Sweet Charlie Babe

Album: Sweet Charlie Babe (1973)
Charted: 42
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written by the team of Phil Hurtt and Bunny Sigler, who worked out of Philadelphia International Records before they were signed by Atlantic. Hurtt and Sigler were assigned the Soul singer Jackie Moore, who had a #30 hit in 1971 with "Precious, Precious."

    "Sweet Charlie Babe" is about a guy who plays the field, but is so desirable that Moore is in love with him anyway. According to Phil Hurtt, the title was inspired by his cousin, Charles Roberts, who used to declare himself "Sweet Charlie" because all the girls loved him. Hurtt says the lothario in the song was a composite of Roberts and someone else he doesn't want to name.
  • 1973 was a great year to record at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, where this song was done. The musicians there were some of the best in the business, and that business was exploding. After these guys did the Soul Train theme song (credited to their moniker MFSB), musicians descended on Sigma looking for that hit Soul sound.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

Guy Clark

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.