Baby Come Back - Player (1978) 1/20/21

The group responsible for today's “Great Song of the '70s” changed names and personnel so often, you need a spreadsheet to keep it straight.

So, to cut through the clutter, let's go right to 1976, when Player signed with RSO Records, and started opening stadium concerts for Gino Vanelli and Boz Scaggs. This brought them some attention—and a ton of fans—so when they released their self-titled debut album in 1978, they were met with instant mainstream success!

In fact, the first single off the album, “Baby Come Back,” went straight to #1 in both the US and Canada (also #10 on Billboard's R&B chart)...and had Top 10 success in several other countries, including New Zealand and South Africa. They were subsequently named Billboard's “Best New Artist of 1978!”

Eric Clapton asked them to be the opening act for the North American leg of his “Slowhand” tour. After that, Player opened for Heart...then Kenny Loggins...and then...

And then tempers flared, they broke up, and their record contract with RSO was canceled. After less than a year of success, Player had “played out.” They've tried regrouping a number of times since then with very little success.

But in 1978, they were HOT...and “Baby Come Back” became a “Great Song of the '70s!”

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