“Sometimes you just have to take that chance and trust something…” It was that life-changing piece of advice that changed Jeff Pescetto from a normal kid from Baltimore into a successful singer/songwriter and music producer. You’re probably wondering who Jeff Pescetto is and how he fits into the pop culture theme of withjosh.com. You may not know his name, but his work has influenced many people, including myself, to go into the entertainment industry.

You see, in 1987, children around the world were glued to a new animated Disney series called DuckTales. Based on Carl Barks’ Uncle Scrooge comic book series, DuckTales featured the adventures of Scrooge McDuck, the richest duck in the world and his often misguided great-nephews. Many episodes involved protecting Scrooge’s wealth from villains who wanted to rob him of all his money.  DuckTales premiered on September 18, 1987 and after 100 episodes, DuckTales ended it’s run on November 28, 1990. The show was successful enough to spawn a feature film, DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp, and two spinoff series: Darkwing Duck and Quack Pack. Some critics have called DuckTales the most successful show in Disney history and in January 2009, IGN listed Ducktales as the 18th best show in the Top 100 Best Animated TV Shows of all time.

Part of the success of DuckTales is the undeniable catchy theme song. Ask anyone who was a product of the 80′s and they will probably be able to make a reference to or actually sing part of the DuckTales theme. As a kid, I lived for the first minute of DuckTales.  I would sing, wear my favorite hat and perform my own DuckTales show for my family and friends (see picture). It was the first time I can remember performing and I have to admit, the song still makes me smile. Now that I’m an adult, I still think back to that time and I wanted to know about the man who sang the incredibly catchy tune that played such an intricate and memorable part of my childhood.

Jeff Pescetto took a chance in the entertainment industry when he was 17. After a few years of ups and downs, he was introduced to Jaymes Foster, the sister of famed music producer David Foster, who introduced Pescetto to Quincy Jones. Within a few months, Pescetto was signed with Quincy Jones’ Quest Music Group publishing company and within two years, he had 39 songs cut on albums. Pescetto was later signed as a writer, singer and producer with MCA (1990) and BMG/Sony (1995). During his now two decade career, Pescetto has written songs for Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau, George Benson, The O’Jays , The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and has worked with Michael Jackson and Ray Charles. Some of Pescetto’s radio hits include: Gavin Christopher “One Step Closer To You” (Top 20), Patti Austin “Through the Test of Time” (Top 10 AC), Gladys Knight “Lovin on Next to Nothin” (#1 hit R&B), Bryan Duncan “When it Comes to Love” (#1 hit Gospel). Disney also had Pescetto sing the themes of Chip’n Dale’s Rescue Rangers and The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  Despite his lyrical and song-writing success, it is his 1987 DuckTales theme that still lives on in the hearts of so many fans, young and old.  Thank you Jeff Pescetto!

DUCKTALES – Woo Hoo!

Posted by Josh on November 12, 2009 @ 8:43 PM