The Neil Deal

Kimberley McGee

Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001 | 11:59 a.m.

It's been a long relationship, and Neil Sedaka is considering that breaking up might not be so hard to do after all.

The singer-songwriter performs Tuesday through Sunday at the Orleans in what he says might be one of his last lengthy tours before he takes time out of his busy schedule for his family.

He's earned it.

In 1952 Sedaka began writing with neighbor Howie Greenfield in Brooklyn, N.Y. Six years later the duo's work was on the charts with the hit "Stupid Cupid," sung by Connie Francis.

The 1962 No. 1 hit, "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," made Sedaka a teen idol and became his signature song.

Such artists as Tom Jones, the 5th Dimension and Elton John have recorded hits penned by Sedaka, who in 1994 recorded "Classical Sedaka," his version of Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Rachmaninoff with his own romance-inspired lyrics.

On Jan. 6, prior to taking the stage with the Knoxville Symphony, the 61-year-old Sedaka fell ill. Medical tests revealed a problem with his heart and an angioplasty was performed that same week.

Sedaka spoke with the Sun from his Southern California home (he also has a residence in New York) about the procedure and his plans for a simpler life with Leba, his wife of 38 years:

Las Vegas Sun: How did you know something was wrong that night in Tennessee?

Neil Sedaka: I had some symptoms, some chest pain. It's marvelous that they can do (the angioplasty procedure) today.

Sun: What were your thoughts during the procedure as you watched the surgeon operate on your heart?

NS: It was just a small artery that had to be roto-rooted, the ballooning.

It's really very common today. Many people go through it and you can actually watch it on television, on a screen, as they do it. It was fascinating.

Sun: How are you recovering?

NS: I'm resting for a couple of weeks and taking medication and getting right back to my exercise. It's a 2-mile walk, swimming and jump rope that I do.

Sun: Why do you play Las Vegas three times this year, when other cities have to wait a year to see you again?

NS: I'm well and I've been working Vegas since the late '60s. I enjoy Las Vegas. I've been there so many times.

I love it because the audience comes from all over the world and they come specifically to see you.

Sun: Does any memory stand out from all of the years of performing in Las Vegas?

NS: I remember meeting Elvis at the Hilton (in the '70s). He invited us backstage after the show and we sang gospel songs together. He gave my wife a scarf, which she still has.

Sun: Do the memories and the atmosphere of Las Vegas call you back?

NS: Yes, both.

I'm looking forward to (performances at the Orleans) and I hope the weather is warm (laughs).

Sun: What songs will you perform?

NS: I'm doing all of the songs that people know Neil Sedaka for, plus some old standards, plus some classical music.

It's still fun. I enjoy going onstage, singing onstage. The audience is still incredible.

Sun: How do you prepare for your performances?

NS: The band has been with me for so many years that they know all of the repertoire. I play to relax.

Sun: What have you enjoyed about touring?

NS: It's been a wonderful journey. I've been like a musical ambassador, an American ambassador, all over the world -- singing, performing.

Sun: How long will you continue to tour?

NS: I love to perform, but I think it's coming to the point where I should bow out gracefully. I've been doing it for more than 40 years.

Sun: How do you plan to ease into retirement?

NS: I think after next year I will cut (back) gradually. If you are young enough and you are in good health, you should be able to enjoy the rest of your years in retirement. I've been (performing) since I was 18 years old (laughs).

Sun: What will you do with all that free time?

NS: I think I will just be a civilian. I will walk, go to the movies, take my swim, go out with friends. Enjoy.