American singer-songwriter behind the 1959 hit single "Here Comes Summer", a catchy, upbeat tune that embodies the carefree spirit of the era.
Jerry Keller is an American pop singer and songwriter, best known for his 1959 hit song "Here Comes Summer", which catapulted him to fame and became a staple of the summer season. With a career spanning over six decades, Keller has left an indelible mark on the music industry, with his soulful voice and catchy songwriting.
Born on June 20, 1937, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Keller moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his family at the age of six. He developed a passion for music at an early age, and his talent was soon recognized in his high school days. Keller attended Will Rogers High School, where he was known for his vocal solos in school productions and often performed with top bands touring the area.
Keller's big break came when he formed his own group and became a member of the Tulsa Boy Singers. He then attended the University of Tulsa before moving to New York in 1956. It was here that he met Pat Boone, a friend from church, who recommended Marty Mills as Keller's manager.
In 1959, Keller penned his biggest hit, "Here Comes Summer", which climbed to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's success was not limited to the US, as it reached No. 1 in the UK for a week from October 9, 1959. Although Keller's subsequent releases didn't quite match the same level of success, "Here Comes Summer" remains an iconic summer anthem to this day.
Keller's songwriting skills didn't go unnoticed, and he went on to write the English lyrics for "A Man and a Woman", a song from the film Un homme et une femme, which was recorded by artists such as Matt Monro, Ella Fitzgerald, and Engelbert Humperdinck. He also co-penned "Almost There", a hit single for Andy Williams, and "How Does It Go", recorded by Ricky Nelson in 1965. Additionally, Keller wrote "Turn-Down Day", a hit for The Cyrkle in 1966.
In the 1960s, Keller ventured into film soundtracks, writing music for I Saw What You Did (1965) and Angel in My Pocket (1969). He also wrote "The Legend of Shenandoah", recited by James Stewart in the 1965 film Shenandoah. In the 1970s and 1980s, Keller became a sought-after vocalist for television jingles, lending his voice to numerous commercials.
Throughout his career, Keller maintained a strong working relationship with songwriter and filmmaker Joe Brooks, performing Brooks' song "Rock and Roll Music" in the 1974 film The Lords of Flatbush, and appearing in Brooks' films You Light Up My Life (1977) and If Ever I See You Again (1978).
Jerry Keller's contributions to the music industry have left a lasting impact, with his music continuing to inspire new generations of artists and music lovers alike. "Here Comes Summer" remains an evergreen classic, and Keller's legacy as a talented singer-songwriter endures.
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