The music world is mourning the loss of a legendary performer whose career spanned decades and helped define modern pop music.

Neil Sedaka died at the age of 86, following what was initially described as a sudden medical emergency.

Weeks after his passing, officials confirmed that Sedaka’s cause of death was atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a condition caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart complications. Kidney failure was also listed as a contributing factor, according to his death certificate.

Sedaka was one of the most influential singer-songwriters of his era, rising to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits like “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.” Over the course of his career, he sold millions of records and wrote or co-wrote more than 500 songs, many of which became global hits.

After a decline in popularity during the British Invasion, Sedaka made a major comeback in the 1970s with chart-topping songs such as “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood,” cementing his legacy across multiple generations of music fans.

In addition to his success as a performer, Sedaka was a prolific songwriter for other artists, contributing to classics like “Love Will Keep Us Together.” He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and remained active in music well into his later years.

His family described him as not only a musical legend but also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from fans and fellow artists, many celebrating his enduring influence on the music industry.

Sedaka’s legacy lives on through the timeless songs he created and the generations of artists he inspired.