Keith is best remembered for one catchy and enduring hit: “98.6.” Released in 1966, the song became a Top 10 smash and a staple of AM radio. With his clean-cut image and feel-good melodies, Keith stood out during a time when pop music was rapidly evolving. However, his time at the top was brief.
Though he had a few minor hits, Keith never recaptured the success of “98.6.” His later career included a stint with Frank Zappa and a turn toward music production. Despite his short time in the spotlight, Keith’s story offers a fascinating look at the highs and lows of a 1960s pop star.
| Stage Name | Keith |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | James Barry Keefer |
| Legal Name (Later) | Bazza Keefer |
| Born | May 17, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Genres | Pop, Rock |
| Biggest Hit | “98.6” (#7 Billboard Hot 100, 1967) |
| Labels | Columbia, Mercury, RCA, Discreet |
| Notable Collaborators | The Tokens (backing vocals), Jerry Ross (producer) |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Keith was born James Barry Keefer on May 17, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family later moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey, before returning to Philadelphia. While in high school, Keith acted in plays and hosted school events, showing early signs of charisma and stage presence.
He developed a passion for music as a teen and pursued a recording career shortly after graduation.
First Steps in the Music Industry
According to a popular story, Keith camped outside the office of music executive Jerry Ross until he got noticed. Ross, then working at Columbia Records, signed him and produced his debut single, “Caravan of Lonely Men.”
The single didn’t chart, but when Ross moved to Mercury Records, he brought Keith along. In 1966, Keith released his first charting song, “Ain’t Gonna Lie,” a Top 40 hit that peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Breakthrough with “98.6”
Later in 1966, Keith released “98.6,” written by Tony Powers and George Fischoff. The track was upbeat and infectious, with a cheerful melody and lyrics about feeling warm and loved. The title refers to the normal human body temperature, used as a metaphor for emotional well-being.
Produced by Ross and arranged by Joe Renzetti, the song featured backing vocals from The Tokens—best known for “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
“98.6” became Keith’s biggest hit, reaching:
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#7 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#24 on the UK Singles Chart
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Sold over one million copies
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Earned a gold disc in 1967
The track appeared on the album 98.6 / Ain’t Gonna Lie, which reached #124 on the Billboard 200.
Follow-Up Hits and Decline
Keith’s next single, “Tell Me to My Face,” written by members of The Hollies, also made the Top 40, peaking at #37. But his next effort, “Daylight Savin’ Time,” was a more modest hit at #79.
His sophomore album, Out of Crank (1968), failed to chart. Mercury’s attempt to build him into a lasting pop act began to stall.
Despite working with respected producers and songwriters, Keith couldn’t replicate the magic of “98.6.” Musical tastes were shifting toward psychedelia and rock, making his clean-cut image seem outdated by the late ’60s.
Arrest and Military Service
During a concert tour in the late 1960s, Keith was arrested onstage by U.S. Army officials for draft evasion. He was inducted and served time at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he reportedly made coffee for military brass.
This legal issue and time away from the music scene further disrupted his career momentum.
Stint with Frank Zappa and RCA
After leaving the military, Keith joined Frank Zappa’s touring band in 1973, hoping to bring a commercial edge to Zappa’s avant-garde sound. However, his attempt to add “Philly soul” to Zappa’s experimental music didn’t pan out. He left after a short time.
In 1969, he released his final studio album, The Adventures of Keith, on RCA Records. Despite its ambition, the album flopped, and Keith effectively ended his recording career by the early 1970s.
Attempted Comeback and Later Years
In 1986, Keith attempted a comeback using his real name, James Keefer, but the effort failed to gain traction. He then turned to the business side of music.
That same year, he launched A.I.R. Records in Redondo Beach, California. He set up a 16-track recording studio in his home and began producing music for local artists, including:
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Chuck Hill, a singer-songwriter from Denver
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Shawn Smith, his former drummer
Depending on the project, he released music under the names Keith or Barry Keefer, experimenting with different identities to restart his career.
Interesting Facts About Keith
1. He Legally Changed His Name
In 1988, Keith legally changed his name to Bazza Keefer in honor of his late mother. Still, he remains best known by his stage name.
2. “98.6” Stayed on the Charts for 14 Weeks
The single spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and was one of the most played songs of early 1967.
3. John Lennon Allegedly Complimented Him
In a quirky anecdote, Keith claimed that John Lennon once slapped him on the back at a urinal and praised “98.6” as a great song.
4. He Toured With The Tokens
In addition to backing Keith on “98.6,” The Tokens were part of his live performance ensemble early in his career.
5. He Was a Regular on the Touring Circuit
At his peak, Keith was reportedly making $15,000 a week in performance fees—an impressive amount for a teen pop act in the 1960s.
Legacy
Keith’s time at the top was brief, but his work remains part of the rich tapestry of 1960s pop. “98.6” is still included in many ‘60s hits compilations and gets regular play on oldies stations.
Though he didn’t enjoy long-term commercial success, Keith showed versatility as a performer, songwriter, and producer. His brief moment in the spotlight serves as both a success story and a cautionary tale in the unpredictable world of pop music.
Discography Highlights
Albums
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98.6 / Ain’t Gonna Lie (1967)
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Out of Crank (1968)
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The Adventures of Keith (1969)
Notable Singles
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“Ain’t Gonna Lie” – #39 (1966)
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“98.6” – #7 (1967)
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“Tell Me to My Face” – #37 (1967)
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“Daylight Savin’ Time” – #79 (1967)
Conclusion
Keith may have only had one big hit, but “98.6” left a lasting impression. His story—from chart-topping success to backstage anecdotes and brushes with the military—is filled with unexpected turns.
Whether onstage, in the studio, or behind the scenes, Keith’s musical journey reflects the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring appeal of a great pop song.