Howard Greenfield
Howard Greenfield was born on March 15, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. He was an influential American lyricist and songwriter, renowned for his work during the 1960s, particularly through his collaborations with Neil Sedaka, Jack Keller, and Helen Miller. Greenfield's partnership with Sedaka began in their teenage years when they lived in the same apartment building in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach. This collaboration resulted in numerous hits, including "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "Oh! Carol," and "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen."
Greenfield's songwriting prowess extended beyond his work with Sedaka. He co-wrote several chart-topping songs such as "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" for Connie Francis, and "Love Will Keep Us Together" for Captain & Tennille. His contributions to the music industry also included theme songs for popular 1960s TV series like "Bewitched" and "Gidget."
In 1958, Greenfield and Sedaka joined Al Nevins and Don Kirshner's Aldon Music, marking the beginning of a successful era in the Brill Building, a hub for songwriters and producers. Despite his success, Greenfield's early career was marked by modest earnings, leading him to work as a messenger for National Cash Register.
Greenfield's impact on music was recognized posthumously with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991. He passed away from heart failure, a complication of AIDS, on March 4, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 49. His legacy endures through the timeless songs that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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