Ooo Baby Baby - Linda Ronstadt (1978) 7/3/22

In 1965, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles released one of their biggest hits--and a "Great Song of the '60s:" "Ooo Baby Baby." Not only did it chart at #4 on Billboard's Soul Chart and #16 on the Hot 100, it was on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" right up until the 2021 update.

The song--about a man who cheated and is begging for forgiveness--was co-written by Smokey, whose vocals were as smooth as silk.

It was hard to top. More than 25 artists tried with their cover versions, but no one came close--except Linda Ronstadt.

In late 1978, Linda released her soulful and "saxy" version from her double platinum album, "Living in the USA," and as 1979 began, it went to #2 on the Adult Contemporary Chart and #7 on the Hot 100. It even cracked the lower reaches of the Soul (#77) and Country Charts (#85).

And at that point, "Ooo Baby Baby" became a "Great Song of the '60s AND the '70s!

Linda:

Smokey & The Miracles: