Sweet Charlie Babe

Album: Sweet Charlie Babe (1973)
Charted: 42
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written by the team of Phil Hurtt and Bunny Sigler, who worked out of Philadelphia International Records before they were signed by Atlantic. Hurtt and Sigler were assigned the Soul singer Jackie Moore, who had a #30 hit in 1971 with "Precious, Precious."

    "Sweet Charlie Babe" is about a guy who plays the field, but is so desirable that Moore is in love with him anyway. According to Phil Hurtt, the title was inspired by his cousin, Charles Roberts, who used to declare himself "Sweet Charlie" because all the girls loved him. Hurtt says the lothario in the song was a composite of Roberts and someone else he doesn't want to name.
  • 1973 was a great year to record at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, where this song was done. The musicians there were some of the best in the business, and that business was exploding. After these guys did the Soul Train theme song (credited to their moniker MFSB), musicians descended on Sigma looking for that hit Soul sound.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.