Baby Huey & the Babysitters
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 in Gary, Indiana, United States |
| Founder | Melvyn "Deacon" Jones, Johnny Ross |
| Headquarters | Gary , United States |
Area served | United States, Chicago nightclub circuit, Paris (special event) |
Key people | James Ramey (Baby Huey), Melvyn "Deacon" Jones, Johnny Ross |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Baby Huey & the Babysitters was a music group from the United States, established in Gary, Indiana in 1963 by organist and trumpeter Melvyn "Deacon" Jones alongside guitarist Johnny Ross. The ensemble was led by James Ramey, who performed under the name "Baby Huey," and gained prominence within Chicago's nightclub circuit.
Background and formation
The band's inception involved the partnership of Johnny Ross, Melvyn Jones, and James Ramey. Initial practice sessions were held in a sound-insulated space at Melvyn Jones's residence, originally created for him and his drummer sibling Harold Jones.
Early recording career (1960s)
From 1964 through 1966, the group issued four singles: "Monkey Man," "Messin' with the Kid," "Just Being Careful," and "Beg Me." They broadened their audience by performing at an exclusive event in Paris hosted by the Baron de Rothschild's family. In 1966, they secured a contract with Capitol Booking agency. Their visibility increased when Billboard announced in May 1969 that they would appear on the nationally broadcast Merv Griffin Show.
The 1970s
By 1970, most of the original Babysitters lineup had exited, including Melvyn Jones, one of the founding members who remained until near the end.
James Ramey passed away on October 28, 1970, amid sessions for their debut album under the Curtom label. The album released after his death included tracks recorded with some Babysitters members; other parts featured session musicians from Curtom.
The Babysitters briefly reunited to perform at Ramey's funeral. Subsequently, manager Marv Stuart established Goliath, incorporating former members such as Dave Cook and Chaka Khan.
Post Baby Huey & the Babysitters
Melvyn Jones became part of The Impressions touring ensemble and worked as an A&R representative for Curtom Records. He also collaborated with artists like Freddie King and John Lee Hooker, earning recognition as Melvyn "Deacon" Jones. He passed away at age 73 in Hollywood, California.
Johnny Ross pursued solo recordings and hosted a cable TV program before dying in 2006 due to heart complications linked to appendicitis.
Dennis Moore, the original drummer who lost his draft exemption after leaving school to tour with the band, tragically took his own life following his return from Vietnam and subsequent loss of drumming ability.
Original line-up: early to mid-1960s
- James Ramey (Baby Huey): lead vocals
- Melvyn Jones: organ and trumpet
- Johnny Ross: lead guitar
- Larry Sales: bass guitar
- Dennis Moore: drums
Later additions
- Byron Watkins: saxophone
- Charles Clark: saxophone
Late 1960s members
- James Ramey (Baby Huey): lead vocals
- Melvyn Jones: keyboards
- Rick Marcotte: trumpet
- Alton Littles: trumpet
- Byron Watkins: tenor saxophone
- Othello Anderson: flute
- Danny O'Neil: guitar
- Dan Alfano: bass guitar
- Rene Smith: percussion
- Plato Jones: bongos
- Dave Cook: organ
Additional musicians
- Jack Renee: instrument unspecified
- Philip Henry: instrument unspecified
- "Moose" (nickname): drums
Discography (partial)
- "Just Being Careful" / "Messin' with the Kid" (Shann 73924, 1965)
- "Just Being Careful" / "Messin' with the Kid" (U.S.A. 801, 1965)
- "Monkey Man" / "Beg Me" (St. Lawrence 1002, 1965; blue and white label)
- "Monkey Man" / "Messin' with the Kid" (St. Lawrence 1002, 1965; white label only)
- "Monkey Man" / "Messin' with the Kid" (Satellite 2013, 1966)
- "Mighty Mighty Children, Pt. I" / "Mighty Mighty Children, Pt. II" (Curtom CR-1939, 1969)
- "Listen to Me" / "Hard Times" (Curtom CR-1962, 1971)