KLIZ is reporting that Norman "Hurricane" Smith has passed away. Obviously, many people are going to remember him for his association with The Beatles and Pink Floyd. But I must take a moment to tell all of you that his great single from late '72 and into '73 "Oh Babe, What Would You Say" will always remain deeply imbedded in my heart.
It was such a wonderful and campy little single. To me, it always had the right combination of seriousness and screwballishness in it which suited me perfectly. To this day, it is the one song that I would actually take the chance of dancing to with a wonderful lady and demonstrate to her the fine art of tripping over myself and her in the literal sense and as well with my words.
For this lovely little ditty, I will always remain forever grateful to "Hurricane" Smith. Over 35 years have passed since it was released. It is still successfully keeping me going in regards to my attempting to keep going on until I finally meet a woman. That the power of a forgotten single still emanates within me is something I wonder at. At the same time, I don't question it either. I just let it be.
He lived to be 85 according to the report. That's a nice long time. Long live campy, screwball songs which give guys hope!

Rest In Peace.

I have very fond memories of "Oh Babe..." as well.

I was living in West Germany at the time and one of the record stores in town had a handful of K-Tel LPs from the USA (compilations which featured the "big hits" of the day.) I remember the first time I played that album and heard the song. It was strange and enjoyable at the same time. Smith's voice was so different, but in a good way. Of course, it wasn't until decades later that I learned of his affiliation with the Fab Four.

Rest In Peace....