Keith (born James Barry Keefer, May 17, 1949, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American vocalist. He legally changed his name to Bazza Keefer in 1988, in memory of his mother. Keefer earned his first recording contract with Columbia Records. When Jerry Ross moved across to Mercury Records he took Keefer with him, and the singer soon appeared in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with his solo single, "Ain't Gonna Lie". He is best remembered for his hit "98.6"; the recording was issued on the Mercury Records, and reached #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 Hot 100 chart. It sold over one million copies worldwide, earning a gold disc. The track was written by Tony Powers (lyrics) and George Fischoff (music), arranged by Joe Renzetti, and was produced by Jerry Ross. Its title relates to the normal human body temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. The personnel on 98.6 included Artie Butler on organ and piano, Vinnie Bell on guitar, Joe Macko on bass, and Bobby Gregg on drums. Welsh group The Bystanders did a cover version of the song which also reached the UK Singles Chart, peaking at #45. His debut album, 98.6/Ain't Gonna Lie, was also issued on the Mercury label. At the height of his career, Keefer was making $15,000 a week, and getting his back slapped by a Beatle, who told him what a great record his "98.6" was. "John Lennon was standing next to me in a urinal in London," he said. His 1968 second Mercury LP, Out of Crank, failed to sell well. The low point in Keefer's life came when United States Army officials arrested him for draft evasion during a concert tour. "I was making coffee for generals," said Keefer. When he got out, Keith did some independent recording and joined Frank Zappa's 1974 touring band. "I think they brought me in to commercialize Frank," Keefer said. Soon after he recorded three singles for Zappa's DiscReet Records label. Keefer recorded one last album, The Adventures of Keith for RCA Records, with no luck, and then left the music industry until 1986, when an attempted comeback under his real name proved unsuccessful. He set up A.I.R. Records in 1986 in Redondo Beach, California, and produced albums for several local musicians. These included the singer-songwriter Chuck Hill, and Keith's drummer Shawn Smith, who were both from Denver, Colorado. In the 1990s, the singer moved into the television industry, although he continues to play live dates. Singles "Ain't Gonna Lie" (1966) - US #39 "98.6" (1967) - US #7; UK #24 "Tell Me To My Face" (1967) - US #37; UK #50 "Daylight Savin' Time" (1967) - US #79 "Easy As Pie" (1968) "Candy Candy" (1968) "Hurry" (1968) "I Can't Go Wrong" (1968

• published: 17 Nov 2013
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