Jewel Akens may be remembered as a one-hit wonder, but his impact on 1960s pop music endures. His 1965 single “The Birds and the Bees” became a massive chart success during a time dominated by the British Invasion. Though he never matched that hit again, Akens remained active in music as a solo artist, producer, and group performer.
His smooth vocals and easygoing charm made him a favorite on stage and on radio playlists.
| Full Name | Jewel Eugene Akens |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Jewel Akens |
| Birth Date | September 12, 1933 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Pop, Soul |
| Main Instruments | Vocals |
| Years Active | 1950s–1990s |
| Notable Hit | “The Birds and the Bees” (1965, #3 Billboard Hot 100) |
| Labels | Era Records, Liberty, UNI, Atlantic |
| Other Groups | The Four Dots, The Turnarounds, The Feathers |
| Died | March 1, 2013 (age 79), Inglewood, California |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Jewel Eugene Akens was born on September 12, 1933, in Houston, Texas. From an early age, he loved to sing. Encouraged by his mother, who believed in his talent, Akens moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career.
In L.A., he began working as a backup singer for Herb Newman, the founder of Era Records. This connection would later prove crucial in launching his biggest hit. Before going solo, Akens was also involved in several vocal groups, including:
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The Four Dots (with guitar support from Eddie Cochran)
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Jewel and Eddie
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The Astro-Jets
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The Turnarounds
These groups gave him valuable experience in studio recording and stage performance.
Rise to Fame with “The Birds and the Bees”
In 1964, Herb Newman handed Akens a lighthearted tune he had written called “The Birds and the Bees.” Despite the ongoing British Invasion, the song stood out with its catchy melody and innocent, flirtatious lyrics.
Akens recorded the song quickly, and it was released by Era Records in 1965. It became a surprise hit:
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Reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Hit #2 on the Cash Box chart
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Climbed to #29 in the UK Singles Chart
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Sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc
With cheerful whistling, upbeat instrumentation, and Akens’ smooth delivery, the song became a staple on American radio. It spent 12 weeks on the charts, proving its lasting appeal.
After the Hit: Touring and Follow-Ups
Following the success of “The Birds and the Bees,” Akens toured extensively across the U.S. He appeared on TV, played in large concert venues, and even performed tribute sets honoring Sam Cooke, one of his biggest influences.
His next single, “Georgie Porgie,” released later in 1965, failed to match the success of his debut. It only reached #68 on the pop chart. Still, Akens continued recording and releasing singles such as:
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“Dear Heart”
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“Sniff-Sniff-Poo-Pah-Pahdoo”
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“King of the Road”
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“So This Is Love”
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“You Better Move On”
Although these songs received airplay, none broke into the Top 40.
Behind the Scenes and Other Projects
In the 1970s, Akens shifted his focus to producing. In 1973, he co-produced the critically acclaimed album Super Taylors, which featured Ted Taylor and Little Johnny Taylor, two soulful vocalists with deep Southern roots.
He also joined a touring lineup of The Coasters as a lead vocalist and later performed with The Feathers from 1989 to 1991, continuing to entertain live audiences despite changing music trends.
Other Notable Recordings
Jewel Akens covered and recorded a wide range of songs that showcased his versatility. These included:
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“Sukiyaki”
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“Love Potion #9”
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“Tic Tac Toe”
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“Michael”
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“Opportunity”
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“Wee Bit More of Your Lovin’”
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“Around the Corner (From My House)”
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“Doing the Hully Gully”
These songs demonstrated his ability to move between R&B, pop, and novelty tunes, even if they didn’t chart nationally.
Other Notable Recordings
Jewel Akens covered and recorded a wide range of songs that showcased his versatility. These included:
-
“Sukiyaki”
-
“Love Potion #9”
-
“Tic Tac Toe”
-
“Michael”
-
“Opportunity”
-
“Wee Bit More of Your Lovin’”
-
“Around the Corner (From My House)”
-
“Doing the Hully Gully”
These songs demonstrated his ability to move between R&B, pop, and novelty tunes, even if they didn’t chart nationally.
Legacy of “The Birds and the Bees”
While Akens is considered a one-hit wonder, that hit remains one of the most recognizable tunes of the mid-60s. “The Birds and the Bees” has been:
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Featured in film and television
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Covered by other artists (including Alma Cogan and Dean Martin)
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Sampled and reinterpreted across different genres
The song’s gentle humor, catchy rhythm, and timeless theme continue to appeal to new generations.
Final Thoughts
Jewel Akens may not have enjoyed a long list of chart-topping songs, but his place in music history is secure. With just one song, he created a lasting memory that defined an era of innocence and fun. His career also reflects the challenges faced by artists trying to navigate changing tastes in the music industry.
Whether remembered for his velvety voice, enthusiastic stage presence, or that one unforgettable hit, Jewel Akens remains a charming footnote in American pop history.