Sign Up! It's Free... Subscribe

video icon  Video of the Week

African American Doctor Depicted as a Gorilla at UCLA Event

Search Past Issues

January 19, 2012

Jimmy Castor
Jimmy Castor

Jimmy Castor, Musician and Songwriter, Dies in Las Vegas

Soul and funk saxophonist, Jimmy Castor, 71, head of the Jimmy Castor Bunch, died of apparent heart failure in Las Vegas on Monday, according to family members who spoke to the press.

Castor was best known for his biggest hit single, “Troglodyte (Cave Man),” recorded in 1972 and for his most commercially successful album, It’s Just Begun, also released in 1972.  

Castor began his career in music New York City in the mid-1950s as a doo-wop singer.  His first career break came when he replaced Frankie Lymon in The Teenagers in 1957.  Mr. Castor was born Jan. 23, 1940 in New York and he grew up with Frankie Lymon.

Beginning in 1960, Castor worked almost exclusively as a saxophonist, playing with a number of artists and groups.  His first hit solo single, “Hey, Leroy, Your Mama’s Callin’ You,” was recorded by Smash Records in 1966.

In 1972, Castor formed the Jimmy Castor Bunch, signed a contract with RCA and recorded both singles and albums.  Castor also released solo singles.  The group realized commercial success with their album, It’s Just Begun.

From 1976 to 1988, Castor released only solo work, including a fresh version of “Love Makes a Woman,” recorded with disco singer Joyce Sims and released in 1988. Castor continued to work steadily until August of last year, when he appeared at the Long Beach Funk Festival in California.

According to Castor’s son, filmmaker Jimmy Castor, Jr., Castor was hospitalized in November after suffering a heart attack.  He underwent quadruple by-pass surgery at that time.

Castor is survived by his wife, Sandi, another son, Jason, two daughters, April Vargas and Sheli Castor and eight grandchildren.

The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Chicago, IL | 312.504.0223
Copyright © The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Contact Us: info@TheNorthstarNews.com
Privacy Policy

My statusContact Us on Skype