Overview
- BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty announced the news minutes into Saturday’s broadcast, followed by a career reflection from arts correspondent David Silitoe.
- The family said they were “devastated” by the sudden passing of the singer, songwriter, husband, father and grandfather.
- The family has released no details on how or where he died, and separate reports of a Los Angeles hospitalisation have not been confirmed.
- A New York–born Brill Building stalwart, Sedaka wrote and performed hits including Oh! Carol, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, Calendar Girl, Laughter in the Rain and Bad Blood, often partnering with lyricist Howard Greenfield.
- His songs sold millions and were covered by major artists such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, with Captain & Tennille’s Love Will Keep Us Together topping charts in 1975.