Happy Birthday Neil Sedaka!

Neil Sedaka Image by Getty Images
Before the Beatles “loved us do” and the Rolling Stones searched for “Satisfaction,” there was Neil Sedaka.
A Jewish heartthrob from Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, he was one of the legendary Brill Building composers, along with collaborators Howard Greenfield and Carol King — also his former girlfriend, and namesake for the hit song “Oh Carol” (1959). Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, Sedaka topped charts with songs like “Calendar Girl” (1961), and “Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do” (1962).
More than 55 years after he first started, the singer-songwriter is still crooning.
Here’s a little treat in honor of his 74th birthday:
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
