Keith (singer)

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Keith (born James Barry Keefer, 17 May 1949, in Philadelphia) was a U.S. vocalist, and one-hit wonder in the UK.

1 Early days
2 Big time
3 Later days
4 Opening lyrics
5 Trivia
6 Singles discography
7 External links
8 Reference

[edit] Early days

According to legend, Keith earned his first record deal with Columbia Records after camping out on the doorstep of A&R executive Jerry Ross; the resulting single, 1966's "Caravan of Lonely Men," was credited to Keith and the Admirations. When Ross moved across to Mercury Records he took Keith with him, and the singer soon cracked into the American Top 40 with his solo debut, "Ain't Gonna Lie".

[edit] Big time

Best remembered for his smash hit "98.6", the track was issued on the Mercury Records label, and reached number 24 in the UK Singles Chart in 1967. It was considerably better received in his homeland. The single reached #7, and remained for 14 weeks in the bestsellers in the Billboard chart. It sold over one million copies worldwide, earning a gold disc.

The track was written by Tony Powers (words) and George Fischoff (music), arranged by Joe Renzetti, and was produced by Ross.

At the height of his career, Keith was making $15,000 a week; and getting his back slapped by a Beatle, who told him what a great record Keith's "98.6" was. "John Lennon was standing next to me in a urinal in London" he said.

[edit] Later days

His 1968 sophomore LP Out of Crank failed to create public interest. The nadir came when U.S. Army officials nabbed him for draft evasion in the middle of a concert tour. He was inducted and stationed for a year in New Jersey: "I was making coffee for Generals". When he got out, Keith did some independent recording and joined Frank Zappa's 1973 touring band, trying to inject some Philly soul into toilet-joke tunes like "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow". I think they brought me in to commercialise Frank"; said Keith.

Keefer recorded one last album, for RCA Records, with no luck, and then left the music business until 1986, when an attempted comeback under his real name proved unsuccessful.

He also set up A.I.R. Records and produced albums for several local bands. In the 1990s the singer moved into the television industry, although he continues to play live dates.

[edit] Opening lyrics

"Good mornin’ sun, I say it’s good to see you shinin’"

"I know my baby brought you to me".

[edit] Trivia

The title "98.6" relates to the normal body temperature of a human being, in degrees Fahrenheit.
He legally changed his name to Bazza Keefer in 1988, in memory of his mother.