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It could be debated that music is the first language of the legendary singer/song writer, Neil Sedaka, whose body of work stretches all the way back to1952 (he wrote his first song at the age of 13). With such world-wide hits as ‘Oh Carol’, ‘Breaking Up is Hard to Do’ and ‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen’, this giant of the stage will get the toes-tapping when he comes to Perth for two concerts with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra at the Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention Centre, on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3. OUTinPerth’s Terry Larder posed some questions to the grammy-award winner Mr Sedaka.
What is the one question you dislike being asked and why?
Political questions. I’m apolitical. I think they’re all phonies.
Of the 1,000 songs you have written, which is the one you are most proud of? And why?
‘Laughter in the Rain’, since it is responsible for my come back.
From your back-catalogue, which song would you like to re-record?
‘Good Time Man’, because it was for my Lovely Leba, and I only did it with piano and voice.
What was the inspiration/story to the song, (Is this the way to) Amarillo?
We tried ‘Is this the way to Pensacola’, but Amarillo seemed a better fit. It worked.
What was the inspiration behind the classical piece ‘Joie De Vivre’ and will there be more classical pieces to follow?
Having studied Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and Chopin – I wanted to finally write something symphonic. There will be more to follow. I am in the midst of composing ‘Manhattan Intermezzo’ for piano and orchestra.
If you were able to travel back in time, what year would you travel back to?
1975 – the comeback to the charts.
When you are singing in concert, is there a song that makes you feel particularly emotional?
Yes, the song ‘You’.
Is there a song that you don’t want anyone to record? A song that is totally yours and no one else’s?
The collection of twelve new songs I just finished.
