Teenage Jimmy Castor formed the group Jimmy and the Juniors and recorded “I Promise to Remember.” The single was poorly promoted by Mercury Records, which angered the budding singer. In 1966, Jimmy and the group released “Hey Leroy, Your Mama’s Callin’ You.” It was a moderate hit.
In the 70s, Jimmy formed The Jimmy Castro bunch, a decidedly more funky version of his previous group. He hit big with the bass-heavy “Troglodyte,” peaking a Number 6 on the pop charts. A saxophone cover of Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale” and the infectious novelty tune “The Bertha Butt Boogie” became hits in both the United States and Canada. Many of Jimmy Castor’s recording were sampled by a number of hip-hop groups, including sax hooks and bass grooves. Artists like Ice-T and Afrika Bambaataa cite Jimmy as an influence on their careers.
Jimmy died from heart failure at his home in Henderson, Nevada. He was one week shy of his 72nd birthday.