NeilSedaka is shown performing a mini concert from Los Angeles in July 2020
Trained as a classical pianist at New York’s Juilliard School, Sedaka discovered pop music as a teen and teamed up with lyricist Howard Greenfield to co-write the songs mentioned above and many more. In later years, other hits were written with Phil Cody (“Laughter in the Rain,” “Bad Blood”) but Sedaka’s love for classical music never waned.
“There are not many singer-songwriters of my era who can play Chopin, Debussy and Bach!” he said. “I’ve even performed a few piano pieces during the mini-concerts.”
Like other artists, Sedaka’s live tours have been mostly postponed until 2021 (see www.neilsadaka.com) and he says the mini-concerts have helped fill the void all entertainers are experiencing this year. He’s also been appearing monthly on the Sirius XM channel “50s on 5.”
“I play my records and talk about them and the times,” he explained. “Being from that era, I think people are curious to learn about the period and inner workings of the records musically. With such a large body of work it keeps me very happy to play my songs whether on the radio or for the YouTube mini-concerts. But performing live is like a drug with that adrenaline rush, so I’m looking forward to getting back on the stage.”
I’m happy for Neil that he can still perform and is in demand. He almost looks like Gov. Huckabee’s older brother, the one who sings.
Neil has always struck me as someone who is extremely bright.
Neil and Bobby rock!
Rick Wakeman was classically trained. Loved the joke in his speech when Yes was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Coarse for some, but funny. Also, when they played Roundabout for the ceremony, Geddy Lee filled in for Chris Squire, which I thought was an excellent choice. Geddy totally pulled it off, IMHO.
I like him. I admire his talent, and I like how he talks, too. He’s actually a humorous guy.
