It probably goes without saying, one of the most seminal and important pop composers and singers ever... a dominant force of the pre-Beatles era and one who managed to transcend the many stylistic trends and evolutions after, too.
Among many connections to John and the Beatles small and large, Neil (with then-writing partner Phil Cody) wrote and recorded a song called "The Immigrant," and written/dedicated to John and his struggles to stay in the USA.
"I have gotten to know John, and I've gotten to love him, not only as a musician but as a person, and totally sympathize with his plight and what he's been going through. And not only is he a great contribution to pop music, an innovator... you can't say quite enough with John Lennon. I mean, he's just been an inspiration to me. And I felt that I would like to dedicate 'The Immigrant' to him and to what has happened to him in the last couple of years" - Neil Sedaka (1976)
Neil talks about John and the song in this video, and John talks about the song and his admiration of Neil starting at 3:38.
Among many connections to John and the Beatles small and large, Neil (with then-writing partner Phil Cody) wrote and recorded a song called "The Immigrant," and written/dedicated to John and his struggles to stay in the USA.
"I have gotten to know John, and I've gotten to love him, not only as a musician but as a person, and totally sympathize with his plight and what he's been going through. And not only is he a great contribution to pop music, an innovator... you can't say quite enough with John Lennon. I mean, he's just been an inspiration to me. And I felt that I would like to dedicate 'The Immigrant' to him and to what has happened to him in the last couple of years" - Neil Sedaka (1976)
Neil talks about John and the song in this video, and John talks about the song and his admiration of Neil starting at 3:38.