Jerry Kasenetz, a titan in the bubblegum music genre of the late 1960s, passed away on December 6 at the age of 82 in Tampa, Florida, due to complications from a fall. Partnering with Jeff Katz, Kasenetz became one half of the hottest production duo responsible for shaping the sound of an era that delivered catchy, upbeat pop-rock to millions.

Between 1967 and 1968, Kasenetz and Katz achieved extraordinary success, producing six million-selling singles. Five of these soared into the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 charts: The Music Explosion’s “Little Bit o’ Soul” (No. 2), Ohio Express’ “Yummy Yummy Yummy” (No. 4), and 1910 Fruitgum Co.’s “Simon Says” (No. 4), “1,2,3 Red Light” (No. 5), and “Indian Giver” (No. 5). Another million-seller, Ohio Express’ “Chewy Chewy,” peaked at No. 15. The duo even briefly charted as artists themselves in December 1968, with the Kasenetz-Katz Singing Orchestra Circus reaching No. 25 on the Hot 100 with “Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run),” a track featuring members from their produced groups.

While “Little Bit o’ Soul” was released on Laurie Records and was described as pop-rock rather than pure bubblegum, the majority of their triumphs were under Neil Bogart’s Buddah Records, home to Ohio Express and 1910 Fruitgum Co. They often operated under the moniker Super K Productions. Their influence extended further in 1969 when Crazy Elephant’s “Gimme Gimme Good Lovin,” another Kasenetz-Katz production, climbed to No. 12 on the Hot 100.

The peak of bubblegum music coincided with the rise of hard rock, showcasing the diverse musical landscape of the time. Although not a Kasenetz-Katz production, The Archies’ “Sugar, Sugar”—the best-selling single of 1969—was firmly within their stylistic domain. Nearly a decade after their initial run of hits, the duo produced one more significant track: Ram Jam’s rock-infused rendition of Lead Belly’s 1939 song “Black Betty,” which reached No. 18 in September 1977.

Born Jerrold H. Kasenetz on May 5, 1943, in Brooklyn, he was the eldest of five children. His partnership with Jeff Katz began during their undergraduate years at the University of Arizona, where they initially promoted a campus concert for the Dave Clark Five. Their first foray into production was for R&B singer Christine Cooper, whose “S.O.S. Hearts in Distress” bubbled under the Hot 100 at No. 101 in February 1966, marking the nascent stages of their legendary career.

While bubblegum music’s widespread popularity waned in the 1970s, its melodic and structural elements left a lasting imprint on pop music, influencing hits such as Edison Lighthouse’s “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” and The Grass Roots’ “Sooner or Later.” Even acclaimed artists like Talking Heads acknowledged its impact, performing “1-2-3 Red Light” in early shows, with a live version appearing on the bootleg “Gimme Heads.”

Industry veteran Doug Morris, in a 2008 Billboard interview, credited Kasenetz and Katz with his own entry into the music business. Morris recalled signing the duo for $500 and 8% for The Music Explosion’s “Little Bit o’ Soul” on Laurie Records (label number 3308). Tracking the record’s ascent to No. 2 on the Hot 100, Morris meticulously learned the intricacies of record promotion by engaging with distributors, retailers, and radio stations. This experience, he stated, provided him with a foundational understanding of the record industry that he believed remained timeless.

Despite their undeniable impact and string of hits, Kasenetz and Katz were never nominated for a Grammy, nor are they enshrined in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Nonetheless, they successfully carved out a unique niche in music history, consistently delivering hits that resonated with audiences. Jerry Kasenetz is survived by his brothers Iver and Bruce, his sons Darren and Brett, and two grandchildren. Jeff Katz, his enduring partner, is still living at 82.