@@ProfessorofRock If you asked me 30 mins ago if I'd ever listen to a piece about Sedaka I would have said you're crazy. But that was a great tale about perserverance that anybody can relate to and I listened to the whole piece. I even dug up Lea Roberts version which was great. Congrats to Neil.
In the Capt & Tenille cover of Love Will Keep Us Together in '75, at the end of that song they sing triumphantly "Sedaka is back!" Thanks for putting that one line of music history in its proper context.
I'm Danish, 71 years of age, and I've loved Sedaka's songs all my life, also "Love Will Keep Us Together". Neil Sedaka has made so many great songs it's almost impossible to know all of them. Not until recently I found out that one of my all time favorites: "One Way Ticket (To The Blues)" by Eruption (everyone thinks it's Boney M) was originally sung by Neil Sedaka, released as the B-side of his 1959 world wide hit single "Oh! Carol" though not written by Sedaka but by Jack Keller ("Beautiful Dreamer", "Venus In Blue Jeans", and 400+ more) and Hank Hunter... 🤘🤠
In 1970 I paid $5 for tickets to see Led Zeppelin with money from my first summer job. My mother thought that extravagant because she'd recently seen Neil Sedaka at some club for only $2. We both got our money's worth.
My sister gave me a ticket to Led Zeppelin in the early 70's Memorial Collesium P Town Orygun but I couldn't tell you who opened for them..... too stoned
I would love to see both, especially Zeppelin, they are more my taste but I have great respect for Neil, I grew up to both but was born in the early 70s so I missed the boat on seeing them live.
Neil was an underrated voice. Very smooth. Thank goodness for Elton John, huh? Elton has always helped other artists. Good dude. Thanks Professor. Have an awesome Tuesday and great t-shirt.
That interview was incredible! My absolute favorite song as a 14-year-old was "Bad Blood" with its super cool vibe. And actually his immediate followup to "Laughter In The Rain" was the great song "The Immigrant" which he dedicated to John Lennon, proving no ill will toward the Beatles having upended his career all those years earlier. The part in the interview when he welled up with tears touched me so much. I do the same thing sometimes when I think of my wife and how great she is to me. The man has quite a heart and this interview pushed me into considering myself as a true fan of Neil Sedaka. Thank you Professor!!
Seen Neil Sadaka in my hometown. Got right up front next to his piano. He made eye contact with me during a song and then waved at me. Best day ever up to that point!
Love Neil Sedaka. I have his entire catalog of songs in my record collection. He has always been one of my very favorite music artists ever. "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" is my favorite song from his pre-Beatles recording career (1958-1963) while "Laughter In The Rain" is my favorite song from his comeback era 1975-1980. He is one of the greatest piano-playing, singer-songwriters of all time. Sadly, he is one of the very few rock pioneers who has yet to be inducted into the rock and roll hall of Fame and very much belongs. Professor, thank you for this interview with one of my musical heroes.
My sweetest memory of Neil Sedaka is my Mom walking on a cloud after my Dad took her to one of his concerts. Thankful for the years of enjoyment and pray for more.
It makes sense Elton John attended a Neil Sedaka show. Elton John has collected records since he was a kid. He would shop at Tower Records in California buying loads of records. He always appreciates music legends.
@@ProfessorofRock Good morning Adam. This was an excellent show! I adored Maurice Gibb too. Funny how they were great friends! "Laughter in the Rain" is a classic tune that will always remain in my heart! I don't know why I'm shocked but Neil can still sing so well! God Bless him. From what I can remember about him is the fact that he would always talk about his "Darling Wife Reva ?" I absolutely adore him. Fantastic show Adam! As per usual. #ProfessorOfRock #NeilSadaka #LaughterIntheRain
Professor of Rock, glad that you're able to interview the many of the aging artists. Amazing interview with Neil Sedaka. His comeback in the mid 1970s was part of the background music for my high school years. At the time this interview was posted, Mister Sedaka was 85 years old!
Laughter in the Rain grabbed the listener's attention with the catchy lyrics and production. Thank you for this episode because hearing this again made my day.
"Laughter in the Rain" is one of my favorite songs of all time too. And "Bad Blood" is so much fun! I once heard Suzanne Somers sing the ballad version of "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" in a performance for our troops, and I sang her version all around the house for years, pretending to be her. 😁 I always love your interviews with Neil. He's such a nice man with a great sense of humor. YAY, YOU MENTIONED THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY! 😁 Can't wait for your episode about them and David! The Monkees, The Archies, next The Partridge Family. Thanks for this great episode, Adam. Have a fantastic day.
@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 LILY! I misremembered. It was Breaking Up Is Hard to Do! And it's here!! I can't paste links here, but it came up at the top of my search for Suzanne Somers Breaking up is hard to do. Woo hoo!
Elton John singing backup on “Bad Blood” was a stroke of musical genius because it gave onion-layered buildup to the point where they came together, giving a very satisfying payoff. GREAT song!!
Sedaka is a legend. I remember hearing laughter in the rain when I was growing up. Also, bad blood, which was awesome. This is one of your best episodes. ❤❤❤
During the pandemic, Neil would post videos of himself playing music and telling stories about his music on his Facebook page. It was one of the things that I truly looked forward to. 😊
I enjoyed watching those videos during the pandemic as well. I feel Neil Sedaka was kind of lost during the barrage of so much incredible music in the’70’s however I am glad that people found him again because it is so obvious that this is a guy who Loves entertaining everyone with his music!! 👍😊🎶 IMO
Bad Blood one of my favorites! Ten years old and a little profanity over looked because the song was just so darn good! Especially Neil with Elton! Two amazing voices! Loved hearing Neil's interview! Thanks Professor! 😊
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for doing this video and that fabulous interview with Neil Sedaka. I've been a fan of Neil Sedaka ever since I can remember hearing music. Besides the wonderful old lady at our local church singing the hymns so beautifully, Neil Sedaka was my absolute favorite artist that ever song on my little transistor radio. My first transistor radio was given to me by my paternal grandfather. He told me, "Don't listen to garbage. Be picky about what and who you listen to. You'll hear a lot of music, but will only really LISTEN to just a few singers and bands, and just a few songs will capture you because they mean something to you." How do I remember those words in such detail? Because I have been one who actually APPRECIATES the music far beyond the catchy beat with the infectious melody. All my life when I heard a song, ANY song, I listened to it in layers, noticing and somehow singling out every instrument, every vocal, every nuance that most people don't even notice, which caused my ability to enjoy music even more because I could appreciate everything that went into every song - whether it took just ten minutes to write and only a single take to record, or if it took years to write and weeks to record one single song - I didn't just hear the music, I LISTENED to music - even on the stuff recorded in mono for single speaker transistor radios, and I totally appreciated all of the music. The songs that capture my attention the most are the songs that capture my heart, my appreciation for every intricate detail of the song, just as one appreciates every minute detail in an intricately sculptured masterpiece statue from hundreds of years ago. I guess that most folks would consider me to be weird, but I dont mind. I understand me, Jesus understands me, and He created me to appreciate things that others don't even notice. Musicians like Neil Sedaka are few and far between. Elton John saw Neil Sedaka like I see Neil Sedaka, and he had the connections and means to help revitalize Sedaka's career. That is even more proof that our Father in heaven will use whoever He wants WHENEVER He wants in order to bless those who have blessed others exponentially, which is through music in Neil Sedaka's case. His music is uplifting, encouraging, and simply brings joy to folks, even on the worst days. Thanks again, Adam. I enjoy most of your shows and interviews, yet still every so often you outdo yourself with a treasure like THIS episode featuring, even STARRING Neil Sedaka. What a blessing YOU are as well, buddy! Once again you made my day!
I think Neil Sedaka's "Laughter In The Rain" is my favorite. He co-wrote w/ Howard Greenfield, "Love Will Keep Us Together", the 1975 Song Of The Year!!! (Captain & Tennille cover version).
Laughter In the Rain is one of the greatest love songs of all time!! I still love listening to it now on my favorite Oldies station!! They way he describes his encounter is amazing!! You can picture the scene in your mind!! Thanks for another great video Professor Of Rock!! Cindy Snow
Finally a mention of Lenny Welch, one of my favorites of all time........I know this is about Sedaka but he gets a lot of attention. Lenny has one of the best, smoothest voices to ever record!!!! Neil seems like a true gentleman and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do deserves all the accolades it receives. I feel the same about Laughter in the Rain too Prof!!!
Once again you tell the story of an artist I knew of all my life and then given me a deeper perspective of their personal experiences and musical career. Well done Professor.
This episode has moved me more than any other I have watched. I have always loved Neil Sedaka's music. I had no idea about Elton's role in Neil's comeback. It's a wonderful story about generosity and resilience. Neil Sedaka is a true legend, alongside Elton John. Bless them both.
Love your vids, watch them almost everyday at lunch break! Keep up the awesome work! I played a lot of my dad’s 45’s growing up and there was a lot of Neil Sedaka! Great guy and awesome interview! Thank you, Professor!
This was another great history lesson of rock and roll with Neil Sedaka who I heard many times on AM radio in the 70's with several of his songs and my favorite song of his was Calendar Girl thanks for another awesome episode and an amazing interview with Neil Merry Christmas Professor. 🎄🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶🎄
I still listen to Sedaka from time to time. Sedaka is a national treasure. I recall Laughter in the Rain from the 70s as a high school student. Love the ballad of Breaking up is Hard to do. Elton John often helped bring older artists back to the forefront. Re: Leon Russell towards the end of his life.
Growing up in the 70s and 80s during the disco and hard rock eras, I had to hide the fact that I was a secret BIG fan of Mr. Sedaka. I especially remember replaying "Blad Blood" several times as I was dumbfounded to hear the "B" word on the radio! My friends who used to tease me for my Sedaka passion were then singing the song loudly to be cool. I just smiled and smiled. Thank you for a great interview with one of my favorite artists.
I saw Neil perform in Vegas in 1982. I had absolutely no idea of his career history, of course. I remember I heard his songs on the radio and wanted to see him. This video is a real gem because you’ve told a really interesting story about a musician with a career history I would never had imagined. Neil Sedaka was (perhaps still is) a great singer with catchy songs that I sing along with whenever I hear them. Thank you for offering this story.
Laughter in the Rain was my 2nd song I played as a fledgeling 7th grade DJ. We used Christmas lights to transform St. Thomas More to a dance club in 1974. Wildfire was the first song I played and had my first slow dance with older 8th grader Chris Reinl. She was also on my afternoon bowling team but I never made a move *Sigh lol My second song was Laughter in The Rain. When I hear it I’m dancing with Classmate Toni Bazil. Thanks again Professor❤
I know this show is about Sedaka, but Island Girl is truly a forgotten Elton John song. I remember winning the album in a 3rd Grade pumpkin drawing contest at the local mall... Lol!
Some may consider Neil Sedaka anything but a Rock-n-roller, but as shown by today's episode, like Elton John, he was a song writing genius. Thanks Professor!
Neil Sedaka is a fantastic interview!! I grew up on his music and definitely always one of my favorites. I still listen to his singles. You did a fantastic job covering so many phases of his career. Also couldn't agree more it's criminal to change the station when Laugher in the Rain. One of my favorite interviews, what a great artist!!
"Laughter In the Rain" is the most joyous song about being in love that I can think of - Elton is a gem of a human being for bringing Neil back into our lives. I much prefer the ballad version of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do." Love all the background information of this episode!
Sedaka was my 1st concert ever. My mother was a huge fan and took me with her to see him when I was 6. I would call myself a rock & metal fan today at 58 yrs old, but I still love the oldies.
Neil Sedaka as a SONGWRITER was doing OK in the 70s, he wrote love will keep us together for Captain and Tennille and he also wrote the big international hit for ABBA, ring ring
This is a beautiful interview....im 53, and I have an eclect taste in music. I remember listening to him on road trips to Cincinnati as a child...brought back a good amount on memories ❤❤❤❤
You or so lucky to get to meet all of the iconic I think favorite show on your channel is when the artists gets to tell you how they wrote there masterpiece then it makes me smile as and artists of a poet to hear that they do the same as me it's so cool to see tome thank you
I remember him on Merv Griffin or Mike Douglas when I was a little kid and the host asked him about the first song he ever wrote. He laughed and said it was terrible, something like "Baby you are my DESIRE, my heart is on FIRE..." I laughed because it sounded like a song I was trying to write at the time and there and then was my first songwriting lesson. Never rhyme "desire" and "fire" in a song. (Maybe that's why Dylan never released his "Caribbean Wind" on an album ?)
Is there any one person in the world that doesn't love "Laughter in the Rain"? I think not. Love you Neil and thank you for sharing your life and talent.
YAY!!! Sedaka's been a top fave of mine since "Oh, Carol!" He was still performing when I moved to Vegas about 20 years ago, and I finally got to see his shows. What a versatile, virtuosic talent! I haven't started your vid yet, and I'm already stoked!
I was a hard rock fan, didn't pay much attention to a lot of pop at the time. I was home sick from school and caught Neil Sedaka on the Mike Douglas show. He performed "Breaking up is hard to do as a ballad. Mike Douglas asked him to play a little bit of it in the original style that it was recorded. As a teen aged musician, I was impressed with how he reworked it for another hit.
One misstep done by Neil Sedaka was when he quit the Rocket Record Company and signed on with Elektra Records. I thought then as I do now, it was a slap across Elton John’s face. Who put the bee in Sedaka’s ear about switching labels, anyway? After switching to Elektra, Neil Sedaka had just one hit or two, and then the hits quit coming. Great interview by the Professor of Rock. “Laughter In The Rain” remains one of my favorite Neil Sedaka songs.
That was one of the best interviews I have ever watched on your show. I always wondered why they sang “Sedaka is back!” in The Captain and Tennille sing Live Will Keep Us Together”. I am so proud of Elton John for throwing him a lifeline. He literally was the greatest rockstar in 1975. What a wonderful thing for him to want to bring back Sedaka.
Whenever I think of Neil Sedaka, the very first thing that comes into my mind is the Captain and Tenille part in "Love Will Keep Us Together" where they sing "Sedaka's back"
Sedaka's follow up "The Immigrant" is one of the best songs of '75. For a lot of boomers the mid-seventies were the first "music isn't as good as it used to be be era", but Neil was a cut above some of bland offerings. Bad Blood never got much oldies airplay even though it was a million seller.
I always loved Sedaka’s 70s stuff. He had a lot more. You need to check out the album “The Hungry Years” from 1975, that’s where “Bad Blood” is from. It’s as if he belonged in the 70s. Even songs of social commentary “New York City Blues” is gold. I grew up with those albums..
I'll always remember hearing this song as a child off the late 60s into the 70s, my mom played it all the time on and on.i remember finding it on caset tape in the 80s and listening to it. I loved the harmony. Thanks Adam sry " professor " for the memory's off mom.
Neil played songs on his YT channel during COVID and kept our spirits up. Thanks Neil!!! Now let's get him in the Rock and Roll HOF; he is in the Songwriters HOF, but should also be in the RRHOF.
My Step Dad listened to oldies radio, in the '70s. I grew up with the Wolfman Jack Show every day at 5pm. I can't remember not knowing Neil Sedaka songs.
I got to see Neil in concert about 20 years ago and he said that he’s only playing songs that he wrote. Holy cow, I had no idea how many hit songs that he wrote for other artists. Pure musical talent.
Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST "OLDIES" Song of the Early Rock era (55-67)?
In The Still Of The Night
God Only Knows Beach Boys.
Rock around the Clock
Ella Fitzgerald - Misty
Nico - These Days
Otis Redding - For Your Precious Love
I'll nominate ... "That'll Be the Day" by Buddy Holly.
I always liked Neil Sedaka's music. From this interview I can see how happy he was that you and us viewers are still listening to his music
Yes indeed!
I grew up listening to "Calendar Girl" from our parents' 45 collection. 😎👍
Great story, and Elton was compassionate and very astute. Sedaka was talented and still had more to offer.
Neil is sharp as a tack at 85. A true gem.
He's a great guy!
@@ProfessorofRock If you asked me 30 mins ago if I'd ever listen to a piece about Sedaka I would have said you're crazy. But that was a great tale about perserverance that anybody can relate to and I listened to the whole piece. I even dug up Lea Roberts version which was great. Congrats to Neil.
I would want to meet him someday.
I had forgotten what a good song Bad Blood is. Thanks, Professor.
You're welcome!
Agreed. Great to be reminded of it.
In the Capt & Tenille cover of Love Will Keep Us Together in '75, at the end of that song they sing triumphantly "Sedaka is back!" Thanks for putting that one line of music history in its proper context.
I loved it when they said that!
Came here to say this. Nicely done.
Yes I forgot about that.
I'm Danish, 71 years of age, and I've loved Sedaka's songs all my life, also "Love Will Keep Us Together". Neil Sedaka has made so many great songs it's almost impossible to know all of them. Not until recently I found out that one of my all time favorites: "One Way Ticket (To The Blues)" by Eruption (everyone thinks it's Boney M) was originally sung by Neil Sedaka, released as the B-side of his 1959 world wide hit single "Oh! Carol" though not written by Sedaka but by Jack Keller ("Beautiful Dreamer", "Venus In Blue Jeans", and 400+ more) and Hank Hunter... 🤘🤠
In 1970 I paid $5 for tickets to see Led Zeppelin with money from my first summer job. My mother thought that extravagant because she'd recently seen Neil Sedaka at some club for only $2.
We both got our money's worth.
My sister gave me a ticket to Led Zeppelin in the early 70's Memorial Collesium P Town Orygun but I couldn't tell you who opened for them..... too stoned
Your Mom got a much better deal
I would love to see both, especially Zeppelin, they are more my taste but I have great respect for Neil, I grew up to both but was born in the early 70s so I missed the boat on seeing them live.
Neil was an underrated voice. Very smooth.
Thank goodness for Elton John, huh? Elton has always helped other artists. Good dude.
Thanks Professor.
Have an awesome Tuesday and great t-shirt.
You'd better have an awesome Tuesday as well Roger!
@Code.Name.V
Thank Ya. 😁
Agree about the shirt and the voice.
@@TerrickTerran
Just so smooth that people overlook him.
Thanks Roger! Have a great day!
That interview was incredible! My absolute favorite song as a 14-year-old was "Bad Blood" with its super cool vibe. And actually his immediate followup to "Laughter In The Rain" was the great song "The Immigrant" which he dedicated to John Lennon, proving no ill will toward the Beatles having upended his career all those years earlier.
The part in the interview when he welled up with tears touched me so much. I do the same thing sometimes when I think of my wife and how great she is to me. The man has quite a heart and this interview pushed me into considering myself as a true fan of Neil Sedaka. Thank you Professor!!
Seen Neil Sadaka in my hometown. Got right up front next to his piano. He made eye contact with me during a song and then waved at me. Best day ever up to that point!
Love Neil Sedaka. I have his entire catalog of songs in my record collection. He has always been one of my very favorite music artists ever. "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" is my favorite song from his pre-Beatles recording career (1958-1963) while "Laughter In The Rain" is my favorite song from his comeback era 1975-1980. He is one of the greatest piano-playing, singer-songwriters of all time. Sadly, he is one of the very few rock pioneers who has yet to be inducted into the rock and roll hall of Fame and very much belongs. Professor, thank you for this interview with one of my musical heroes.
Breaking Up is Hard to Do is so catchy.
Great story. I remember liking his music as a kid back in the early 70’s. Neil was a legend. Cheers from Tulua, Colombia 🇨🇴
Sedaka is a master. I've been a fan for 50 years. Neil is also the only artist I can think of who also had a cerified hit with one of his children.
Frank & Nancy Sinatra. Song Something Stupid.
Oh yes! Zara or Dara was her name. I can’t remember the song though.
My sweetest memory of Neil Sedaka is my Mom walking on a cloud after my Dad took her to one of his concerts. Thankful for the years of enjoyment and pray for more.
Neil Sedaka and Frankie Valli are iconic for their falsetto...so good these icons are still kicking at their age!
I hope POR gets ahold of Valli next.
I think my favorite Neil Sedaka tune is "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen." The melody is absolutely wonderful.
Yes it is!
It makes sense Elton John attended a Neil Sedaka show. Elton John has collected records since he was a kid. He would shop at Tower Records in California buying loads of records. He always appreciates music legends.
Yep, Elton knows his music history!
ikr i think elton john heard it so many times that he showed it to bernie taupin to inspire the song the ***ch is back
I love how musically inclined Elton John is.
Neil still looks great. Great to hear from him again. Much love 💜😎✌️👍💜
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do is a classic song and I'm glad Neil managed to make a comeback when many others would have stopped.
So true!
@@ProfessorofRock
Good morning Adam. This was an excellent show! I adored Maurice Gibb too. Funny how they were great friends! "Laughter in the Rain" is a classic tune that will always remain in my heart! I don't know why I'm shocked but Neil can still sing so well! God Bless him. From what I can remember about him is the fact that he would always talk about his "Darling Wife Reva ?" I absolutely adore him. Fantastic show Adam! As per usual.
#ProfessorOfRock
#NeilSadaka
#LaughterIntheRain
Professor of Rock, glad that you're able to interview the many of the aging artists. Amazing interview with Neil Sedaka. His comeback in the mid 1970s was part of the background music for my high school years. At the time this interview was posted, Mister Sedaka was 85 years old!
Laughter in the Rain grabbed the listener's attention with the catchy lyrics and production. Thank you for this episode because hearing this again made my day.
Happy Birthday to the great Paul Rodgers(75)!
GOAT SINGER!
YES! A true rock and roll legend.
"Laughter in the Rain" is one of my favorite songs of all time too. And "Bad Blood" is so much fun! I once heard Suzanne Somers sing the ballad version of "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" in a performance for our troops, and I sang her version all around the house for years, pretending to be her. 😁 I always love your interviews with Neil. He's such a nice man with a great sense of humor. YAY, YOU MENTIONED THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY! 😁 Can't wait for your episode about them and David! The Monkees, The Archies, next The Partridge Family.
Thanks for this great episode, Adam. Have a fantastic day.
Thanks Jill!
Is the Suzanne version on RUclips?
@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 , I've never been able to find it. It was from a longer special entertaining the troops sometime in the '70s.
@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 LILY! I misremembered. It was Breaking Up Is Hard to Do! And it's here!! I can't paste links here, but it came up at the top of my search for Suzanne Somers Breaking up is hard to do. Woo hoo!
Mr. Sedaka is a true LEDGEND❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
So humble and talented beyond belief.
I love Neil Sedaka❤❤❤❤❤
Agreed!
Elton John singing backup on “Bad Blood” was a stroke of musical genius because it gave onion-layered buildup to the point where they came together, giving a very satisfying payoff. GREAT song!!
I agree. I don't hear it as much anymore though!
Sedaka is a legend. I remember hearing laughter in the rain when I was growing up. Also, bad blood, which was awesome. This is one of your best episodes. ❤❤❤
During the pandemic, Neil would post videos of himself playing music and telling stories about his music on his Facebook page. It was one of the things that I truly looked forward to. 😊
He’s a great guy!
I enjoyed watching those videos during the pandemic as well. I feel Neil Sedaka was kind of lost during the barrage of so much incredible music in the’70’s however I am glad that people found him again because it is so obvious that this is a guy who Loves entertaining everyone with his music!! 👍😊🎶 IMO
I remember that!
I was wondering when you would cover Neil Sedaka! Bad Blood has such a funky sound! Thank you Professor!
He’s a legend!
Bad Blood one of my favorites! Ten years old and a little profanity over looked because the song was just so darn good! Especially Neil with Elton! Two amazing voices! Loved hearing Neil's interview! Thanks Professor! 😊
Thanks Cheryl!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for doing this video and that fabulous interview with Neil Sedaka. I've been a fan of Neil Sedaka ever since I can remember hearing music. Besides the wonderful old lady at our local church singing the hymns so beautifully, Neil Sedaka was my absolute favorite artist that ever song on my little transistor radio. My first transistor radio was given to me by my paternal grandfather. He told me, "Don't listen to garbage. Be picky about what and who you listen to. You'll hear a lot of music, but will only really LISTEN to just a few singers and bands, and just a few songs will capture you because they mean something to you." How do I remember those words in such detail? Because I have been one who actually APPRECIATES the music far beyond the catchy beat with the infectious melody. All my life when I heard a song, ANY song, I listened to it in layers, noticing and somehow singling out every instrument, every vocal, every nuance that most people don't even notice, which caused my ability to enjoy music even more because I could appreciate everything that went into every song - whether it took just ten minutes to write and only a single take to record, or if it took years to write and weeks to record one single song - I didn't just hear the music, I LISTENED to music - even on the stuff recorded in mono for single speaker transistor radios, and I totally appreciated all of the music. The songs that capture my attention the most are the songs that capture my heart, my appreciation for every intricate detail of the song, just as one appreciates every minute detail in an intricately sculptured masterpiece statue from hundreds of years ago.
I guess that most folks would consider me to be weird, but I dont mind. I understand me, Jesus understands me, and He created me to appreciate things that others don't even notice. Musicians like Neil Sedaka are few and far between. Elton John saw Neil Sedaka like I see Neil Sedaka, and he had the connections and means to help revitalize Sedaka's career. That is even more proof that our Father in heaven will use whoever He wants WHENEVER He wants in order to bless those who have blessed others exponentially, which is through music in Neil Sedaka's case. His music is uplifting, encouraging, and simply brings joy to folks, even on the worst days.
Thanks again, Adam. I enjoy most of your shows and interviews, yet still every so often you outdo yourself with a treasure like THIS episode featuring, even STARRING Neil Sedaka. What a blessing YOU are as well, buddy! Once again you made my day!
A living legend at 85 - keep 'em coming Neil, thank you...?
Thanks!
I saw Neil Sedaka in Brisbane Australia with my parents. He was awesome..
I think Neil Sedaka's "Laughter In The Rain" is my favorite. He co-wrote w/ Howard Greenfield, "Love Will Keep Us Together", the 1975 Song Of The Year!!! (Captain & Tennille cover version).
Amen!
And he originally recorded it in 1973!
Laughter In the Rain is one of the greatest love songs of all time!! I still love listening to it now on my favorite Oldies station!! They way he describes his encounter is amazing!! You can picture the scene in your mind!! Thanks for another great video Professor Of Rock!! Cindy Snow
Rock on! Cindy!
So great to see Neil Sedaka again. Thank you!
More to come!
Finally a mention of Lenny Welch, one of my favorites of all time........I know this is about Sedaka but he gets a lot of attention. Lenny has one of the best, smoothest voices to ever record!!!! Neil seems like a true gentleman and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do deserves all the accolades it receives. I feel the same about Laughter in the Rain too Prof!!!
Cool! Thanks for sharing!
Once again you tell the story of an artist I knew of all my life and then given me a deeper perspective of their personal experiences and musical career. Well done Professor.
Thank god for the 50's, 60's and 70's. Anyone who didn't experience Neil Sedaka back then missed one of the best times in history.
Thanks!
Two of the most beautiful sad love songs of all time “Solitaire” and “The Hungry Years” both by NeilSedaka.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. Thank you! Excellent show, awesome interview! I love Neil Sedaka! My fave is Bad Blood 😊
Hope you have a wonderful day, Adam! 😊
My favorite Sedaka is The Immigrant written about John Lennon. What a great tribute.
Agreed. Good song!
This episode has moved me more than any other I have watched. I have always loved Neil Sedaka's music. I had no idea about Elton's role in Neil's comeback. It's a wonderful story about generosity and resilience. Neil Sedaka is a true legend, alongside Elton John. Bless them both.
Love your vids, watch them almost everyday at lunch break! Keep up the awesome work! I played a lot of my dad’s 45’s growing up and there was a lot of Neil Sedaka! Great guy and awesome interview! Thank you, Professor!
Thanks!
This was another great history lesson of rock and roll with Neil Sedaka
who I heard many times on AM radio in the 70's with several of his songs
and my favorite song of his was Calendar Girl thanks for another awesome
episode and an amazing interview with Neil Merry Christmas Professor.
🎄🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶🎄
I still listen to Sedaka from time to time. Sedaka is a national treasure. I recall Laughter in the Rain from the 70s as a high school student. Love the ballad of Breaking up is Hard to do. Elton John often helped bring older artists back to the forefront. Re: Leon Russell towards the end of his life.
That's right!
I love Niel! I’m so happy I found him on IG! My dad has his albums. I saw the show down Breaking up on Mike Douglas when I was a kid. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks Cassie!
Neil Sedaka's voice is still like butter. ❤ Great interview POR!! 🥰
Growing up in the 70s and 80s during the disco and hard rock eras, I had to hide the fact that I was a secret BIG fan of Mr. Sedaka. I especially remember replaying "Blad Blood" several times as I was dumbfounded to hear the "B" word on the radio! My friends who used to tease me for my Sedaka passion were then singing the song loudly to be cool. I just smiled and smiled. Thank you for a great interview with one of my favorite artists.
Great questions all the way through, Professor!
Thanks Dave!
I saw Neil perform in Vegas in 1982. I had absolutely no idea of his career history, of course. I remember I heard his songs on the radio and wanted to see him. This video is a real gem because you’ve told a really interesting story about a musician with a career history I would never had imagined. Neil Sedaka was (perhaps still is) a great singer with catchy songs that I sing along with whenever I hear them. Thank you for offering this story.
What A Great Voice He Had And Sounds Great Too This Day 👏
I talked to him here in Las Vegas for nearly 2 hours!
Awesome! I'll bet you've met a lot of famous people there. 😄
@LaManteca76 Donot get me started!
Definitely a pioneer... Neil Sedaka. Show me the way to Amarillo, another enjoyable song of his.
That is a good one!
Laughter in the Rain was my 2nd song I played as a fledgeling 7th grade DJ.
We used Christmas lights to transform St. Thomas More to a dance club in 1974.
Wildfire was the first song I played and had my first slow dance with older 8th grader Chris Reinl. She was also on my afternoon bowling team but I never made a move *Sigh lol
My second song was Laughter in The Rain. When I hear it I’m dancing with Classmate Toni Bazil. Thanks again Professor❤
I know this show is about Sedaka, but Island Girl is truly a forgotten Elton John song. I remember winning the album in a 3rd Grade pumpkin drawing contest at the local mall... Lol!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing! ❄️☃️🎄✌🏼
Island Girl is one of my favorites!
Some may consider Neil Sedaka anything but a Rock-n-roller, but as shown by today's episode, like Elton John, he was a song writing genius. Thanks Professor!
Neil Sedaka is a fantastic interview!! I grew up on his music and definitely always one of my favorites. I still listen to his singles. You did a fantastic job covering so many phases of his career. Also couldn't agree more it's criminal to change the station when Laugher in the Rain. One of my favorite interviews, what a great artist!!
Thanks My Name!
It’s a feel good song especially for the morning.
That song will live on forever …. (Breaking up is hard to do) because it’s so innocent and so truthful.
Great interview again Professor! So interesting to listen to. See you tomorrow!🤘🔥
Thanks for listening Brent!
"Laughter In the Rain" is the most joyous song about being in love that I can think of - Elton is a gem of a human being for bringing Neil back into our lives. I much prefer the ballad version of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do." Love all the background information of this episode!
Sedaka was my 1st concert ever. My mother was a huge fan and took me with her to see him when I was 6. I would call myself a rock & metal fan today at 58 yrs old, but I still love the oldies.
Neil Sedaka as a SONGWRITER was doing OK in the 70s, he wrote love will keep us together for Captain and Tennille and he also wrote the big international hit for ABBA, ring ring
That's right.
Beautiful man, even more beautiful voice. Love his songs.
This is a beautiful interview....im 53, and I have an eclect taste in music. I remember listening to him on road trips to Cincinnati as a child...brought back a good amount on memories ❤❤❤❤
Your last Sedaka interview was one of my favorite ever done on your channel, really looking forward to see him again!
YOu bet!
You or so lucky to get to meet all of the iconic I think favorite show on your channel is when the artists gets to tell you how they wrote there masterpiece then it makes me smile as and artists of a poet to hear that they do the same as me it's so cool to see tome thank you
Neil Sedaka, quite a show man. I took a date to Sedaka show at Ravinia (Chicago area) in the 70s. He could really play piano.
He's a great player!
I adored Neil Sedaka when I was in high school. He was the musician who always made me feel good!
I remember him on Merv Griffin or Mike Douglas when I was a little kid and the host asked him about the first song he ever wrote. He laughed and said it was terrible, something like "Baby you are my DESIRE, my heart is on FIRE..." I laughed because it sounded like a song I was trying to write at the time and there and then was my first songwriting lesson. Never rhyme "desire" and "fire" in a song. (Maybe that's why Dylan never released his "Caribbean Wind" on an album ?)
Thanks Martin! I got a kick out of that!
Worked for the guys who wrote "I Want It That Way"...
The Backstreet Boys made that move in their biggest hit song lol
Is there any one person in the world that doesn't love "Laughter in the Rain"? I think not. Love you Neil and thank you for sharing your life and talent.
So good!
YAY!!! Sedaka's been a top fave of mine since "Oh, Carol!" He was still performing when I moved to Vegas about 20 years ago, and I finally got to see his shows. What a versatile, virtuosic talent! I haven't started your vid yet, and I'm already stoked!
Neil Sedaka is an absolute gem! ❤
God! I love Laughter in the Rain so much. I will never get tired of listening to it.
I was a hard rock fan, didn't pay much attention to a lot of pop at the time. I was home sick from school and caught Neil Sedaka on the Mike Douglas show. He performed "Breaking up is hard to do as a ballad. Mike Douglas asked him to play a little bit of it in the original style that it was recorded. As a teen aged musician, I was impressed with how he reworked it for another hit.
I always like the end of Captain and Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together" where Toni Tennille says "Sedaka is back" I thought that was so cool.
Truly great interview. Well done...
One misstep done by Neil Sedaka was when he quit the Rocket Record Company and signed on with Elektra Records. I thought then as I do now, it was a slap across Elton John’s face. Who put the bee in Sedaka’s ear about switching labels, anyway? After switching to Elektra, Neil Sedaka had just one hit or two, and then the hits quit coming. Great interview by the Professor of Rock. “Laughter In The Rain” remains one of my favorite Neil Sedaka songs.
Good question for next interview!
That was one of the best interviews I have ever watched on your show. I always wondered why they sang “Sedaka is back!” in The Captain and Tennille sing Live Will Keep Us Together”. I am so proud of Elton John for throwing him a lifeline. He literally was the greatest rockstar in 1975. What a wonderful thing for him to want to bring back Sedaka.
One of the greatest songwriters of all time, and still killing it :)
Neil Sedaka is a classic and will be remembered for a long time. He even wrote a song called "Stairway to Heaven" :)
Yeah, l remember that song, l was a kid back then.
That he did!
Very cool!
@@daleamaral5195 Takes you back :)
@@ProfessorofRock Such a great guy 🙂
That was very moving watching the tears in his eyes.
Whenever I think of Neil Sedaka, the very first thing that comes into my mind is the Captain and Tenille part in "Love Will Keep Us Together" where they sing "Sedaka's back"
Bad blood Breaking up and Laughter are my favorites from Neil Sedaka, another great episode!
"Laughter In The Rain" is one of the most beautiful songs ever.
AMen!
Love Sedaka, would've been great to hear a duet with Roy Orbison. Great talent. Thanks Prof!.❤
For sure!
Love everything the Professor is enlightening with us
Sedaka's follow up "The Immigrant" is one of the best songs of '75.
For a lot of boomers the mid-seventies were the first "music isn't as good as it used to be be era", but Neil was a cut above some of bland offerings.
Bad Blood never got much oldies airplay even though it was a million seller.
Laughter in the rain, one of the most beautiful songs ever!
I love Neil Sedaka.... Laughter in the Rain is my favorite ever ❤ thank you for this
Incredible how these songs came to be. Great interview.
Agreed!
Makes sense he was inspired by the showmen, black artists did create rock and roll and country for that matter. 4:28 thanks Professor!!
Thanks for watching!
I always loved Sedaka’s 70s stuff. He had a lot more. You need to check out the album “The Hungry Years” from 1975, that’s where “Bad Blood” is from. It’s as if he belonged in the 70s. Even songs of social commentary “New York City Blues” is gold. I grew up with those albums..
I'll always remember hearing this song as a child off the late 60s into the 70s, my mom played it all the time on and on.i remember finding it on caset tape in the 80s and listening to it. I loved the harmony. Thanks Adam sry " professor " for the memory's off mom.
This was fantastic I enjoyed this
I remember Casey announcing Neil was #1 after so many years not on the charts. Captain and Tennille had placed "Sedaka is back" in their song.
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Neil played songs on his YT channel during COVID and kept our spirits up. Thanks Neil!!! Now let's get him in the Rock and Roll HOF; he is in the Songwriters HOF, but should also be in the RRHOF.
I loved that!
Great story/interview!
Thanks for watching!
Still very on it even at his age. No slowing down from him, he’s still totally sharp.
My Step Dad listened to oldies radio, in the '70s. I grew up with the Wolfman Jack Show every day at 5pm. I can't remember not knowing Neil Sedaka songs.
Awesome!
I got to see Neil in concert about 20 years ago and he said that he’s only playing songs that he wrote. Holy cow, I had no idea how many hit songs that he wrote for other artists. Pure musical talent.
This is one of my favorites 😍