Remembering Jerry Kasenetz: A Tribute to a Bubblegum Music Pioneer
Jerry Kasenetz, a prominent figure in the bubblegum music scene of the late 1960s, passed away at the age of 82 in Tampa, Florida. He and his production partner Jeff Katz achieved significant success with six million-selling singles during 1967-68. Their hits included tracks like "Little Bit o' Soul," "Yummy Yummy Yummy," and "Simon Says."
Kasenetz and Katz's production prowess extended to artists like Ohio Express and 1910 Fruitgum Co., with several of their singles reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100. Their collaboration with the Kasenetz-Katz Singing Orchestra Circus also yielded a top 30 hit with "Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run)" in 1968.
The duo's success was primarily on Neil Bogart's Buddah Records, where they released catchy pop-rock tunes under the nameplate Super K Productions. Despite the decline of bubblegum music in the 1970s, their influence persisted in pop hits like Edison Lighthouse's "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)."
Kasenetz and Katz's impact on the music industry was profound, with industry legend Doug Morris crediting them with shaping his early career. Their ability to consistently deliver hit records solidified their place in music history, even though they were never nominated for a Grammy or inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Jerry Kasenetz is survived by his brothers, sons, and grandchildren, while Jeff Katz continues to live on at 82. Their legacy in the world of bubblegum music remains a testament to their talent and dedication to producing chart-topping hits.