Published on: February 27, 2026, 05:33h. 

Updated on: February 27, 2026, 05:37h.

• Iconic singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka passed away at the age of 86 on February 27
• Sedaka was a renowned Las Vegas performer, showcasing his talent at venues like the Sahara, Riviera, Hilton, and Orleans
• He made a noteworthy transition from a 1960s teen sensation to a revered adult contemporary artist

Neil Sedaka, the unforgettable voice behind the Brill Building sound, passed away on February 27, 2026, at the age of 86. His passing followed a medical emergency leading to his hospitalization earlier that day. An official cause of death has yet to be disclosed.

With memorable late-1950s and early-1960s classics like “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Oh! Carol”—the latter written for his high school sweetheart and fellow songwriting icon Carole King—Sedaka emerged from Brooklyn to create a lasting musical legacy on the vibrant Las Vegas Strip.

Desert Staple

Sedaka’s bond with Las Vegas was solidified from 1960 to 1963, when he graced the stage at the Sahara’s Casbar Theatre as a teen idol.

Following the British Invasion of 1964 led by The Beatles, which sidelined his recording career, Las Vegas became the stage that sustained his artistic expression. He often performed at the Riviera and Desert Inn, and later at the Las Vegas Hilton, captivating audiences not only with his extensive repertoire of hits but also with his classical training from Julliard.

A talented pianist who could have excelled in concert hall settings, Sedaka integrated a special segment into each performance dedicated to executing intricate Chopin nocturnes, blending high art with popular music.

The Night Vegas Embraced Neil

After Elton John rejuvenated Sedaka’s career with 1974 hits “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood,” released under John’s Rocket Records, Las Vegas wholeheartedly welcomed the “new” Sedaka so much that he was let go from a September 1975 performance opening for The Carpenters.

By the third night of their joint residency at the Riviera, it was evident the crowd was more excited to see Sedaka than the main act. He delivered an electrifying performance, responding to numerous standing ovations by extending encores that pushed his set longer.

Richard Carpenter, reportedly displeased with the attention taken from his sister Karen’s act, instructed their manager, Sherwin Bash, to dismiss Sedaka immediately. Sedaka later remarked, “I didn’t realize one could be considered too good for the role.”

The Final Curtain

Sedaka’s remarkable journey with Las Vegas came to an end on February 8, 2020, at the Orleans Showroom, where he had been a regular performer since 2003. That evening, at 80 years old, the maestro showed no signs of stopping, delivering a two-and-a-half-hour performance that traversed from the catchy anthems of his youth to the poignant ballads of his later years.

Sedaka is survived by his wife of 64 years, Leba, and their two children. They released the following heartfelt statement…

“Our family is heartbroken by the unexpected loss of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. He was a true rock and roll icon, an inspiration to millions, and most importantly, a remarkable human being who will be deeply missed by those who knew him.”