American journalist, actor, and talk show host Jerry Springer was the inspiration behind the hit song of the same name by dancehall artiste Lexxus.

Springer died last Thursday at the age of 79. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer since late last year.

The song, aptly titled Jerry Springer, was released in late 1999 and is featured on the Grabba rhythm by Higher Heights Records. It was produced by Gary Mowatt.

Mr Lexx (formerly known as Lexxus) says he was tuned into The Jerry Springer Show, which aired locally on cable television. He said the popularity of the show inspired the song.

“The song was inspired by the then hottest television show of the same name, and you know Jamaicans, they gonna make a dance and name after something or someone who is popular or trending,” Mr Lexx disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Saturday.

The song Jerry Springer made its way onto local charts. A dance named Jerry Springer, created by the late choreographer Gerald “Bogle” Levy, was also popular within the dancehall space.

“The song was and is still popular to this day and is well received by fans, especially females, whenever I perform it,” said Mr Lexx.

He added that he was a fan of the Jerry Springer Show and enjoyed the situations that the show tackled during its heyday.

“Yeah, I was a fan of the show. I always looked forward to weird situations. It was good television at the time,” said Mr Lexx.

Springer, a former mayor for Cincinnati (1977-1978) started his tabloid talk show series The Jerry Springer Show in 1991 and it was wildly successful in syndication. It was cancelled in 2018 after more than 4,000 episodes.

Springer, who was born in London in 1944, was raised in Queens, New York. After The Jerry Springer Show was cancelled, he became the host of the courtroom show, Judge Jerry, which ran from 2019 to 2022.

Springer also hosted America’s Got Talent from 2007-2008.