Formed in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, in 1971 and originally called Shacklock after founder-member Alan Shacklock, the band soon rebranded as Babe Ruth after the American baseball legend, adding vocalist Janita “Jenny” Haan, who was born in Edgware, England, but raised in the US from age 12 to 17.
The band released their debut album, First Base, in 1972. Sporting a striking futuristic baseball-themed cover painted by iconic artist Roger Dean (famous for his work with Yes), the album went gold in Canada and sold incredibly well in the US.
Subsequent albums included Amar Caballero (1973), Babe Ruth (1975), and Stealin’ Home (1975), while internal friction led to several rapid lineup shifts.
Alan Shacklock departed in 1975, and Jenny Haan left shortly afterwards. By their final 1976 album, Kid’s Stuff, none of the original members remained, and the band dissolved shortly after.
The core lineup (Haan, Shacklock, Hewitt, and Punshon) reunited in 2002, released a new album, Que Pasa, in 2007, and occasionally performed live.
Jenny (Janita) Haan
Vocals Alan Shacklock
Guitar, keyboards Dave Hewitt
Bass Dave Punshon
Keyboards Dick Powell
Drums Ellie Hope
Vocals Ray Knott
Bass Steve Gurl
Keyboards Ed Spevock
Drums Bernie Marsden
Guitar Sid Twineham
Guitar Allan Ross
Guitar
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The band released their debut album, First Base, in 1972. Sporting a striking futuristic baseball-themed cover painted by iconic artist Roger Dean (famous for his work with Yes), the album went gold in Canada and sold incredibly well in the US.
