Neil Sedaka, US singer and songwriter, dies at 86

American singer and songwriter Neil Sedaka, who scored a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s including "Laughter in the Rain," has died at age 86, his family said Friday.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather," the family posted on Facebook, calling him a "true rock and roll legend." No cause of death was given.

Born in New York, Sedaka began his musical career in the late 1950s, writing "Stupid Cupid" for US singer Connie Francis. An accomplished pianist, he became a star with early 1960s hits such as "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do."

His popularity waned in the late 1960s as bands like The Beatles dominated, but he returned in the 1970s with easy-listening hits including "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood." Sedaka also wrote "Love Will Keep Us Together," a No. 1 hit for Captain & Tennille in 1975.

Though his chart success faded in the 1980s, Sedaka remained active in show business and continued performing.