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2014 Los Angeles Film Festival - "Jersey Boys" Premiere - Arrivals

Sedaka in 2014, photo by Prphotos.com

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 13, 1939

Ethnicity: Sephardi Jewish, Ashkenazi Jewish

Neil Sedaka is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer.

Neil is the son of Eleanor (Appel) and Max/Mordechai “Mac” Sedaka. His father was born in Lebanon, the son of Turkish Jewish parents, who were born in Istanbul. His mother was of Polish Jewish and Russian Jewish descent. Neil’s cousin was singer Eydie Gormé.

He is married to Leba (Strassberg), with whom he has two children. His nephew (wife’s sister’s son) is journalist and forecaster Harry Enten.

Neil’s paternal grandfather was named Sam Sedacca (the son of Sarah).

Neil’s paternal grandmother was named Marie/Mary Jaffee/Jaffe.

Neil’s maternal grandfather was named George Appel. George was born in New York.

Neil’s maternal grandmother was Martha Kupferstein (the daughter of Hyman Kupferstein and Rosa Glancrok). Martha’s parents were Polish Jews.

Sources: 

Genealogy of Neil Sedaka (focusing on his father’s side) – 

Neil’s father on the 1930 U.S. Census –