The Evolution of ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’: From 1962 to Today

In 1962, Neil Sedaka released “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” a song that would become his signature hit and a defining moment in his career. Co-written with lyricist Howard Greenfield, the track features an upbeat melody paired with lyrics that lament the difficulties of ending a relationship. The song’s catchy “dooby-doo down down” intro and Sedaka’s smooth vocals helped propel it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it held the number one spot in August 1962. This success solidified Sedaka’s place in the pop music scene of the early 1960s.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Chart-Topping Success: “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, marking Sedaka’s first chart-topping single in the United States.

Unique Achievement: Neil Sedaka re-recorded the song in 1975 as a slow ballad, and this version also became a hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. This made him one of the few artists to have charted with two different versions of the same song.

Songwriting Partnership: The song was co-written by Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, a prolific songwriting duo responsible for many hits of the era. Their collaboration produced numerous classics, cementing their legacy in pop music history.

Cultural Impact: “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” has been covered by various artists over the years and remains a staple in pop culture, illustrating its enduring appeal.

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