Hey Baby

Album: Ted Nugent (1975)
Charted: 72
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • You don't see this very often: A charting song by a solo artist that the artist didn't sing on or write.

    "Hey Baby" was written and sung by Nugent's guitar player, Derek St. Holmes, who often handled the lead vocals around this time. Still, Nugent embraced the song, keeping it in his setlist when he had St. Holmes in the lineup.

    Nugent and Derek St. Holmes parted ways in 1978 over what St. Holmes called "musical and financial differences." He connected with Brad Whitford, who had recently left Aerosmith, and formed Whitford St. Holmes, releasing an album in 1981. St. Holmes started working with Nugent again in 1982 and often joined him on tour. He's also the voice of Nugent's songs "Stranglehold" and "Stormtroopin'."
  • This rocker finds Derek St. Holmes making a girl a sweet offer: a ride in his Ford followed by some good lovin'. It's more melodic than many Ted Nugent songs, and proved more hit-worthy than most, reaching the Hot 100 at #72.
  • The Ted Nugent album was technically his first as a solo artist. Nugent started out with a group called The Amboy Dukes, which had a hit in 1968 with "Journey To The Center Of The Mind." He gradually assumed more and more control of the group, which became known as Ted Nugent And The Amboy Dukes. This configuration released an album in 1974 called Tooth, Fang & Claw that included Nugent's soon-to-be stalwart "Great White Buffalo," then Nugent moved to Epic Records, assembled a new band, and started recording as a solo artist, with "Hey Baby" part of his debut album.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

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.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.