Posted on 03/22/2021 6:05:06 PM PDT by simpson96
Smith was an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1969. They had a blues-based sound and scored a Top 5 hit in the United States in 1969 with a cover of the Burt Bacharach song "Baby It's You", featuring Gayle McCormick on lead vocals. It sold over one million copies between July and October, 1969.
A Group Called Smith - "Baby, It's You" (1969)
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
An excellent version of an excellent song, made stronger by Gayle’s vocals.
Thanks for the post. It brings back memories.
For some reason, this song never made it to oldies playlists.
1969 = on the radio at the same time:
Smith - “Baby It’s You”
and
Steam - “Kiss Him Good Bye”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsaTElBljOE
I loved them both!
She sure could wail like Janis could, but she had golden pipes when she toned it down.
I graduated high school in June 1969 and started college that fall — I sure don’t remember “Baby, It’s You” from that year. Chicago Transit Authority; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Blood, Sweat and Tears; Credence Clearwater Revival; Quicksilver Messenger Service; the Stones; the Beatles; the Beach Boys. All those great acts, but don’t remember Smith.
Sorry. RIP
But the vocals were simply atrocious.
Here it is done right by two folks who can sing this beautiful song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlHL2gKqI1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKgkDxnG9Z8
Co-written (music most likely) by some guy who called himself Burt Bacharach.
Yes, THAT Burt...
Not kin.
1969: Killer Music.
Thanks for the link....
Smith was the best version.
Burt Bacharach is apparently still alive at age 92.
I agree.
The Band” did “The Weight” better - 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFqb1I-hiHE
What I know about recording contracts back in that time would fit in a thimble, but let me speculate here. The problem with one hit wonders in the days of old were that the first contract a group got for a record was heavily loaded in favor of the producers and the record label. Later, if they could show some sustained popularity it translated into leverage in subsequent contracts, and much higher per record royalties. The irony in a lot of the 60’s nostalgia for groups that hit it once and then disappeared is that we can all remember the music, but the folks that created it died poor.
If I understand anything about current performance and record compensation it is that the per record compensation means very little - because of the incredible diversity of recordings that are out there and available - there has been an atomization of the market since the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. So live performances are a much bigger share of the total compensation of a performer than they had been 40 years ago.
Smith’s version was the one on the Easy Rider album.
It’s the only one I know, or care about.
Great song and post.
Heard last night’s Casey Kasey at40 locally.
February 1971
In top 5 was
Mercedes Benz and Me and Bobby McGee
I recently learned that some of his backstories were urban legends or total BS. To be fair to him many came from the band itself.
I recently found I have 8 weekend shows from 1974 to 1976.
They were distributed as 3 LPs at that time. Came with the playlist for the show.
Got the actual discs that the radio stations were sent. I wonder how many are still out there.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.