At 84, Neil Sedaka Is The Epitome Of Love To Grandchildren And Wife Of 60 Years He Feels He Was Meant To Be With

Jun 16, 2023 by apost team

Neil Sedaka's story is one fit for Hollywood. The singer had a rocky start to life and barely managed to make it alive, considering that his mother tried to abort him on a rollercoaster. Doctors had warned his mom, Eleanor Sedaka, not to have another baby after her first pregnancy with Neil's older sister troubled her. So, she tried to get rid of the baby when she got pregnant again. Ironically, the "Laughter in the Rain" singer was strangely drawn to roller coasters after his birth and enjoyed riding them. 

Neil's music career had a similar rocky path, but the "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" singer was, in his own words, "a fighter and a survivor" and kept at it until he became hugely successful. The songwriter got started on his path to a music career when his second-grade choral teacher hinted to his parents that he would do well to start piano lessons. Thereafter, his mom bought him his first piano with the money she got from working at a department store for six months. Neil's dad, Mordechai "Mac" Sedaka, also contributed to his son's music career. He was a taxi driver who worked hard to put the young singer through Julliard after he got a scholarship.  

Recently, Neil captured his fans' attention when he announced on his Facebook page on May 2, 2023, that he was back on Cameo and available to take requests. His look and voice stunned fans, who commented that he looked and sounded great. In addition, they were surprised that Neil and his wife of 60 years were still together and happy. Continue reading to know more about his relationship with his wife and family. 

Neil and Leba Strassberg got married despite the odds stacked against them. He started music at 13 after he and his 16-year-old neighbor, Howard Greenfield, began writing songs together. As he was still quite young, Neil's mom became his manager and took over his finances as well. However, she was very controlling and always threatened to cut off his money whenever she didn't get her way.  

It was in this situation that Neil met Strassberg when they were both teenagers. At the time, Strassberg's mom objected to the relationship because she didn't think much of the young singer, who was just rising at the time. Luckily, Neil's father-in-law realized the talent he was and agreed to the union. The two got married in 1962, but Eleanor's influence was soon to cause trouble. 

Strassberg soon realized how much her mother-in-law ruled over her husband and opted not to follow in his steps. Strassberg told Eleanor that they would get their own apartment in their preferred location, but Eleanor pulled the finances card, and the young wife had no choice but to acquiesce. 

Eleanor also infamously got a lover while she was still married to her husband, who turned out to be Neil's manager. Together, they squandered her son's resources. Neil and his mom fell out when he discovered the situation, and he refused to talk to her for a year. However, the mother and son duo eventually reconciled. By the time Eleanor passed away at 89, Neil had become fond of her.

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Despite the ordeal Neil and Strassberg faced in the early years of their marriage, the duo never fell out of love and are still very much in love with each other 60 years later. Photos of the lovestruck couple constantly show them smiling happily and leaning on each other. Neil also admitted that he was "born married" to his wife during an interview with NPR in 2010. 

Meanwhile, despite his hectic schedule, Neil still finds time to be with his family and his wife. The singer-songwriter announced to fans on Facebook on May 2, 2023, that he was available to take their personalized requests for all kinds of special occasions. However, Neil's message evoked a sense of nostalgia in his fans, who kept commenting on how his music impacted them. 

"Dear Neil, your songs brighten up the day. I often find myself humming melodies you created.. as if they have become a part of me. Thank you for the joy you bring to the world!" a fan remarked.

"Neil, you are an extraordinary talent. Your songs, your voice puts a smile on my face and in my heart. Play on 'Music Man' play on!!!" another fan gushed under his post. 

Neil's marriage to Strassberg produced two children, a daughter Dara, and a son Mar. The couple also has three grandchildren, including twin granddaughters. Neil obviously dotes on his grandchildren, and he adapted his top song, "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" into "Waking Up Is Hard To Do" for them. The legendary singer took to his Instagram page on Jan. 29, 2023, to wish his twin granddaughters a happy birthday. Accompanying the post were several pictures of Neil’s moments with his granddaughters. Hopefully, Neil will experience more beautiful memories with his lovely wife and grandchildren. 

What do you think of Neil Sedaka's voice and looks? Do you agree that he has aged well? Which of his songs does this article remind you of? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family members, and fellow Neil Sedaka fans!