Trivia

In early 1965, at the height of the Cold War, he was invited to appear in concert in Moscow -- as a classical pianist at the 1966 Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, not as a rock-and-roll singer! This same competition was earlier won by Van Cliburn.

Wrote the song, "Oh Carol", for his girlfriend, Carole King. The song became his first top-10 hit (1959).

Close personal friend and music collaborator of Connie Francis.

Was part of the famous Brill Building stable of writers, which included Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Neil Diamond and Carole King (Sedaka's former girlfriend) (1955).

The song "The Diary" was inspired when he first met singer Connie Francis. They had spent all day going over songs to record and became quite bored. When Connie began writing in her diary, Neil asked her if he could read it. Connie gave him a firm "no" and thus the inspiration for "The Diary" was born.

Studied classical piano at the Juilliard School for over a decade.

Cousin of Eydie Gormé and Helene Sedaka.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood, California on January 18, 1978.

Was part of the vocal quartet, called the Linc-Tones, formed by Hank Medress (1955). When Neil left the group to start his own solo career, the group became known as The Tokens.

Inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame (1983).

Grandfather of twins Amanda Sedaka and Charlotte Sedaka, and Michael Sedaka.

Father of Marc Sedaka and Dara Sedaka

Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival (1994).

Attended and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn (1956), at age 17.

Went to school with Mort Schuman who was Doc Pomus' songwriting partner.