Jewel Akens Dies

Jewel Akens, best known for his 1965 hit “The Birds and the Bees,” died of complications from back surgery March 1 at Inglewood, Calif. He was 79.

Akens was a member of the Turnarounds when the song by Herb Newman was offered to the group.

Akens recorded the song on his own when the other group members turned it down.

The song went on to reach No. 3 on the Hot 100 chart and was covered by artists such as Dean Martin. He continued to perform into his 70s.