Remembering pop songwriter Neil Sedaka

This episode of Fresh Air remembers Neil Sedaka, the singer-songwriter who passed away at 86, by revisiting a 2007 interview with Terry Gross. Sedaka discusses his early career writing hits for teenagers in the Brill Building, emphasizing the collaborative process with lyricist Howard Greenfield and the friendly competition among songwriters like Carole King and Gerry Goffin. He recounts his transition from classical piano to pop music, driven by the excitement and financial opportunity it presented, and shares the story behind his hit song "Mr. Moon" and his experience as a celebrity judge on American Idol. Sedaka also reflects on his comeback in the 70s with Elton John's help and his later exploration of his Yiddish roots in the album "Brighton Beach Memories." The episode further includes reviews of The Paranoid Style's new album and the new Pixar film, Hoppers.