Jack Kittel Psycho

In memory of my cousin - Jack Kittel. The story of "Psycho" and singer Jack Kittel begins in 1973 in Muskegon, Mi. It was there that Jack recorded the song written in the late '50s by Leon Payne, a blind San Antonio street singer whose more conventional works have been performed by the likes of Elvis and Johnny Cash.
At first, radio stations wouldn't play the newly pressed record , judging the lyrics too controversial. Then a Grand Rapids disc jockey gave it some air time on an "underground" show - and "Psycho" became an instant hit. On Sept, 28 , 1996 , Jack, who was living with his family in New Era, Mi., died at the age of 49 when his Jeep was struck by another vehicle and less than two months later, his rendition of "Psycho" surfaced in the movie "Larger Than Life" starring Bill Murray who inherited an elephant.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jack
• Kittel
• Psycho
• country
• Leon
• Payne

[fascistbullygirl13]

Amazing song and thanks for putting it up.

[spdsht9]

@fascistbullygirl13 Thank You for listening and the nice comment.

[DonJulioBlanco2002]

Jack must have learned the song from Eddie Noack's 1968 (original) version. I wonder how he came across it? It was released on a small Nashville label with no distribution.

[spdsht9]

If you read the info that I wrote , you'd know that he got it from Leon Payne , The Original Writer.

 Thanks for the comment tho.

[spdsht9]

Thank You everyone for your comments. It means alot to his family.

[billhaverchuck2]

To robfalk:

This version of the song is also available on an Ace Records UK compilation called "Dead! The Grim Reaper's Greatest Hits." It's available through Amazon, though their third party merchants have way better prices.

[spdsht9]

Yes it is. Thanks for adding.

[kakonis]

I like to pull the blinds at my house, dress like a woman, and clean my M-16 while listening to this song.

[AmandaMae6]

Does Jack have any other songs? His voice is so wonderful - I'd love to hear more, but all I've found on the internet is this song.

[mysteryjesus]

@kakonis LOL! Please son, don't hurt Jesus's feelings

[chasegup05]

@kakonis lol so hard

[Rottenhaus]

Am I the only one who wants Nick Cave to cover this?

[TheLegendaryTim]

Much clearer version than the Elvis Costello version. The lyrics almost run a chill through my spine.

[343ofFDNYsBRAVEST]

I'm going to sing this friday at the karaoke bar

[fonedork]

@ToadMitch cool story bro

[doktorf1956]

One of the best country songs ever!



[mikemitchell51]

@chg657 I grew up as a kid in Ringgold, GA and listened to WFLI, WGOW & WDXB. I never remember hearing this song on those stations. I remember hearing it on Chattanooga's Country station back then WDOD-AM 1310. That was the station that my dad listened to. I bought very few country singles but I still have the 45 of this and I also have it on the ACE CD "Dead The Grim Reaper's Greatest Hits". Bought the CD just for this song and another one. Great song that brings back great memories.