Harrison Held's SceneAroundTown.... Neil Sedaka Honored by Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters

Veteran "Laughter in the Rain" recording star Neil Sedaka received the prestigious Art Gilmore Career Achievement Award today at a fun Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters luncheon at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City.  On hand for the honors were PPB President Chuck Street, Entertainment Chair Jeanne DeVivier Brown , son Marc Sedaka, Artie Butler, Phil Cody, Billy Davis, Jr., David Foster, Lou Gossett, Jr., Wink Martindale & Marilyn McCoo.  Neil Sedaka catapulted to stardom after recording star Connie Francis recorded his song "Stupid Cupid'.  She then sang the theme song Sedaka and writing partner Howard Greenfield composed for the 1960 MGM spring classic "Where the Boys Are" which would be her biggest hit.  As a result of these hits & others, he signed a contract with RCA as a writer & performer of his own material resulting in a string of chart topping records including "The Diary", "Oh! Carol", "Stairway to Heaven", "Calendar Girl", "Little Devil", "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen", "Next Door To An Angel", & "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do".  His music was distinguished by multi tracking his voice in the recording studio.  In a career spanning over 6 decades Neil Sedaka has had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, has been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame & has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Colleagues Connie Francis, Lorna Luft & Michael Feinstein were unable to be there in person but sent in congratulatory notes.  Veteran comedian Shelley Berman received PPB's Diamond Circle Award from First Vice President Larry Vanderveen.  I love all the PPB events I've been to - they bring the nicest people in the industry together.  Thanks to Billy Bennight for the great photo!  HH