The Babys

Power pop with a veneer of youthful vibrancy made the Babys a hot act on FM rock radio in the late '70s. Formed in London as a teen-oriented act, the group signed with Chrysalis in late 1976 on the strength of one of the first video demos. Conceived by producer Mike Mansfield, it showed off the members' looks, gleaming smiles, and wardrobes. The Babys appeared on several American television programs in 1977 to support their debut (produced by Bob Ezrin) and, aided by massive advertising, had such hits as "Isn't It Time" (#13, 1977). As the ’70s drew to a close, the Babys experimented with a more synthesizer-oriented style on Head First and 1980's Union Jacks, which bore two moderate hits, "Back on My Feet Again" (#33, 1980) and “Turn and Walk Away” (#42, 1980). Jonathan Cain joined Journey in early 1981, and the Babys disbanded.

Chrysalis released lead singer John Waite’s solo debut, Ignition, in 1982, and the album’s “Change” went to #54. No Brakes became a Top 10 LP on the strength of “Missing You” (#1, 1984). “Every Step of the Way” (#25, 1985) was Waite’s last Top 30 single; his fourth album, Rover’s Return, stalled at #77.

Two years later Waite reemerged, fronting Bad English, which featured two ex-Babys, Jonathan Cain and Ricky Phillips, and included Cain’s ex-Journey mate, Neal Schon, and drummer Deen Castronovo. The group’s eponymously titled debut struck platinum, peaking at #21 in 1989 and boasting two Top 10 hits: “When I See You Smile” (#1) and “Price of Love” (#5). The group’s second effort did not repeat the success, and after its release, Schon quit the group; he and Castronovo joined Hardline, and Castronovo later joined up with Paul Rodgers for his Muddy Waters tribute record. Cain began pursuing a solo career while John Waite continued his with 1995’s Temple Bar. The late ’90s found Schon, Cain, and Castronovo back together again in a new version of Journey [see entry].

from The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll (Simon & Schuster, 2001)