I actually started as a concert pianist. I had a scholarship to the Julliard School of Music.
— Neil Sedaka
I knew I had a remarkable voice, but I was embarrassed because it was so high. But when I sang at my bar mitzvah, the rabbi was in tears. He said to my parents, 'He must become a cantor in the synagogue,' but my mother said, 'No, he's going to be a concert pianist.'
I had talent, and I was hungry for fame, and you can't say I didn't get it.
I like Manchester - I've played it many times. The people have a lot of chein, a lot of heart, and the audiences are very receptive.
I could have been bigger, but I wasn't controversial enough. I didn't do drugs or wreck rooms. There were no dramas in my private life.
I am very proud of being Jewish.
