In an era when many pop-rock stars cultivated images of seductive wildness, Mr. Sedaka exuded an avuncular charm. 1 hit “Laughter in the Rain” as well as “Love Will Keep Us Together.” Mr. Sedaka followed with the No. Until he was 18, all indications were that Mr. Sedaka would pursue a career in classical music. Mr. Sedaka was just becoming interested in pop, mainly as a social defense mechanism. “My father knew about him and accepted him, so after the initial shock, so did I,” Mr. Sedaka told the Daily Express in 2014.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 28, 2026 13:28 UTC