Neil Sedaka's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 27, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Neil Sedaka. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Neil Sedaka is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist whose career began in 1957. He has achieved worldwide success, selling millions of records. A prolific writer, Sedaka has penned or co-written over 500 songs for himself and other artists. He is well known for his collaborations with lyricists Howard "Howie" Greenfield and Phil Cody.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1959: "Oh! Carol" becomes a Top 10 hit

In 1959, "Oh! Carol" became Sedaka's first domestic Top 10 hit, reaching No. 9 on the Hot 100.

1959: "One-Way Ticket to the Blues" reaches No. 1 in Japan

In 1959, Neil Sedaka's "One-Way Ticket to the Blues" reached No. 1 on the Japanese pop charts.

1961: "Calendar Girl" reaches No. 1 in Japan

In 1961, Neil Sedaka's "Calendar Girl" reached No. 1 on the Japanese pop charts.

1961: Royalty check for "Calendar Girl"

In 1961, Sedaka received a five-figure royalty check for his hit "Calendar Girl".

1962: "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" reaches No. 1

In 1962, Neil Sedaka's song "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" reached No. 1 and "Next Door to an Angel" reached No. 5.

April 1963: "La terza luna" reaches No. 1 in Italy

In April 1963, Neil Sedaka's "La terza luna" reached No. 1 on the Italian pop charts.

April 1969: "Star-Crossed Lovers" Hit No. 1 in Australia

In April 1969, Neil Sedaka's single "Star-Crossed Lovers" reached No. 1 in Australia, marking his first charting single in four years.

1974: Sedaka's first Top 40 hit since 1963

In 1974, after a dry spell since 1963, Sedaka had his first Top 40 hit in the U.S.

February 1, 1975: "Laughter in the Rain" Tops Billboard Hot 100

On February 1, 1975, Neil Sedaka's "Laughter in the Rain" topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, reestablishing his popularity in America.

1975: Success of "Love Will Keep Us Together"

In 1975, "Love Will Keep Us Together", co-written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, became a No. 1 hit for Captain & Tennille and was the biggest hit of the year. Toni Tennille paid tribute to Sedaka's comeback with her ad lib of "Sedaka is back" in the outro.

1975: Billboard success with "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood"

In 1975, Neil Sedaka achieved number one status on the US Billboard Hot 100 with "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood", solidifying his career revival.

1975: Chart Success with "The Hungry Years" Album and "Bad Blood" Single

In late 1975, Neil Sedaka achieved chart success with the release of his second Rocket Records album, The Hungry Years. The first single, "Bad Blood", hit No. 1 on the Billboard 100 and was certified Gold by the RIAA. Elton John provided uncredited backing vocals for "Bad Blood".

1976: Success of reinterpreted version of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do"

In early 1976, Neil Sedaka's ballad version of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" hit No. 8 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, making him the only artist to have two versions of the same song reach the Billboard Top 10.

1983: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1983, Neil Sedaka was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2004: "Solitaire" hits No. 1

In 2004, Clay Aiken's version of Neil Sedaka's "Solitaire" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart, becoming the top-selling single of the year.

October 2006: Induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame

In October 2006, Neil Sedaka was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

May 2007: The Definitive Collection release and chart success

In May 2007, Neil Sedaka's album "The Definitive Collection" debuted in the Top 25 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart after Sedaka signed with Razor and Tie Records. It was one of the highest-charting albums of his career.

October 26, 2007: 50th anniversary concert at Lincoln Center

On October 26, 2007, a concert performance at the Lincoln Center in New York City honored the 50th anniversary of Neil Sedaka's debut in show business. David Foster served as emcee, and guests included The Captain and Tennille, Natalie Cole, Connie Francis, Don Kirshner, and Clay Aiken.

November 15, 2013: Art Gilmore Career Achievement Award

On November 15, 2013, Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters in Los Angeles gave Neil Sedaka their Art Gilmore Career Achievement Award at a luncheon.

January 4, 2021: Resumption of mini-concert series

After recovering from COVID-19, on January 4, 2021, Neil Sedaka resumed his free mini-concert series on a reduced schedule. He initially paused the series in December 2020 after contracting the virus.