Neil Sedaka, singer-songwriter of dozens of 1960s and '70s hits, dies at 86

Recording artist Neil Sedaka poses for a portrait Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 in New York. — Photo: AP/Jeff Christensen

Neil Sedaka , the hit-making singer-songwriter whose boyish soprano and bright melodies made him a top act in the early years of rock ‘n' roll and led to a second run of success in the 1970s, has died.

Sedaka, whose hits included Breaking Up Is Hard to Do and Laugher in the Rain, died Friday at age 86.