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Songwriter and musician Paul Leka passes away

Songwriter and musician Paul Leka passes away

THE songwriter and musician Paul Leka, who has passed away aged 68, will be best remembered for his involvement with one of pop music’s most unexpected smash hits.

He co-wrote Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, which became a hit in 1969 and has gone on to be sung by some sports fans across the world when their opponents are at the point of being defeated.

Mr. Leka had co-written the song in the early 1960s with Gary DeCarlo and Dale Frashuer when they were in a group called The Chateaus.

In 1969 Mr. Leka was working as a producer for Mercury Records in New York and was working with his friend Gary DeCarlo, who had recorded four songs for the company.

One of the company’s executives decided that all four songs should be released as A-side singles, so Mr. Leka began searching for B-side songs to go with the releases.

B-sides were regarded as ‘throwaway’ songs in the record business.

When Dale Frashuer visited the studio the three old friends began to discuss possible songs for inclusion as the B-side of the first of the four releases. It was then that what Mr. Leka called the ‘Na Na’ song was suggested.

A hasty recording session took place and the track was laid down. But record bosses liked the single so much that it was decided to release it as an A-side single in its own right. 

Mr. Leka and the others eventually agreed but they insisted on the ficticious band name of Steam being credited on the record. Within days of it being released it became clear that they had an unexpected hit on their hands. 

As the result, the boys had to turn Steam into a real band to make appearances during the record’s run at the top of the charts (see below). 

In 1968 Mr. Leka had co-written and produced the No. 1 hit Green Tambourine for the Lemon Pipers.

He also produced and arranged music for a wide range of recording artists including REO Speedwagon, Harry Chapin and Peter Nero.

Mr. Leka had been suffering from lung cancer and passed away in Connecticut.

To see Steam perform Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye click here.

 

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