Hey! Baby

"Hey! Baby" is a song written by Margaret Cobb and Bruce Channel, who recorded the song in 1961. Channel co-produced the song with Major Bill Smith and released it on Mercury Records' Smash label. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, starting the week ending March 10, 1962.

The song features a prominent riff from well-known harmonica player Delbert McClinton. According to a CNN article [http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/08/delbert.mcclinton/index.html CNN article 2002] from 2002, "while touring the U.K. in 1962 with a little known group called The Beatles, harmonica player Delbert McClinton met John Lennon and gave him some harmonica tips. Lennon put the lessons to use right away on "Love Me Do" and later "Please Please Me."" Lennon included the song in his jukebox, and it is also featured on the related compilation album.

Cover versions

The song was covered by Ringo Starr and released as a single in 1976.

"Hey! Baby" was channeled at the end of Bruce Springsteen's biggest hit single, 1984's "Dancing in the Dark." The song was also featured in the 1987 film "Dirty Dancing" and its hugely popular soundtrack.

Country singer Juice Newton covered the song in 1978 on her album "Well Kept Secret", however Newton's version did not chart. In 1982, Canadian country pop singer Anne Murray covered this song mid 1982, reaching #7 on the Hot Country Singles chart and #26 on the Hot 100. Murray also reached #1 on both "RPM" country and adult contemporary charts in Canada.

"Hey! Baby" is a staple of many college pep bands. It is generally played at home sporting events while the student section sings along, often after a victory. The song is also sung during the seventh inning stretch at Colorado Rockies home games at Denver's Coors Field.

A 2001 cover version of this song by DJ Ötzi reached number 1 in the UK singles chart.

uccession

Bruce Channel

Anne Murray

References