B-side "Dream Girl" | Released December 1961 Length 2:27 | |
Writer(s) Margaret CobbBruce Channel |
"Hey! Baby" is a song written by Margaret Cobb and Bruce Channel, and recorded by Channel in 1961, first released on LeCam Records, a local Fort Worth, Texas label. After it hit, it was released on Smash Records for national distribution. He co-produced the song with Major Bill Smith (owner of LeCam) 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.
Contents
The song features a prominent riff from well-known harmonica player Delbert McClinton, and drums played by Ray Torres. According to a CNN article from 2002, while touring the UK in 1962 with The Beatles, 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. other musicians on the record included Bob Jones and Billy Sanders on Guitar and Jim Rogers on bass.
The song was used in the 1987 hit film Dirty Dancing in the scene where Johnny and Baby dance on top of a tree's log.
Anne Murray version
Canadian country pop singer Anne Murray covered the song in 1982, reaching number 7 on the US Country Singles chart and number 26 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Murray also reached number-one on the RPM country and adult contemporary charts in Canada.
DJ Ötzi version
Austrian artist DJ Ötzi recorded a cover version titled "Hey Baby (Uhh, Ahh)". It was released in July 2000 as the lead single from his debut solo album, Love, Peace & Vollgas. In 2002, it was re-released when it became the unofficial theme song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. It reached number-one in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and Japan. Darts player Tony O'Shea uses the song as his walk-on song.
The Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team also uses "Hey Baby" as a theme song during the 7th inning stretch.
Rangers FC used it on the PA at Ibrox on May 25, 2003 after they beat Dunfermline Athletic 6-1 to regain the SPL title for the third time in five years, and their fiftieth SPL title overall.
Music video
The official music video features large groups of people singing along to the song in a taxi at different times, interspersed with DJ Ötzi singing on a TV screen.
Track listings
- "Hey Baby" (Uhh, Ahh) (Radio Mix) - 3:36
- "Hey Baby" (Uhh, Ahh) (Club Mix) - 4:15
- "Uh! Ah!" - 3:38