Babe Ruth

by Jason AnkenyProgressive rock unit Babe Ruth was formed in Hertfordshire, England in 1971 by singer Janita Jenny Haan, guitarist Alan Shacklock (whose surname lent the group their original moniker), and bassist Dave Hewitt. Pianist Dave Punshon and drummer Dick Powell joined the lineup prior to the 1971 release of Babe Ruths debut single, Elusive; the 1972 LP, First Base — which credited the explosive Haan with vocal power — generated the groups best-known song, the Shacklock-penned Wells Fargo, and despite limited interest at home, the album earned a following on North American shores, going gold in Canada. Drummer Ed Spevock replaced Powell for the follow-up, 1973s Amar Caballero, while ex-Wild Turkey keyboardist Steve Gurl assumed Punshons duties for Babe Ruths self-titled third effort; the most pivotal blow, however, was the subsequent exit of Shacklock, with another Wild Turkey alum, guitarist Bernie Marsden, signing on for 1975s Stealin Home. Though the album seemed poised to finally push the group into the British mainstream, Haan and Hewitt both resigned; singer Ellie Hope and bassist Ray Knott were tapped for 1976s Kids Stuff, but without a single founding member remaining in the lineup, Babe Ruth disbanded months later. Marsden eventually resurfaced in Whitesnake.