Behind The Vinyl: "Babe" with Dennis DeYoung from STYX

[@dean828]

Suzanne DeYoung has had two absolute all time classic songs written for her Dennis... "Lady" and "Babe"...

[@msmegs93]

I was thinking the same thing. Lucky girl!

[@deanrobert9953]

That bit of noodling keys at the beginning is magic... absolutely no one at that moment could have known it'd become iconic. Fabulous

[@glenc3249]

If I lived to be ten thousand years old; this would still be my all time favourite!!

[@clamshell6863]

This was their only hit that reached number one. However, to me all their songs are number one. Styx is the best.

[@niallshaw]

This is rock solid proof that those with enormous talent talk about making "demos" that are timeless songs. Dennis DeYoung is an amazing songwriter, singer, instrumentalist, the list goes on. Describing this song as a demo is proof positive that you had to be amazingly gifted in the studio back then without auto tune or anything else. And he is so incredibly modest and self-effacing because he doesn't have to show off, he is just that good.

[@TheHistrionics]

Dennis really does tell the best "behind the scenes" stories. His memory seems sharp and tru and his stories are clear, concise and detailed with a ton of background information that covers every aspect of the song.

[@enriqueb.815]

Thank you Mr. De Young for this beautiful ballad. It has been one of my favorites since 1980. I was only 14 then but it has always meant alot to me, even to this day.

[@jessicamyidolxo]

I was the same age. Great song.

[@charlie5thumbs351]

Fascinating to hear all of the stories behind these songs.

[@Dusty2112]

This was/ is the soundtrack love song for the only woman that bared my child ,a wonderful Son Who is turning 35 of all things today Thank You Sylvie.

[@raideenj]

Great story, would never have guessed was just a "demo tape" cause it sounds masterfully done. Makes sense, this is an expression of love for the love of his life and people can feel that.

[@jayzeagerauctioneer]

I had a chance to interview Dennis many years ago when I was in radio and he brought a little Casio in the studio with him and played a number of Styx and DD songs. He did tell the story of Tommy not wanting Babe followed by First Time to be released back to back. (More of the story is on the Behind the Music) He was one of the most gracious and respectful musicians we had in our studio and it made me even more of a fan of his. Love these Behind The Vinyl segments so keep up the great work!

[@alejandraahmed1177]

God bless you, Dennis Deyoung for giving us this song! Love you!

[@BrianPDowning]

I watched most of these Behind The Vinyl videos and Dennis is just about the most winning interviewee. His self-deprecation and humor are all wrapped up in a tight story that he, somehow, makes last as long as the particular song in question.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

many people miss that point about Denny. he's known for cracking inside jokes and self depreciating.. stats Chicago kind of dialect the throws a lot of people off

[@gbaker9295]

I like him. He's arrogant in his own way but always makes me laugh. Good singer/songwriter and self taught

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@gbaker9295 arrogant but not afraid to laugh about it

[@jamesmoritz3584]

He is not boring.

[@jamesmoritz3584]

I find him interesting 🐱

[@johneldridge8678]

Dennis's wife's sister, Dawn, asked me to go to the Styx concert with her. It was around 1980-81 I THINK. In North County, in San Diego. I didn't know she was related to Dennis. We had just met. She picked me up at my house and there was a Limo waiting out there. I was shocked. I got in the Limo and Dawn, introduced me to her sister and told me this is her sister and Dennis De Young's wife. I couldn't believe it. We went to the concert and we obviously had GREAT seats. When they sang the song "Babe" Dennis came over to where we were sitting and sang it to his wife. It was incredible. We got to go back stage and met Linda Blair and other celebrities. Time of my life. I was 18, or 19 years old. Rest in peace Dawn.

[@johneldridge8678]

@veganhigler6541 No. Dawn and I became friends only. I never had a relationship with her sister or Dennis.

[@johneldridge8678]

@veganhigler6541 I believe it was cancer.

[@MrEsma-hm7gv]

That's an awesome experience! It was a great example of just saying yes to something and showing up without expectations.

[@VintageMdrummer]

I love him way more than I thought it would. That’s the first I’ve seen him just being himself. Love it

[@TheFredismShow]

DeYoung is just so fantastically talented that he blows my mind! I love the songs that he wrote. He knows how to build energy in a song so well. And maybe this is a lesson in trusting your first instincts and not trampling on the freshness. His demo was inspired by the love of his life.

[@kevdonew1412]

dennis this never sucked it has many memories for me in high school thanks

[@tahoma6889]

Dennis is Maestro , without a doubt.

[@firstdayonline]

Thank you and everyone for making this beautiful song!

[@bondjapan]

That was just as good as McCartney.

[@starblazers01]

Great storyteller ❤

[@husamnesheiwat1003]

I was 12 in 1979 when this song came out in Yonkers New York I fell in love with Lisa puff in 5th grade. Great memories

[@alwrig]

It probably also holds the record for most frequently played at wedding receptions.

[@michaelvaladez3012]

Great song Dennis,such a beautiful power ballad,you're a true music legend!

[@superman27721]

Thanks Dennis for the great share. As this a special song for me and my late wife who I called BABE as well. It hits a bone still every time I hear it and takes me thoughts back to happy times with her. Thanks again ...

[@corymon1567]

The writer the feeling, the voice and the human = The most amazing songs 🎹🎤🎵🎶

[@BillGraper]

The song is so amazing! I can't believe it's not truly "Styx." I just learned something new about one of my favorite songs. :)

[@fernandorego098]

Probably my favorite song! Great voice. Underrated singer!

[@imperialbairan4866]

I just love you Dennis Deyoung.❤

[@rolandhowells4618]

A wonderful story behind a beautiful song!

[@daleywhaley]

The story of him playing it to his friends and family broke me lol

[@kichitora9353]

どうもありがとう。 DOMO ARIGATTO. FROM Mr.ROBOT. Thanks for uploading and Dennis-san's beautiful voice!

[@cricket700612]

What a nice video! He loved his wife. :)

[@fleurof28]

love this song!!! the first Styx song I’ve ever heard since i was i think in first grade... I so love it and I believe I always listen to it before going to sleep...

[@hinjurock]

I loved this song when I was a kid.

[@kittykatmt]

Thank you Dennis for the insight about this song.

[@HiroForever]

He really has always had the greatest pipes.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Styx is my favorite rock band. I've been to over 500 concerts and I'm a brother!

[@gravics]

This is such a great story.

[@ds2jim]

fantastic. just fantastic.

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

Great talk Thank you

[@BillMcGirr]

Great story and a wonderful song. Good stuff.👍💪

[@mintlp]

Great story and beautiful song! Brilliant accidental use of the Fender Rhodes because it made the mood of this tune come out.

[@elcivilista]

Beautiful!!! Thanks Dennis

[@zoptu5608]

The song that got me hooked on Styx and started buying their albums from Cornerstone to Caught in the Act.

[@macsnafu]

"That's me imitating Paul McCartney. Didn't work." ;-)

[@DWH072]

I could listen to him all day

[@hockeynutt9434]

One of the Greats for sure.

[@jsprite123]

Thanks for writing such a wonderful song!

[@CraftAero]

Just the opening notes throw me back in time. I remember my friends of those days. Thank you.

[@MonicoHernandezIII]

Thank you Dennis. Thank you very much.

[@jenniferkubik478]

This one takes me back to my toddler years or shortly after, before preschool. It was on the radio all the time at the same. I always associate it with 1981-1983.

[@Slavatoremondo]

We love you Dennis ❤

[@German_1]

Styx has always been my favorite..

[@huishaai]

Great song, great story ..., i like it even more now.

[@groovee63]

I sang this song in a cover band for a decade or longer and never got tired of it. It was kind of an emotional song for me to sing for various reasons but I never got tired of singing it... various videos I've seen saying that Shaw did not want to play this tune toward the end of their partnership

[@zestusfaze59]

Shaw and the others who didnt want to play it should stfu. Im betting that song alone bought every member in that band cars, houses, jewelry for their wives and college education for their kids.

[@crissdrums3975]

Top 5 most underrated singer of all time

[@davechow704]

Always the No.1 song of the Styx ❤

[@paulmachado6774]

Great story and great song brings back memories and still makes you think today.

[@rlgroshans]

I have always loved the music of Styx. It has always been a major part of my life's soundtrack. And this song, Babe, is my all-time favorite Styx tune.

[@PikesvilleAl]

Tommy Shaw and JY never got over Dennis making the only #1 Styx song by himself (with the twins help)

[@TJR-ClassicRockCorner0124]

Tommy did overdub the guitar solo and ironically Tommy was soloing on First Time.

[@PKOENT125]

What a talent. Amazing!

[@technoforever888]

Awww, one of my hubby's fav songs!!!

[@giuseppedimarco4212]

This is awesome love this song

[@travelingaroundtheworld1367]

Dennis, you are a great man.

[@michaelglavin4970]

Love these videos, don’t stop! Been listening to your music since you came out and still do. YOU are Styx...

[@mikeysuzefour]

'Babe' was the very first song I ever did to introduce myself into the 'karaoke' world back on June 1st 1996 and I haven't stopped singing since then...Thank you SO much Dennis & STYX for bringing me the inspirational song that changed my life! ;)

[@GoodMrDawes]

Beautiful love song

[@johnnyM809]

Great song

[@antonioanchiraico4542]

Siempre idolatre esa canción, pareciera de otro mundo, han pasado más de 25 años desde q lo escuche, en los 90s sabia q fue del 1980 y fue un éxito q duro décadas y aún lo es puesto q no existe un tema q lo iguale o supere..... Lima Perú

[@michaelbartosh8203]

I like to hear how they makes this song. I am learning how to play babe by Styx on my keyboard because I love it so much.

[@mooogg]

👍

[@MiningMyBusiness]

Dennis is amazing

[@dutyboundservant]

All these years later we find out it was a demo! 😂 Probably the best demo ever recorded.

[@vassa1972]

Good stuff

[@josephsell4607]

Crazy first song I slow danced too.cindy legene .I was in the 9th grade 1979

[@Geotubest]

Brilliant song. Love the story behind it.

[@lorekennedy9890]

Name's Sonny, This song has alot of personal meaning to me. I dedicated this song to 2 girl's back in my late teens early 20's asked them to marry me they both said yes. However not at the same time. Eventually we went our separate ways without getting married. When I hear this song it makes me remember some of the good times of my past. I turned 53 in April. My current wife will be married for 8 years this October. And I feel that they s song still fit's my current situation. It took me all of these years to find my true "BABE" S.K.😎

[@KOLDBLU3ST33L]

VERY COOL

[@a2zme]

I've been watching this 'Behind The Vinyl' series this week, listening very closely to see which songs still hold up in 2019: so far, they all do :) #classics

[@damrgee8279]

Genius 😊

[@edgbostonnorth7167]

Dennis, down to earth and heaven sent, great personality when are you coming to Boston/Cape cod Melody Tent small venu. We love "Babe" and love" you" ! anywhere in Mass,, !

[@garygordon7210]

Great voice!

[@dansalvador4302]

I really love this song, really..

[@campsecxxi7448]

Super

[@nealm6764]

"MY wife's birthday and I wanted to write her a song, in lieu of buying her jewelry... if you catch my drift." ROFL! I love it! Also: "Geez Dennis, that song didn't suck nearly as bad as we thought it would! I took that as a good sign considering they were family and friends."

[@Mickcotton]

We will always Love ❤️you

[@uneedtherapy42]

fully admit... this tune makes me cry every damn time I hear it... not ashamed to admit that

[@KrazyKittyTailz]

Dennis De Young is Styx is Dennis De Young!! I'm an unfettered Styx purist....love yah, Dennis!

[@phsycopiano]

Don’t care what anyone says but this is such a great song

[@rednoiseful]

You are one heck of a nice guy🙃

[@larrydockery7201]

you are one hell of a guy dennis rock on love your music man

[@markorendas1790]

GREAT!!!!

[@cliffordhritz5215]

I still have my 45 record of this song

[@smithperformanceracing5848]

Very talented guy right there. 👍

[@josearriola3087]

Wat a song

[@teddyl7006]

You mean songs don't need to be written for a concept album? They can stand alone?

[@nealm6764]

Hahahahaha! After all these years the axe still gets ground.

[@clamshell6863]

I love hearing Dennis' stories on Styx. He seems like a down to Earth guy, but I know he has some bad blood now with the current lineup. It is hard to take sides on the matter with he says, they say. They are all talented musicians and wish they can make amends. Styx is one of my favorite rock bands that of all time and would love to see Dennis go back. However, that would never happen.

[@crissdrums3975]

Styx is, was and will always be D Deyoung

[@jonnuanez7183]

"That doesn't suck nearly as much as we thought it would" 😂 Considering all the records it set and sold...

[@CGMedia2023]

Am I crazy to say that DeYoung's prog rock was his best material? (Lady, Suite Madame Blue, etc.)

[@nicksterwixter]

Chris G. DeYoung's prog rock was the best Styx material period (sorry Tommy)

[@dutyboundservant]

I even like Mr. Roboto... 😂