David Bianculli

The current century delivered no new hits, but Neil Sadaka remained active.

In 2009, he released a children's album featuring playful revised lyrics to his most famous songs.

The collection was called Waking Up is Hard to Do and included the novelty numbers Where the Toys Are and Lunch Will Keep Us Together.

His original songs and his own story were featured in a jukebox musical called Laughter in the Rain in 2010.

Neil Sadaka performed until recently at a Studio City restaurant, popping up monthly for Intimate Sunday performances.

Today, we'll remember Neil Sadaka by listening to an interview Terry Gross conducted with him in 2007.

We're listening to Terry's 2007 interview with songwriter and singer Neil Sadaka.

He died last week at the age of 86.

Terry asked him about the syllables he sang in his songs, which became his trademark.

Neil Sadaka speaking to Terry Gross in 2007.

After a break, we'll continue their conversation.

Also, Ken Tucker reviews the new album by The Paranoid Style, and Justin Chang reviews Hoppers, the new Pixar movie.

I'm David Bean Cooley, and this is Fresh Air.

This is Fresh Air.

I'm David Bianculli.

We're remembering Neil Sadaka, the singer and songwriter who died last week at age 86.

He co-wrote his first hit song when he was 19.

And even before that, in high school, he was busy composing pop songs.

When Terry spoke with him in 2007, she asked him about his high school years, which he wrote about in his memoir.

Neil Sadaka speaking to Terry Gross in 2007.