The Babys
Considerable attention attended the launch of this much-touted British rock group. John Waite (b. 4 July 1955, London, England; vocals/bass), Mike Corby (b. 3 July 1955, London, England; guitar/keyboards), Walter Wally Stocker (b. 27 March 1954, London, England; guitar) and former Spontaneous Combustion and Strider member Tony Brock (b. 31 March 1954, Bournemouth, Dorset, England; drums) were promoted as the most promising newcomers of 1976, but while THE BABYS offered a competent blend of pop and rock, similar to that of the Raspberries, it lacked an identifiable sound and image. Obscured by the punk explosion, the quartet looked to the USA for commercial succour over the ensuing years. Jonathan Cain replaced Corby following the release of HEAD FIRST, but although the Babys did achieve considerable US success, including two Top 20 singles with Isn't It Time and Every Time I Think Of You, they remained in the shadow of AOR stalwarts Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner and Journey. Waite subsequently embarked on a high-profile solo career.