Neil Sedaka Plays Chopin on I've Got a Secret!

Too bad he never got to go to Moscow. Apparently the Russkies learned he was a rock and roll singer and Neil got disinvited!

[@stephenlennartz3466]

In the early '80s I worked for a large musical instrument retailer in St. Louis. One of the perks was getting tickets to just about every show that came to town. This included a show by Neal Sedaka. At the time I was more focused on Zeppelin and Santana but shared my love for all genres of music with my wife. Needless to say ... the Neal Sedaka show blew us away! The virtuoso put on an amazing show with all of his hits ... but probably the most amazing song in his repertoire that night was his solo version of Ave Maria. It started off with just Neal on piano and then slowly strings were introduced via MIDI- a newer technology at the time. This allowed him to not only play the piano part ... but also trigger synthesizers from his keyboard. As I recall he got a mid-show standing ovation. It was spectacular and easily rivaled 'Stairway' and 'Oye ComoVa' at the time--yes really! We still talk about that show ... and that song. So beautifully played and sung by the maestro.

[@christopherfranklin4760]

Pure talent. Still going at 81, as of Apr 2020.

[@geoffjoffy]

And he's so modest, too.

[@violinmke]

Performing daily in quarantine at his house in lockdown too. Find him on You tube. Voice and piano intact.

[@geoffjoffy]

@@violinmke I know, I'm watching his videos

[@geraldinegregory.1803]

So....he was only about 26(ish) in this film clip....wow, incredible. And still going strong, singing as good as ever. Great guy.

[@mathieunorry]

A criminally underrated and undervalued musician and artist, absolute genius

[@AngelasJoys]

He made a fortune. Never underrated. Awards. 🎹

[@maggiedeveney]

Now he’s playing for us in the Covid crisis! Such a wonderful video. Historical. Thanks.

[@BBBqqq6]

I love that back in the day a guy who looked like my accountant could be a pop star

[@retrobilly1986]

Brendan Burke and today you can look like a bum who uses drugs and be a multimillion dollar talent star

[@woodyt56]

Wow I have a newfound respect for Neil Sedaka

[@divvy1400yam600]

Sedaka is a very talented musician and finding this vid. was a pleasant surprise. Amongst his writing output were some beautiful melodies. From memory I think Solitaire was one. Written by him I mean. Steve Allen could tickle the ivories a bit as well.

[@mrob75]

Absolute incredible talent! And to be looked over by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame makes ZERO sense.

[@kennapop3]

He has too much talent for Cleveland.

[@sheelahbrown4963]

Ñeil sedaka going noware

[@alejandrolian7101]

i guess it's pretty randomly asking but do anyone know of a good website to stream newly released movies online ?

[@tonisumblin2719]

@@sheelahbrown4963 he went somewhere. Millions of sold records. Made a fortune in Vegas. Concerts All over the world. He’s done alright.

[@imsixftsix]

this was wonderful...I never had any idea...12 years at Julliard...

[@jdavis417]

Apparently he was a slow learner? ;)

[@WalterWhite-cz8ll]

Love This. I was born in November of 1966. And this was in June of '66. Amazing that I can be a huge fan of Sedaka. His Music is Timeless.

[@josephkelley8641]

Two of the greats - the late Steve Allen, Neil a natural performer and talent - unbelievable writer as well of course. .

[@acwindsor]

Neil is incredible at the piano. Steve Allen was also a piano genius. It is a shame they didn't do a duet.

[@josephkelley8641]

Neil's great over there on his own You Tube channel giving free concerts during the crisis. Amazing to see the life and mischievousness Neil is famed world-over for. Up close in person on You Tube - .

[@ox8833]

Why is he not in the rock n roll hall of fame?! For his musicianship and writing ability

[@elkalabaw7665]

i signed the petition.

[@WytZox1]

* Also Elton John says Neil Sedaka inspired him to get into the business. ☺

[@MrGoldenthroat]

It's an absolute joke that he has not been inducted but, then again, the Rock and Roll Hall of Shame is also an absolute joke - as we all know!!!!

[@virgildoc]

Especially with Neil being a member of the tribe it is shocking and sooo disappointing him not being in the HOF! He was absolutely magnetic on stage!

[@EPA18]

Because he doesn't belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sedaka never performed rock and roll! To the contrary, his music was the very opposite of rock and roll.

[@maryannchandonnait8094]

My sister and I saw him at the Warwick, RI tent on 7/7/77! Cant forget that day in history- lucky sevens.He sounded clear as a bell in person. A lot of great performers booked over the years at the tent. Wish it was still around. 😪

[@Tuneweaver2008]

Thanks for this video! Neil Sedaka is a musical genius. Fans have a petition on the internet, to get him inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Please have a look in my video's, you'll find the link there. Thanks Neil, for all the music in your careers...

[@stephanieellis5399]

Totally explains how he encorporates classical melodies into his songs.

[@nicolasocampo9953]

Sedaka is the real deal, a badass pianist! and long fingers!

[@Hercules718]

Wow ! Who knew ? Neil Sedaka is incredible. His expertise is amazing.

[@simonekostura6726]

Grew up listening to Neal Sadaka, love him and his phenomenal talent!!!❤❤❤

[@Doreen1223]

A truly talented artist! Not just a recording star and a singer but a great pianist as well! Hats off and all my admiration for Neil Sedaka.

[@josephkelley8641]

if I was young and aspiring I'd begin my career with the study of Neil Sedaka's. All of the lessons are there. .

[@emmamarieenriquez2234]

I am only seventeen and I really really like his song!!!!

[@mjcamck]

I had the privilege of meeting Super Talented Neil S. when he wandered onto a yacht, whose owner was a friend of his, where I was attending a private party. Very personable & friendly on top of being an EXCELLENT musician.

[@desertfox4]

I saw him once he was 75 years old at the time what a talent. It was at Hostfesk in Minot the best of all the big acts they had.

[@123Rockchild]

Such a young Neil Sedaka. NIce looking guy!

[@christophersteele5326]

I would NEVER have guessed this about the man in a MILLION years even if my LIFE had depended on it. NEV-ER. Amazing.

[@jennyb7745]

Listen up guys,Neil Sedaka is up there as one of the most talented pianists AND composers of our time.Not only that he has the most beautiful voice of all time. Way back he wrote Solitaire,Laughter in the Rain,Sweet sixteen & many more that were top hits around the world. He was a gift from above & his music will never die!

[@bachtobebop]

I really believe that. I remember meeting him many years ago and we hit it off right away. He could tell, I knew he was the real deal.

[@writereducator]

No wonder people like him make him to the top! No just tremendous talent but chops galore!

[@dpetrano]

Myself an amateur of Chopin's easier pieces, I'm blown away w/ this vid. In '62 I played Sedaka endlessly, then abruptly stopped when Fab-4 and others hit the charts. I wish he had released a classical piano album at height of the "British Invasion" just to remind us meaning of talent. . .

[@elizabethcullen5870]

He did release a classical one much later. He wrote lyrics to match the music. Part of this one was 'I'm forever chasing rainbows'. It was my introduction to classical music.

[@jeffmoore4153]

Wow-what a talent. songs from my youth and he plays classical like this. I never knew he was so gifted.

[@rhodesdarcy]

If they had this program today - there would be no popstars on it with this kind of secret. What a talented man.

[@Hedge-Hog]

Totaly Not True.

[@rhodesdarcy]

@@Hedge-Hog can you name anyone who can play this well and is also a pop star?

[@retrobilly1986]

rhodesdarcy Suzi Quatro is an accomplished pianist. But I suppose she is nearly as old

[@Hedge-Hog]

@@rhodesdarcy Freddy :)

[@rhodesdarcy]

@@Hedge-Hog Freddie died almost 30 years ago :-( but Freddie didn't have another talent and couldn't have played that at all. But Freddie was perhaps more talented than sedaka

[@scooterdude17]

Musical genius!!

[@Ralphfan1]

I can't believe Neil Sedaka isn't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! (maybe I can believe it because of who they have snubbed and who has been inducted. It's a joke) He was there in the middle of the Rock & Roll movement when it began and he is still relevant and talented today! Neil Sedaka is a National Treasure. Gorgeous voice LIVE, outstanding pianist LIVE! He wrote timeless songs! I wish we could see more Neil Sedaka, maybe a TV special with guest stars. Just incredible! Thank you Neil Sedaka!

[@sulatlalaki]

HOLY CRAP! I never knew Neil Sedaka was such a Bad A$$ pianist! And this is perhaps my favorite Chopin piece! I especially Valentina Igoshina's rendition. But whoa! He's blistering!

[@darenwright1071]

+Charles Pruett He was a concert level pianist before he got involved in rock and roll

[@Eyes-of-Horus]

Did you hear him say that even when he was touring he would spend 3 to 4 hours a day practicing?

[@tonisumblin2719]

Chopin is my favorite and he plays it beautifully.

[@valveman12]

Wow, Neil played that beautifully.

[@NoosaHeads]

Bess Myerson (the lady with the pearl necklace) was a stunner - Miss America 1945. 5'10" and still looked amazing at 41 (this was filmed in 1965).

[@patrickryan1515]

Thank you , David Gideon, for this marvelous upload. I thought Betsy Palmer and Bess Myerson were so striking to look at and so very feminine with many of the qualities of refinement. And too, the phenomenal Neil Sedaka who has written some of the best, most memorable pop tunes ever -- to discover how well he was classically trained (at Julliard) -- WOW; I'm in awe. Also, Chopin is my favorite classical composer. 3/2019

[@dougmontgomery1868]

That piece by Chopin always makes tears well up in my eyes...

[@garcemac]

Oh yes.

[@dickbuelow8968]

Still love this,,what a talent

[@laurieross8157]

Wow I had no idea he could play like that!! Beautiful!

[@dickbuelow8968]

What an amazing artist!

[@geoffjoffy]

Neil, an amazing man and talent.

[@hadoenough]

Major talent that Mr. Sedaka

[@Kinseydsp]

What a amazing Talent He was and is! Loved all his songs and the songs He Has written!

[@antoinkiely7972]

wow .... fabulous ... a musician loves music... Neil plays the Chopin so beautifully...

[@paisleypeach44]

Wow! My jaw just hit the floor. AMAZING talent!!!!

[@jessiedoggie1942]

Bess Myerson - what a beauty!

[@dirgesinthedark5637]

LOVE YOU NEIL. SAW YOU IN BINGHAMTON LATE 70s!!!

[@renatonehring7648]

Artista de assombroso talento. Grande Neil Sedaka. Acompanho suas lives diariamente. Desde Chapecó, Brasil.

[@gns423]

Mr. Sedaka is an incredible talent. It is amazing how many great songs he has written and recorded.

[@raisedonAMradio]

This is phenomenal. Concert quality.

[@michaelwatson113]

A well rounded musician, who wrote, played, and sang his own compositions. Wrote for others. And played classical music. When they made him, they broke the mold.

[@jamesbachreeves]

...and they beat the hell out of the mold-maker. (Not really, I just like that old joke.)

[@fakerating]

Wonderful! I remember when shows would put on genuinely talented gifted people.

[@gdhgeorge]

An example of the talent and musicianship of songwriters in the past. Do we ever see a pop star nowadays playing an instrument decently?? That's why today we have the music we have!

[@Eyes-of-Horus]

Also, music and art have been taken out of the school curriculum. I even had to take a class in music appreciation in college. Not anymore. Today's pop "stars" can't even sing.

[@janiepidgeon7683]

Such a great talent.

[@drkam6]

AMAZING Great old show too!

[@eightlsf5554]

I like his smile so much . wowo

[@rwb010109]

Amazing talent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@timdavis4099]

Awesome!

[@Pieps.22]

Der Mann ist ein Stimmungsmacher. Wo er auftaucht leuchtet die Sonne 🌞

[@jamespell8091]

I was quite young in the 60's a little older in the 70's this explains his pop sensation.The man has got chops.

[@flipperdale51]

...Neil has some flying fingers. Thanks for posting.

[@xenafan234]

Wow, Just wow!

[@pauluap1000]

a versatile artist!

[@msakat1]

That was inspiring! Such talent.

[@Baltihunter]

I’m flabbergasted. Is there no end to guy’s talents? I hear he’s still playing live (Jan 2020 Vegas).

[@essiefowler9775]

Absolutely brilliant

[@anamariajacquelinejimenezp8760]

¡ Que hombre más hermoso y talentoso ! ❤ Publiquen entrevistas más recientes.

[@BrettCrawfordTransgirl1984]

Great piano playing.

[@isabeltripoli4297]

un grande de la música, gracias por acompañar mi juventud, bellos recuerdos, !!

[@jehfrey]

His long fingers (visible at 5:37) made this Fantaisie Impromptu possible.

[@RogerDDog]

Wow! Astounding!

[@kurtissjacobs5618]

I heard Casey Kasem about 45 years ago say the Soviets revoked his invitation because of his Rock and Roll work.

[@marilyntape508]

Wow look at Neil’s fingers on those keys😊💜🇦🇺

[@greenleavesofsummer9673]

Neil, where are you? We need your talent. Do you still play classical?? You are wonderful; I never knew; I was a huge fan of your music growing up! Cheered me up then and still NOW. Glad someone put this on youtube!

[@LWOPP]

He is doing mini concerts every day during the coronavirus here on KZbin. Sounds great for 81 and still plays piano beautifully.

[@terenelson10]

Un grandissimo talento...non immaginavo che fosse un pianista così bravo. Le sue mani volavano sulla tastiera del pianoforte...un'interpretazione eccelsa!

[@jamescc2010]

Besides being vocal legend, it is excellent, very creative, and rare to be song writer too.

[@mariocastoldi612]

My pop idol with Elton John! Neil since 1963, Elton since 1972!

[@karlmahlmann]

Wow, I never knew that. He did so many sweet pop songs, actually, a precursor to bubble gum - I never would have suspected that level of musical talent. I learn something everyday.

[@51578818r]

Outstanding!!!!!

[@everaldomello5047]

Sou fã do Brasil. I like Sedaka from Brazil

[@Eddie71883]

Ive always knew...watching his presentations. always played Very smoothly.

[@robertVirtue-mc2yw]

He studied classical piano for 12 years. He appeared on I've Got a Secret because he had been invited to Russia for a Classical Piano competition. He played Chopin on the show. He wrote the Johnny Carson's Tonight Show' Theme. Every night they played it he got paid fog it.

[@gato7908]

That he was invited to perform in the Soviet Union is a big deal. They took their classical music seriously.

[@mookiecookie44]

He was chosen to represent the US, but the Soviet Union disqualified him from the competition.

[@mdnealy4097]

I had no idea he was this talented of a pianists.

[@FRATZROCKET]

WTF I've loved this man since I was a kid and never heard or saw this. WOW

[@joanmurphy2166]

Made me weep!

[@bigred997]

The bridge melody of the chopin piece was made into a popular song called I'm Always Chasing Rainbows made famous by Tin Pan Alley. Alice Faye was going to sing it in Rose of Washington Square but they cut it out because the film was already too long.

[@PediMSalazar]

Great singer and brilliant composer...

[@jimlaguardia8185]

Sedaka was a Jew from Brooklyn. He dated my sister’s friend. Loved his records, but finally got to hear him play “classical”, almost 60 years later.

[@EncouragementToGo7IME]

That's some serious music. Wow

[@abevillanueva1974]

man! i learn something new!

[@richardkandalec4128]

Holy smokes. No wonder he could write so many wonderful tunes.

[@NEFESHI]

Neil Sedaka playin Fantasie-impromtu by Chopin, wow, that is a not easy piece of piano. Congrats for him.

[@jamessorreda4483]

Amazing piano playing

[@ronstriebig2749]

Fantastic

[@高橋正博-s2u]

His ability for piano is extraordinarily high. It would be almost comparable with Daniel Barenboim. Of course, I know that his "Calendar girl" or "Oh Carol" have been loved from everyone, including Japanese Nobel novelist Kenzaburo Oe.

[@fool4singing]

I challenge you to find any pop musicians of today who have this kind of training...

[@jpracingph]

Alicia Keyes, Brian Mcknight, to name two.

[@Iain1962]

Rick Wakeman.

[@philipboug]

There have been quite a few... Freddie Mercury of Queen was an excellent example, Rick Wakeman from 'Yes' is another, Bjork, Lady GaGa... The list goes on. Feel free to add others that "pop" into your head!

[@jaco7675]

You’re saying that none of that was sequenced - or fixed in post production? Wow!! 😱

[@fool4singing]

@@Iain1962 Rick is 70 years old, so I wouldn't say he's one of "today's" musicians,..he's more of a contemporary to Neil.