Neil Sedaka, the singer and songwriter whose melodic instincts and commercial savvy helped define late 1950s and early 1960s pop music, has died at 86. His death was confirmed by his publicist after he was taken to a hospital in Los Angeles. Over a career that spanned seven decades, he evolved from classical music prodigy to teenage idol and enduring pop craftsman.

Sedaka co-wrote and performed enduring hits such as 'Calendar Girl,' 'Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,' and 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.' With lyricist Howard Greenfield, he also penned successful songs for other artists, including Connie Francis and later the duo Captain and Tennille. His early success made him one of the defining voices of the pre British invasion era, selling more than 25 million records between 1959 and 1963.

After his popularity waned in the mid 1960s, Sedaka rebuilt his career in the 1970s, aided by Elton John, and scored new hits including 'Laughter in the Rain' and a reimagined ballad version of 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.' Born and raised in Brooklyn, he maintained ties to his classical roots and continued performing and composing well into his 80s, leaving behind a legacy of durable pop standards and cross generational appeal.