Neil Sedaka, the prolific singer-songwriter whose catchy pop hits spanned decades, died Friday in Los Angeles. He was 86.

Sedaka was taken by ambulance to a hospital on Friday morning and passed away later that day, according to reports. His family did not disclose the cause of death.

“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” the family said in a statement. “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 March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach neighborhood, Sedaka showed early musical promise. He began classical piano lessons in second grade and earned a scholarship to the Juilliard School's Preparatory Division at age 8. By 13, he partnered with lyricist Howard Greenfield at the Brill Building, penning over 500 songs.

Sedaka started as a performer in a high school doo-wop group, the Linc-Tones, which became the Tokens after he left in 1957. His solo breakthrough came with "The Diary" in 1958, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. He followed with hits like "Oh! Carol" (No. 9, 1959), "Calendar Girl" (No. 4, 1960), "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" (No. 6, 1961), and his signature "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" (No. 1, 1962).

As a songwriter, Sedaka crafted smashes for others, including "Stupid Cupid" and "Where the Boys Are" for Connie Francis, "Love Will Keep Us Together" for Captain & Tennille (No. 1, 1975), "Solitaire" for the Carpenters, and English lyrics for ABBA's "Ring Ring."

His U.S. chart success waned amid the British Invasion, leading RCA to drop him in 1966. Sedaka found success in Australia and plotted a comeback. In 1974, Elton John signed him to Rocket Records, producing "Laughter in the Rain" (No. 1) and "Bad Blood" (No. 1, with John on backing vocals). A slower remake of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" hit No. 8 in 1976. His final Top 40 hit was the 1980 duet "Should've Never Let You Go" with daughter Dara.

Sedaka released more than 25 studio albums over his career and continued performing into his later years, posting videos on Instagram. He retired from songwriting in 2022 and sold his catalog to Primary Wave Music in 2024.

Among his honors: induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1978, and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He received five Grammy nominations.

Sedaka married Leba Strassberg in 1962. In addition to his wife and son, Marc, he is survived by his daughter Dara Sedaka, a singer who collaborated with him.