As a record collector, I went out and hunted down a lot of my favorites but obviously came nowhere near getting them all. These are some of the favorites that I didn’t own at the time.
“98.6” is a song that was written by George Fischoff and Tony Powers. Bill Carroll, author of Ranking the Rock Writers, ranked the team as #1075 of the all-time team writers. They also wrote “Lazy Day” recorded by Spanky and Our Gang. “98.6” was originally recorded by Keith (full name: James Barry Keefer), an American singer, in 1966.
He was born May 17, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 1966 solo single, “Ain’t Gonna Lie”. The song is known for its catchy melody and upbeat, feel-good lyrics.
Produced by Jerry Ross[1] and arranged by Joe Renzetti[2], Keith’s rendition of “98.6” was a chart-topping hit in the United States, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967. The song’s title refers to the normal body temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, which is approximately 98.6 degrees.
In the song, the singer compares the excitement of falling in love to the feeling of a fever, suggesting that love can make one’s temperature rise. Keith’s performance of “98.6” is characterized by his smooth vocal delivery and the catchy arrangement of the song. The lyrics are playful and describe the physical and emotional sensations of being in love. The Tokens[3], who had provided the backing vocals on Keith’s debut single, “Ain’t Gonna Lie”, did the same for “98.6”.
The Bystanders released a version in January 1967. It reached No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart and was featured in the 2009 movie, The Boat That Rocked. Lesley Gore released a medley including this song and another by Fischoff and Powers, “Lazy Day”, in May 1969. The medley went to No. 36 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart.
Lyrics
98.6 by Keith
Good morning sun, I say it's good to see you shinin'
I know my baby brought you to me
She kissed me yesterday hello your silver linin'
Got spring and summer runnin' through me
Hey, 98.6, it's good to have you back again, oh
Hey, 98.6, her lovin' is the medicine that saved me
Oh, I love my baby
Hey everybody on the street, I see you smilin'
Must be because I found my baby
You know she's got me on another kind of highway
I want to go to where it takes me
Hey, 98.6, it's good to have you back again, oh
Hey, 98.6, her lovin' is the medicine that saved me
Oh, I love my baby
You know she's got me on another kind of highway
I want to go to where it takes me
Hey, 98.6, it's good to have you back again, oh
Hey, 98.6, her lovin' is the medicine that saved me
Oh, I love my baby
Footnotes
- Jerry Ross was a notable American songwriter and record producer known for his contributions to the music industry. He is best known for co-writing several hit songs in the 1960s, including “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” and “1-2-3,” both of which achieved chart success. Ross was also involved in producing records for various artists during this era, helping shape the sound of the time. His work had a significant impact on the pop and soul music scenes of the 1960s and beyond. [Back]
- Joe Renzetti is a renowned American composer and musician known for his work in film and television. He is notably recognized for his outstanding musical contributions, particularly in the horror genre, having won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the 1980 horror film “The Buddy Holly Story.” Renzetti’s versatile career spans various genres, and he has composed music for a wide range of films and TV shows. His compositions have added depth and emotion to countless cinematic experiences, making him a respected figure in the world of film scoring. [Back]
- The Tokens were an American vocal group renowned for their harmonious sound and their iconic hit song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Formed in 1955, The Tokens achieved widespread fame in the early 1960s with their rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” which became a timeless classic and reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group’s harmonious and doo-wop style made them a memorable presence in the music industry during the 1960s. Their music has continued to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences for generations, cementing their legacy as an influential vocal group. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- “98.6” (Keith song). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/98.6_(Keith_song)
- Keith (singer). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_(singer)
- “Keith Biography by Jason Ankeny” https://www.allmusic.com/artist/keith-mn0000370327/biography
- Discogs https://www.discogs.com/release/1665131-Keith-986
- Jerry Ross (songwriter). (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Ross_(songwriter)
- Joe Renzetti. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Renzetti
- The Tokens. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tokens
