Gary DeCarlo, the lead singer and co-writer behind Steam’s 1969 hit “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” died in 2017 at age 75. The recording made him famous, but the touring group presented to the public was assembled separately—a split that helps explain why the song became better known than its singer.
Who sang “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”?
Gary DeCarlo sang the lead vocal on Steam’s recording. He was also one of the song’s three writers, alongside Paul Leka and Dale Frashuer. The men shown on the single and sent on the road to perform as Steam were not the musicians who made the hit recording, according to Rhino’s account of the song. DeCarlo described the touring act as a hired group in a Classic Bands interview.
That distinction matters: DeCarlo was not simply a performer who joined a band after its hit. He was central to the studio recording even though the public touring lineup did not match it. As he put it, “People don’t like to be fooled.”
Who wrote the song, and how did the familiar chant emerge?
Rhino dates the writing by Leka, DeCarlo, and Frashuer to the early 1960s. DeCarlo’s account of how the recording took shape is more specific, but it is his recollection rather than an independently documented session log.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
From “Kiss Him Goodbye” to “Na Na Hey Hey”
DeCarlo recalled that the early song was called “Kiss Him Goodbye” and was a blues shuffle without the chant. When the team needed a B-side, they returned to it in the studio. In his telling, the track was built with a drum part from another recording, piano and organ overdubs, vibes, percussion, and background vocals. He said Leka came up with the “na na” and that he added “hey hey.”
The result is the hook that gives the song its instantly recognizable refrain. In the original lyric, however, the singer is not addressing a rival team or player: the narrator is trying to persuade a woman that her current partner is not right for her.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Was Steam a real band?
Steam was the name on the release and the identity used for the project, but the touring lineup was separate from the studio performers. In practical terms, DeCarlo sang and helped write the record, while a different group was sent out to appear publicly as Steam. Saying simply that DeCarlo “was not in Steam” misses his role in making the hit; saying the touring musicians recorded it would also be inaccurate.
The song was released under the name Steam in a Mercury Records context. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on December 6, 1969, according to Rhino’s 2016 history; DeCarlo gave the same date in his interview.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why do sports fans sing “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”?
The song’s goodbye refrain proved adaptable to sports. In 1977, Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust played it when opposing pitchers were taken out of games. The Washington Post reported that her use helped establish the chant in sports culture. A lyric that began as a plea in a love triangle became a taunt aimed at an opponent being sent off.
The song’s afterlife also includes successful cover recordings. Rhino reports that Bananarama’s version reached the UK top five and that The Nylons’ a cappella version reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Those placements are reported by Rhino’s 2016 account.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
When did Gary DeCarlo die?
DeCarlo died in 2017 at age 75. The Washington Post’s June 29, 2017 report said he had died that week and noted that the announcement from a close friend did not specify the exact day. The report also said he had been receiving hospice care in Connecticut. Because that contemporary account does not establish a precise date, it is safer to give the year and age rather than a calendar day.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.DeCarlo’s life beyond the hit
DeCarlo was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In his Classic Bands interview, he recalled singing with the Glenwoods, Citations, and Chateaus alongside Frashuer. The Arts Fuse profile also describes his later recordings under the name Garrett Scott and his return to performing. Those details sketch a longer musical life than the public image of a one-hit group suggests.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBest Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
DeCarlo described the original song’s premise as a love-triangle story: “It was and still is about the love factor,” he told the Washington Post. He added, “Anyone who’s been in a love triangle can identify with this. Trying to make the girl realize that he’s not the guy for her.” The sports chant kept the goodbye, but gave it a very different target.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
