Some very sad news to report today.
Paul Leka, who wrote the infectious chorus of “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)” performed by the band Steam has died. The catchy hook led to the song being adopted as the anthem for the Chicago White Sox in 1977, the famous “Southside Hitmen” team, a.k.a. the most celebrated third place team in baseball history. (It’s Chicago baseball, also-rans are often celebrated, see the ’69 Cubs)
Leka died of lung cancer in Sharon, Connecticut at age 68.
Leka, wrote the song that Sox organist Nancy Faust plays whenever the Sox chase an opposing pitcher from the game and the home team has a lead. Sometimes it’s played as a victory song too. It’s become a staple at sports arenas throughout the nation.
For more on this story see the NY Times
The song was a #1 hit in 1969, and I took the liberty of embedding the video below:
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site that generates millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
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