Why Baby Why
Encyclopedia
"Why Baby Why" is the title of a country music
song co-written and originally recorded by George Jones
. Released in late 1955 on Starday Records, and produced by Starday co-founder and Jones manager Pappy Daily
, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard
country charts that year. It was Jones' first chart single, following several unsuccessful singles released during the prior year on Starday.
The single's early airplay occurred in Jones' home state of Texas
, with Houston's country music station KIKK
ranking it number one locally. Their charts were sent to stations around the country, which began to pick it up as well, partially overcoming Starday's regionally-limited distribution. However, its progress on the chart was blunted by Red Sovine
and Webb Pierce
's cover duet, which benefited from Decca Records
' major label status and national distribution and rose to number one on the chart over the 1955–1956 Christmas holiday period. Jones's rendition was later included as the first track on his 1957 debut album Grand Ole Opry's New Star.
The arrangement is upbeat honky tonk, led by a fiddle that plays throughout the song. Overall, the song has been described as a classic of the "finger-pointin' cheatin' song".
for the album The Bradley Barn Sessions, an album which featured re-recordings of Jones's songs as duets.
Two different versions of the song have reached Number One on the country charts, making it one of the only country songs to hold that distinction. Artists who have had country chart hits with renditions of this song include the following:
"Why Baby Why" is the title of a country music
song co-written and originally recorded by George Jones
. Released in late 1955 on Starday Records, and produced by Starday co-founder and Jones manager Pappy Daily
, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard
country charts that year. It was Jones' first chart single, following several unsuccessful singles released during the prior year on Starday.
The single's early airplay occurred in Jones' home state of Texas
, with Houston's country music station KIKK
ranking it number one locally. Their charts were sent to stations around the country, which began to pick it up as well, partially overcoming Starday's regionally-limited distribution. However, its progress on the chart was blunted by Red Sovine
and Webb Pierce
's cover duet, which benefited from Decca Records
' major label status and national distribution and rose to number one on the chart over the 1955–1956 Christmas holiday period. Jones's rendition was later included as the first track on his 1957 debut album Grand Ole Opry's New Star.
The arrangement is upbeat honky tonk, led by a fiddle that plays throughout the song. Overall, the song has been described as a classic of the "finger-pointin' cheatin' song".
for the album The Bradley Barn Sessions, an album which featured re-recordings of Jones's songs as duets.
Two different versions of the song have reached Number One on the country charts, making it one of the only country songs to hold that distinction. Artists who have had country chart hits with renditions of this song include the following:
"Why Baby Why" is the title of a country music
song co-written and originally recorded by George Jones
. Released in late 1955 on Starday Records, and produced by Starday co-founder and Jones manager Pappy Daily
, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard
country charts that year. It was Jones' first chart single, following several unsuccessful singles released during the prior year on Starday.
The single's early airplay occurred in Jones' home state of Texas
, with Houston's country music station KIKK
ranking it number one locally. Their charts were sent to stations around the country, which began to pick it up as well, partially overcoming Starday's regionally-limited distribution. However, its progress on the chart was blunted by Red Sovine
and Webb Pierce
's cover duet, which benefited from Decca Records
' major label status and national distribution and rose to number one on the chart over the 1955–1956 Christmas holiday period. Jones's rendition was later included as the first track on his 1957 debut album Grand Ole Opry's New Star.
The arrangement is upbeat honky tonk, led by a fiddle that plays throughout the song. Overall, the song has been described as a classic of the "finger-pointin' cheatin' song".
for the album The Bradley Barn Sessions, an album which featured re-recordings of Jones's songs as duets.
Two different versions of the song have reached Number One on the country charts, making it one of the only country songs to hold that distinction. Artists who have had country chart hits with renditions of this song include the following:
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
song co-written and originally recorded by George Jones
George Jones
George Glenn Jones is an American country music singer known for his long list of hit records, his distinctive voice and phrasing, and his marriage to Tammy Wynette....
. Released in late 1955 on Starday Records, and produced by Starday co-founder and Jones manager Pappy Daily
Pappy Daily
Harold W. Daily , better known as "Pappy" Daily, was an American country music record producer and entrepreneur who cofounded the Texas-based record label Starday Records...
, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
country charts that year. It was Jones' first chart single, following several unsuccessful singles released during the prior year on Starday.
The single's early airplay occurred in Jones' home state of Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, with Houston's country music station KIKK
KIKK
KIKK is a daytime-only station in the Houston, Texas area and broadcasts a news/talk radio format under ownership of CBS Radio. Despite different owners, KIKK and KHOU-TV maintain a strong partnership ....
ranking it number one locally. Their charts were sent to stations around the country, which began to pick it up as well, partially overcoming Starday's regionally-limited distribution. However, its progress on the chart was blunted by Red Sovine
Red Sovine
Woodrow Wilson Sovine , better known as Red Sovine, was an American country music singer associated with truck driving songs, particularly those recited as narratives but set to music...
and Webb Pierce
Webb Pierce
Webb Michael Pierce was one of the most popular American honky tonk vocalists of the 1950s, charting more number one hits than any other country artist during the decade. His biggest hit was "In The Jailhouse Now," which charted for 37 weeks in 1955, 21 of them at number one...
's cover duet, which benefited from Decca Records
Decca Records
Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades....
' major label status and national distribution and rose to number one on the chart over the 1955–1956 Christmas holiday period. Jones's rendition was later included as the first track on his 1957 debut album Grand Ole Opry's New Star.
Content
The lyric sets up the theme of the song:- Lord, I can't live without you and you know it's true
- But there's no livin' with you so what'll I do
- I'm goin' honky tonkin', get as tight as I can
- And maybe by then you'll 'preciate a good man
- Tell me why baby, why baby, why baby why
- You make me cry baby, cry baby, cry baby cry
The arrangement is upbeat honky tonk, led by a fiddle that plays throughout the song. Overall, the song has been described as a classic of the "finger-pointin' cheatin' song".
Covers
Since the release of Jones' rendition, "Why Baby Why" has been covered by several other artists, many of whom have charted with it as well. Jones himself re-recorded it in 1994 as a duet with Ricky SkaggsRicky Skaggs
Rickie Lee "Ricky" Skaggs is a country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, and banjo.-Early career:...
for the album The Bradley Barn Sessions, an album which featured re-recordings of Jones's songs as duets.
Two different versions of the song have reached Number One on the country charts, making it one of the only country songs to hold that distinction. Artists who have had country chart hits with renditions of this song include the following:
- Red SovineRed SovineWoodrow Wilson Sovine , better known as Red Sovine, was an American country music singer associated with truck driving songs, particularly those recited as narratives but set to music...
and Webb PierceWebb PierceWebb Michael Pierce was one of the most popular American honky tonk vocalists of the 1950s, charting more number one hits than any other country artist during the decade. His biggest hit was "In The Jailhouse Now," which charted for 37 weeks in 1955, 21 of them at number one...
, #1 in 1956 - Hank LocklinHank LocklinLawrence Hankins Locklin , better known as Hank Locklin, was an American country music singer-songwriter...
, #9 later in 1956 - Warren SmithWarren Smith (singer)Warren Smith was an American rockabilly and country music singer and guitarist.-Biography:Smith was born in Humphreys County, Mississippi to Iola and Willie Warren Smith, who divorced when he was young...
and Shirley CollieShirley CollieShirley Collie Nelson , born Shirley Angelina Simpson, was an American country music and rockabilly singer, yodeler, guitarist and songwriter...
, #23 in 1961 - Charley PrideCharley PrideCharley Frank Pride is an American country music singer. His smooth baritone voice was featured on thirty-nine number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. His greatest success came in the early- to mid-1970s, when he became the best-selling performer for RCA Records since Elvis...
, #1 in 1983 - The Good BrothersThe Good BrothersThe Good Brothers are a Canadian country, bluegrass and folk music group originating from Richmond Hill, Ontario. The band's core members are Brian Good , his twin brother Bruce Good and younger brother Larry Good ....
, #20 in 1991 in Canada - Palomino RoadPalomino Road-Track listing:All songs written by Keith Follesé, Ronnie Guilbeau and Thom McHugh except where noted.#"Why Baby Why" – 2:33#"It Works Both Ways" – 2:40#"That's Where I Draw the Line" – 3:06...
, #46 in 1992
"Why Baby Why" is the title of a country music
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
song co-written and originally recorded by George Jones
George Jones
George Glenn Jones is an American country music singer known for his long list of hit records, his distinctive voice and phrasing, and his marriage to Tammy Wynette....
. Released in late 1955 on Starday Records, and produced by Starday co-founder and Jones manager Pappy Daily
Pappy Daily
Harold W. Daily , better known as "Pappy" Daily, was an American country music record producer and entrepreneur who cofounded the Texas-based record label Starday Records...
, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
country charts that year. It was Jones' first chart single, following several unsuccessful singles released during the prior year on Starday.
The single's early airplay occurred in Jones' home state of Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, with Houston's country music station KIKK
KIKK
KIKK is a daytime-only station in the Houston, Texas area and broadcasts a news/talk radio format under ownership of CBS Radio. Despite different owners, KIKK and KHOU-TV maintain a strong partnership ....
ranking it number one locally. Their charts were sent to stations around the country, which began to pick it up as well, partially overcoming Starday's regionally-limited distribution. However, its progress on the chart was blunted by Red Sovine
Red Sovine
Woodrow Wilson Sovine , better known as Red Sovine, was an American country music singer associated with truck driving songs, particularly those recited as narratives but set to music...
and Webb Pierce
Webb Pierce
Webb Michael Pierce was one of the most popular American honky tonk vocalists of the 1950s, charting more number one hits than any other country artist during the decade. His biggest hit was "In The Jailhouse Now," which charted for 37 weeks in 1955, 21 of them at number one...
's cover duet, which benefited from Decca Records
Decca Records
Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades....
' major label status and national distribution and rose to number one on the chart over the 1955–1956 Christmas holiday period. Jones's rendition was later included as the first track on his 1957 debut album Grand Ole Opry's New Star.
Content
The lyric sets up the theme of the song:- Lord, I can't live without you and you know it's true
- But there's no livin' with you so what'll I do
- I'm goin' honky tonkin', get as tight as I can
- And maybe by then you'll 'preciate a good man
- Tell me why baby, why baby, why baby why
- You make me cry baby, cry baby, cry baby cry
The arrangement is upbeat honky tonk, led by a fiddle that plays throughout the song. Overall, the song has been described as a classic of the "finger-pointin' cheatin' song".
Covers
Since the release of Jones' rendition, "Why Baby Why" has been covered by several other artists, many of whom have charted with it as well. Jones himself re-recorded it in 1994 as a duet with Ricky SkaggsRicky Skaggs
Rickie Lee "Ricky" Skaggs is a country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, and banjo.-Early career:...
for the album The Bradley Barn Sessions, an album which featured re-recordings of Jones's songs as duets.
Two different versions of the song have reached Number One on the country charts, making it one of the only country songs to hold that distinction. Artists who have had country chart hits with renditions of this song include the following:
- Red SovineRed SovineWoodrow Wilson Sovine , better known as Red Sovine, was an American country music singer associated with truck driving songs, particularly those recited as narratives but set to music...
and Webb PierceWebb PierceWebb Michael Pierce was one of the most popular American honky tonk vocalists of the 1950s, charting more number one hits than any other country artist during the decade. His biggest hit was "In The Jailhouse Now," which charted for 37 weeks in 1955, 21 of them at number one...
, #1 in 1956 - Hank LocklinHank LocklinLawrence Hankins Locklin , better known as Hank Locklin, was an American country music singer-songwriter...
, #9 later in 1956 - Warren SmithWarren Smith (singer)Warren Smith was an American rockabilly and country music singer and guitarist.-Biography:Smith was born in Humphreys County, Mississippi to Iola and Willie Warren Smith, who divorced when he was young...
and Shirley CollieShirley CollieShirley Collie Nelson , born Shirley Angelina Simpson, was an American country music and rockabilly singer, yodeler, guitarist and songwriter...
, #23 in 1961 - Charley PrideCharley PrideCharley Frank Pride is an American country music singer. His smooth baritone voice was featured on thirty-nine number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. His greatest success came in the early- to mid-1970s, when he became the best-selling performer for RCA Records since Elvis...
, #1 in 1983 - The Good BrothersThe Good BrothersThe Good Brothers are a Canadian country, bluegrass and folk music group originating from Richmond Hill, Ontario. The band's core members are Brian Good , his twin brother Bruce Good and younger brother Larry Good ....
, #20 in 1991 in Canada - Palomino RoadPalomino Road-Track listing:All songs written by Keith Follesé, Ronnie Guilbeau and Thom McHugh except where noted.#"Why Baby Why" – 2:33#"It Works Both Ways" – 2:40#"That's Where I Draw the Line" – 3:06...
, #46 in 1992
"Why Baby Why" is the title of a country music
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
song co-written and originally recorded by George Jones
George Jones
George Glenn Jones is an American country music singer known for his long list of hit records, his distinctive voice and phrasing, and his marriage to Tammy Wynette....
. Released in late 1955 on Starday Records, and produced by Starday co-founder and Jones manager Pappy Daily
Pappy Daily
Harold W. Daily , better known as "Pappy" Daily, was an American country music record producer and entrepreneur who cofounded the Texas-based record label Starday Records...
, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
country charts that year. It was Jones' first chart single, following several unsuccessful singles released during the prior year on Starday.
The single's early airplay occurred in Jones' home state of Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, with Houston's country music station KIKK
KIKK
KIKK is a daytime-only station in the Houston, Texas area and broadcasts a news/talk radio format under ownership of CBS Radio. Despite different owners, KIKK and KHOU-TV maintain a strong partnership ....
ranking it number one locally. Their charts were sent to stations around the country, which began to pick it up as well, partially overcoming Starday's regionally-limited distribution. However, its progress on the chart was blunted by Red Sovine
Red Sovine
Woodrow Wilson Sovine , better known as Red Sovine, was an American country music singer associated with truck driving songs, particularly those recited as narratives but set to music...
and Webb Pierce
Webb Pierce
Webb Michael Pierce was one of the most popular American honky tonk vocalists of the 1950s, charting more number one hits than any other country artist during the decade. His biggest hit was "In The Jailhouse Now," which charted for 37 weeks in 1955, 21 of them at number one...
's cover duet, which benefited from Decca Records
Decca Records
Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades....
' major label status and national distribution and rose to number one on the chart over the 1955–1956 Christmas holiday period. Jones's rendition was later included as the first track on his 1957 debut album Grand Ole Opry's New Star.
Content
The lyric sets up the theme of the song:- Lord, I can't live without you and you know it's true
- But there's no livin' with you so what'll I do
- I'm goin' honky tonkin', get as tight as I can
- And maybe by then you'll 'preciate a good man
- Tell me why baby, why baby, why baby why
- You make me cry baby, cry baby, cry baby cry
The arrangement is upbeat honky tonk, led by a fiddle that plays throughout the song. Overall, the song has been described as a classic of the "finger-pointin' cheatin' song".
Covers
Since the release of Jones' rendition, "Why Baby Why" has been covered by several other artists, many of whom have charted with it as well. Jones himself re-recorded it in 1994 as a duet with Ricky SkaggsRicky Skaggs
Rickie Lee "Ricky" Skaggs is a country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, and banjo.-Early career:...
for the album The Bradley Barn Sessions, an album which featured re-recordings of Jones's songs as duets.
Two different versions of the song have reached Number One on the country charts, making it one of the only country songs to hold that distinction. Artists who have had country chart hits with renditions of this song include the following:
- Red SovineRed SovineWoodrow Wilson Sovine , better known as Red Sovine, was an American country music singer associated with truck driving songs, particularly those recited as narratives but set to music...
and Webb PierceWebb PierceWebb Michael Pierce was one of the most popular American honky tonk vocalists of the 1950s, charting more number one hits than any other country artist during the decade. His biggest hit was "In The Jailhouse Now," which charted for 37 weeks in 1955, 21 of them at number one...
, #1 in 1956 - Hank LocklinHank LocklinLawrence Hankins Locklin , better known as Hank Locklin, was an American country music singer-songwriter...
, #9 later in 1956 - Warren SmithWarren Smith (singer)Warren Smith was an American rockabilly and country music singer and guitarist.-Biography:Smith was born in Humphreys County, Mississippi to Iola and Willie Warren Smith, who divorced when he was young...
and Shirley CollieShirley CollieShirley Collie Nelson , born Shirley Angelina Simpson, was an American country music and rockabilly singer, yodeler, guitarist and songwriter...
, #23 in 1961 - Charley PrideCharley PrideCharley Frank Pride is an American country music singer. His smooth baritone voice was featured on thirty-nine number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. His greatest success came in the early- to mid-1970s, when he became the best-selling performer for RCA Records since Elvis...
, #1 in 1983 - The Good BrothersThe Good BrothersThe Good Brothers are a Canadian country, bluegrass and folk music group originating from Richmond Hill, Ontario. The band's core members are Brian Good , his twin brother Bruce Good and younger brother Larry Good ....
, #20 in 1991 in Canada - Palomino RoadPalomino Road-Track listing:All songs written by Keith Follesé, Ronnie Guilbeau and Thom McHugh except where noted.#"Why Baby Why" – 2:33#"It Works Both Ways" – 2:40#"That's Where I Draw the Line" – 3:06...
, #46 in 1992