Jack Keller (songwriter)

Jack Keller (songwriter)

Jack Keller (November 11, 1936 – April 1, 2005) wrote hit songs in various genres over a period of nearly 40 years.

Jack started hanging around the Brill Building (the heart of "Tin Pan Alley" in New York City) when he was 17 years old. The first song he ever had recorded, "Just Between You And Me," became a top ten hit for the Chordettes in 1957. The following two years saw many of Jack's songs on the charts. In 1959, he was one of the first songwriters to sign an exclusive contract with Aldon Music, which was formed by Don Kirshner and Al Nevins. Jack began working with and developing a young writing staff that included Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka, Noel Sherman, and Howard Greenfield.

Between 1960 and 1963, Aldon Music had 54 top ten songs, including Jack's "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," "My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own," "Breaking In A Brand New Broken Heart," "Just For Old Time's Sake," "Venus In Blue Jeans," and "Run To Him." When Aldon was sold to Columbia Pictures (Screen Gems) in 1963, Jack began writing television theme songs which included "Bewitched," "Gidget," and "Hazel."

Shortly after moving to Los Angeles in 1966, Jack became involved in producing and writing for The Monkees. He continued to write hit songs like "Seattle," and "Easy Come Easy Go."

Jack moved to Nashville in 1984 and wrote even more successful songs for Crystal Gayle, Gary Morris, Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes, Ray Charles, Dianne Schuur, B.B. King, and Grover Washington, Jr.

Jack produced major artists like Neil Sedaka, The Everly Brothers, Sally Field, Tony Orlando, Debbie Boone, Hoyt Axton, and Connie Francis.

(Barry Mann, Jack Keller, Al Nevin, Don Kirshner and Howie Greenfield at the 1962 BMI Awards)

He died of leukemia at the age of 68. Jack Keller was survived by his wife, Robi Keller and children Mike Keller, Russ Keller, Pari Keller and entertainment attorney, Jordan Keller.