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Jules Leonard Kaye, widely known as Buddy Kaye (January 3, 1918 – November 21, 2002), was an American songwriter, lyricist, producer, and author who left a lasting mark on the Great American Songbook. Growing up on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, he developed a passion for music and literature from an early age.
After graduating from James Madison High School and briefly attending Brooklyn College, Kaye shifted from poetry to lyric writing, drawing inspiration from classical literature and Shakespeare. He began his career as a saxophonist in dance bands and on cruise ships before focusing entirely on songwriting.
Across six decades, Kaye wrote more than 400 songs, spanning chart-topping pop standards, adaptations of classical and international melodies, and memorable television and film themes. He scored two Billboard #1 hits: “Till the End of Time” (1945) and “’A’ You’re Adorable (The Alphabet Song)” (1949), both recorded by Perry Como, the latter featuring the Fontane Sisters. Other notable works include “Speedy Gonzales,” “Full Moon and Empty Arms,” “I’ll Close My Eyes,” “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” and “The Old Songs.” He co-wrote the I Dream of Jeannie theme, composed songs for Little Lulu and Little Audrey, and wrote title tracks for Elvis Presley films Change of Habit and The Trouble With Girls.
Kaye also recorded with his own Buddy Kaye Quintet, producing minor hits like “Thoughtless,” “Donna Bella,” and “The Bicycle Song.” He won the Grammy Award for Best Recording for Children in 1975 as producer and director of The Little Prince, narrated by Richard Burton. Kaye authored books including The Gift of Acabar and Method Songwriting and taught songwriting courses at UCLA Extension and College of the Desert. A longtime member of ASCAP and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he served as President of the Palm Springs Writers Guild and was posthumously added to the James Madison High School Wall of Distinction in 2018.
Buddy Kaye died of a heart attack at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. At the time, he had recently completed the book and lyrics for the musical When Garbo Talks!, reflecting a lifelong dedication to music, storytelling, and teaching. His legacy continues to inspire songwriters, performers, and audiences worldwide.