Arthur (Artie) Kaplan, 89, a beloved force in the music business for over 70 years, died on Oct. 11, 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida. He had been a member of Local 802 since 1952.

Mr. Kaplan was a world-renowned saxophonist, contractor, piccolo player, flutist, clarinetist, singer-songwriter, recording artist, composer and producer.

Born in Brooklyn on Oct. 28, 1935, Mr. Kaplan’s early love of music was nurtured by his father. Mr. Kaplan’s talent was recognized quickly and he toured with the big bands of Ron Bartley and Ralph Flanagan while still a teenager. He graduated from Lafayette High School, then served in the Army as a musician.

A lifelong career of music followed — and his credits are almost too many to mention. His internationally-celebrated signature sax riffs are featured on over 150 top-ten records including Little Eva’s “Locomotion,” Connie Francis’ “My Heart Has A Mind of Its Own,” Neil Sedaka’s “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen” and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” Jay & The Americans’ “Come A Little Bit Closer,” The Chiffons’ “One Fine Day,” Len Barry’s “1-2-3,” Neil Diamond’s “Solitary Man,” Bobby Hebb’s “Sunny,” Spanky and Our Gang’s “Sunday Will Never Be The Same,” and Tommy James’ “Mony Mony.”

He is featured on Barry Manilow’s first record “Mandy” and Manilow’s next four albums. He played on hit records by Carole King, Janis Ian, Peaches and Herb, Brook Benton, The Strangeloves, Bobby Blue Bland, Dixie Cups, Esther Phillips, The Cookies, and Barry Mann. He was instrumental in the early careers of Tony Orlando, David Johanson and Van Morrison — and was a part of the famed Brill Building’s history.

Mr. Kaplan contracted for hundreds of important rock records as well as for films like “Midnight Cowboy,” “The Verdict,” “Fame,” and more.

He wrote and produced the music for the “Wonderama” children’s TV show, including the songs “Kids Are People Too” and “Oh Gee It’s Great To Be A Kid.”

In 1972 Mr. Kaplan released his own album “Confessions Of A Male Chauvinist Pig,” which continues to be a best seller in Europe. It featured the hits “Harmony” and “Bensonhurst Blues.” Written with Artie Kornfeld, “Bensonhurst Blues” appears on the title credits of the French film “Pour La Peau d’un Flick” sung by Oscar Benton. Mr. Kaplan’s “My First Only Lover” was covered by Nat King Cole.

In 1974 he released “Down By The Old Stream.” He created the children’s CDs “Fun Time For Kids” and “Barnyard Stories and Poems” in 2001 with the noted illustrator Joseph Toto. He contracted the band and performed in the Broadway show “Leader Of The Pack,” and toured with actor-musician George Segal’s Dixieland Band. And in 2003 he released “I’m Just The Singer In The Band,” featuring his unique velvety gravel soulful voice.

Mr. Kaplan is survived by his wife Sharon and twin daughters Andrea and Gina.

Obituary submitted by Andrea Kaplan via Janet Oseroff. Edited by Local 802. Mr. Kaplan’s obituary page at the Neptune Society can be found here, where comments can be left for the family.