat, ldl cholesterol and different substances — in and on the artery partitions, which may result in occasions akin to coronary heart assaults, strokes and aneurysms. According to the American Heart Assn., atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the main cause of loss of life worldwide.
The musician’s loss of life certificates, printed Wednesday by the New York Post, additionally listed kidney failure as a contributing issue.
Sedaka died Feb. 27 in Los Angeles at age 86. The songwriter’s household beforehand advised The Times that his loss of life was sudden.
“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” their assertion learn. “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.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sedaka was a Juilliard-trained classical pianist who translated his talent to pop stardom within the Sixties. His recognition as a performer waxed and waned over time, however he maintained a gradual profession writing hits for different artists for many years, collaborating with lyricists akin to Howard Greenfield.
“Songwriting is a difficult undertaking that gets harder and harder because you have to top your past work,” Sedaka advised The Times in 1996. “You have to keep proving yourself. … It’s wonderful to sing ‘Calendar Girl’ and ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,’ but you need more than that. You have to break new ground. As an artist, I have to choose what I feel is good and hope that the public will go along with it.”
Sedaka is survived by his spouse Leba; kids Dara and Marc; and three grandchildren.
