Neil Sedaka: The Music of My Life - From Stockport to Sydney

Neil Sedaka: The Music Of My Life - "From Stockport to Sydney". In the second of this two part documentary Johnnie Walker continues his musical meander through the life and works of the legendary American singer-songwriter. British rock bands had invaded the American charts in the 60s, leaving Neil's home-spun style of songwriting unwanted, so he decided to reverse the invasion and try his luck in England. It was whilst touring renowned clubs such as The Wooky Hollow in Liverpool and The Golden Garter in Manchester that he met the manager of 10cc and began recording again in their Stockport Studio. In England he was gaining huge success with hits like "Solitaire" and "That's When The Music Takes Me" but he couldn't make it big back in America. The late Maurice Gibb introduced him to Elton John who, as fate would have it, proved to be a fan of Sedaka's work. Elton immediately signed him to his Rocket Record Label and they produced "Sedaka's Back" recording the album on both sides of the Atlantic. It earned him a Gold Disc for half a million sales, finally gaining him the recognition he so badly wanted. To make his success complete the beautiful ballad "Laughter In The Rain" reached Number One on the Billboard Charts and he was home. Playing many of his hits at the piano from the BBC Radio Theatre in London, we continue his musical memories and learn of his Symphonic Works which premiered two years ago in Sydney, plus the remaking of some of his classic tunes for his grandchildren , and we find out how he hopes to continue doing what he does best - writing songs that remain in the memory forever.