Rachel Sweet - Then He Kiss Me (Be My Baby) (1981)
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Rachel Sweet - Voo Doo (1982)
Rachel Sweet - B-A-B-Y
Recorded when she was 16, 'B.A.B.Y' was a cover version in 1978 by Rachel Sweet, an American who was signed to the British alternative music label Stiff Records. Sweet's version of the Carla Thomas classic was a minor hit in England (#35) and despite publicity and airplay in Australia, missed the Top 40 (#47) although in Sydney it made the Top 30 in May of 1979 (we've always had great taste)
Rachel's youth, the catchy pop sound and the high profile of her stable mates Ian Dury, Lene Lovich and Elvis Costello, gave Rachel some traction for her first 2 albums 'Fool around' and 'Protect the innocent'. Sweet's early 80's lp's with Columbia records generated further success, but Rachel basically retreated from recording, save for the memorable title track for the 1988 movie 'Hairspray'.
Rachel Sweet was just fifteen when she had her first hit album, "Fool Around" in 1978. But by then she had already been in show business for ten years already! She hails from Akron, Ohio, the home of Devo.
Starting out at the age of three she began winning local singing contests. She went from singing commercial jingles in New York, to opening for Mickey Rooney. Then off to Las Vegas to open for Bill Cosby at the age of twelve, backed by a full orchestra.
She cut a few country singles in Nashville at age fourteen. The following year she was "discovered" by producer Liam Sternberg, who got her a deal do do her first album "Fool Around". The label Stiff Records was known for its early punk core music of Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, and Ian Dury and The Blockheads. Producer Sternberg assigned The Blockheads to be Rachel's band. Sounding youthful but savvy beyond her years the album "Fool Around" propelled her into a cult status that remains strong today. Belting out the songs "B-A-B-Y","Who Does Lisa Like", she blows you away with the moxie of a true professional, with just enough girlish charm to stay as sweet as her name. Crooning "Wildwood Saloon","I Go To Pieces", or Elvis Costello's "Stranger in the House" she can tug on your heart.
Rex & Rachel
Her blend of rock and roll musical influences from punk to country is really quite unique. Sometimes this has left it hard to pin her to one category of music. Her second album "Protect the Innocent" released in 1980 was just as strong. She toured all over the country, and loved coming to New York City. I saw her perform at The Bottom Line thereon her 17th birthday. With her first rate band, and years of experience at the age of 17 she was truly mesmerizing on stage. Belting out all her best for the live radio broadcast she showed no signs of timidity. She brought down the house. Everyone was a fan by the end of the night. I also have a live recording of that night on CD if anyone is interested in trading for it.
She made two more albums "...And Then he Kissed Me", and "Blame It On Love." She toured extensively before returning to New York to get a degree from Columbia University. She is now an actress and screenwriter having appeared in several movies. She has sung the soundtrack for such movies such as "Hairspray" and "Sing." She has also appeared in many sitcoms on television like "Seinfeld" and "The Single Guy."
Where she shows up next is anyone's guess. Whether acting in a movie or singing her heart out, her talent will always be noticed. One day she'll lose her cult status, and everyone will know her name.
Released on the 1990 album, "Barbie - the Look", which was the soundtrack to the Saturday morning Barbie cartoon show. This song was a big '80's hit for Cyndi Lauper. Written by Robert Hazard.
From 1981, Akron, Ohio's Rachel Sweet long with teen idol Rex Smith sing the classic "Everlasting Love". This was the last chart hit for Rex Smith but the biggest success for Rachel Sweet. Their version of Everlasting Love peaked at #32 in the USA and #35 in the UK. The original Everlasting Love was performed by Robert Knight in 1967 and was also a big hit in 1974 for Carl Carlton.
OLDIES FOREVER / MUSIC / CARS / MOVIES & Chicas!
Posted - 15/06/2017 : 22:50:42
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