Released December 1966 Length 2:45 | Genre Pop rock Label Mercury Records 72639 | |
B-side "The Teeny Bopper Song" Writer(s) George Fischoff, Tony Powers | ||
"98.6" is a song written by Tony Powers (lyrics) and George Fischoff (music). and performed by Keith. The song reached #7 on the Billboard chart and #24 on the UK Singles Chart in 1966. The song appeared on his 1967 album 98.6/Ain't Gonna Lie. The Tokens, who had provided the backing vocals on Keith's debut single, "Ain't Gonna Lie", also provided the backing vocals for "98.6".
The song was produced by Jerry Ross and arranged by Joe Renzetti. It sold over one million copies worldwide, earning a gold disc. The track's title relates to the normal human body temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. The personnel on "98.6" included Artie Butler on organ and piano, Vinnie Bell on guitar, Joe Macko on bass, and Bobby Gregg on drums. The song also features a brass section of trumpets and trombones as well. The song is noted for its slow piano introduction, before the rhythm changes to the 6/8 rhythm.