Babys - Isn't It Time • TopPop

This is a Topop classic!
The Babys are a British rock group best known for their songs "Isn't It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You". Both songs were composed by Jack Conrad and Ray Kennedy, and they reached No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Cashbox chart in the late 1970s. The classic Babys line-up consisted of founding member keyboardist/guitarist Michael Corby, and, in order of joining the group, vocalist/bassist John Waite, drummer Tony Brock and guitarist Wally Stocker.
In this Toppop recording of 7 January 1978 one of the Dutch back-up singers is Margriet Eshuys of Dutch band Lucifer. Anyone recognises the other singer?
This hit reached #4 on the Dutch Top 40 on 4 on 14 January 1978
Watch our great music videos ❯ goo.gl/feVLNN
More TopPop? Subscribe here ❯ goo.gl/X9FOAU
More info on Wikipedia ❯ en.wikipedia.o...
Broadcast date: 7 January 1978
This is to let you know that the video recording of the video clip was originally recorded by AVROTROS Broadcasting. AVROTROS Broadcasting hereby warrants and represents that it is the sole and exclusive owner of the physical film and/or videotape footage in this video clip.
The performance of the artist(s) in the clip was filmed and recorded with the written consent of the artist(s) and their representatives.
AVROTROS is a Dutch radio and television broadcaster, founded in 2014 from a merger of AVRO and TROS. From January 1st, 2014 the name of the merged broadcaster was used in joint programmes. AVRO was founded in 1923 as the Netherlands first public broadcaster. TROS started broadcasting in 1964. Toppop was a weekly AVRO pop program that was aired between 1970 and 1988.
AVROTROS Broadcasting
PO Box 2
1200 JA Hilversum
The Netherlands
TopPop was the first regular dedicated pop music TV show in the Dutch language area. Dutch broadcaster AVRO aired the programme weekly, from 1970 to 1988. Presenter Ad Visser hosted the show for its first fifteen years.
World famous music artists performed on TopPop: ABBA, 10CC, Bee Gees, The Jacksons with Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Earth & Fire, Queen, Golden Earring, Boney M, KC & The Sunshine Band, Chic, Donna Summer and many many more.

[@gsteeleproductions]

I was a music director at a radio station when this song was released. I immediately saw it as a "hit" and put it on the station. I'm proud to say that I received a coveted "gold record" award commemorating being one of the first stations in the U.S. to play it. I've always loved this song!

[@MarceloRomero360]

Which station? City?

[@Habusinessservices]

@@MarceloRomero360 KVIC, Victoria, Tx

[@richiemorgan7209]

Great story Gary!!! ❤️

[@user-nu6ft2ph9r]

Awesome!

[@nicidevine6670]

Great song 🎶

[@KP11520]

The Backing Vocals from the Young Ladies was magical! That's how GREAT songs are made!

[@Tatumthirty2]

I agree the ladies are killing it !!

[@TheFatstuff]

Agree. Fantastic song but I always felt that the background vocals made the song. Nice to put faces to the voices.

[@amya2345]

The backup singers look like sisters to me

[@shaw6780]

The strong vocals of the three Babettes from Andraé Crouch & The Disciples, Lisa Freeman-Roberts, Myrna Matthews and Pat Henderson

[@amya2345]

@JeffMathias - I agree totally !

[@timo4040]

John Waite doesn’t get the recognition he deserved in his day. His ballads are priceless

[@michaelganovski7077]

trying to see him tour this summer w Foreigner and Styx!!

[@deefarnan9363]

And his hair is divine ❤

[@missylaster9808]

❤

[@muppetrowlf1473]

Gorgeous voice.

[@PNWOlygurl66]

I agree!

[@brenthicks6164]

Great song. Only sad thing is realizing there will never be another 70s decade to live through!

[@nancyzorbaugh1904]

So many memories from that time.

[@theresajb6463]

Never say never!

[@Ghostrider-71]

2070…..only I will be 99 yrs old. Have fun everyone.

[@bethmccallister2926]

At least we have You Tube to revisit our favorite songs.

[@steveshampine9047]

But we that were there, oh how lucky we are.

[@MWRush2112]

They don’t make music like this anymore. John Waite is a legend.

[@johnwarren8497]

As well as Jonathan Cain!

[@patriot130]

Check out the Cannon's .. Their melody's will suck you in. The whole album is amazing.

[@smithwilliam6837]

In my house time less

[@PNWOlygurl66]

Yes He Is! ❤

[@eloysherlockmusic]

@@johnwarren8497 That is not Jonathan Cain. It is original Baby member Michael Corby who started the group.

[@benfranklin1770]

What makes John Waites songs even more awesome are the backup singers..

[@jamesjazzy8040]

That's what I said..

[@CraigHollabaugh]

And those horn fills...

[@bluedeuce100]

The Baby's were grossly underrated

[@chriskelly6559]

Not by me.

[@bluedeuce100]

@@chriskelly6559 Not by me either. I liked their music a lot. I just think with all the big rock bands they didn't get the recognition they really deserved.

[@disseminationnetwork]

One of my faves for sure! Loved Midnight Rendezvous first time I heard it in the early 80s!

[@SpaceLord2025]

wrong

[@wantsomecoffee]

Actually, they weren’t. But thanks for your comment.

[@YourExcellencee]

This is from a time when we took amazing music for granted.

[@goosefarm3602]

so true we did

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

I continue the practice.

[@11dsw]

It mostly ended in 1980….never recovered.

[@Dirty_Squirrell]

So true.

[@fritterfoof5146]

That is a big Understatement .

[@dmg1837]

John Waite was definitely ahead of his time. True talent!

[@xpindy]

Knew John in the 80's when he had success on his own. One of the nicest, most regular people you could ever want to meet.

[@MBD-ec8wn]

A forerunner to the likes of Scott Weland and Chris Cornell...

[@robertandersen5748]

At age 64, music is my last two hours of every night. My favorites. This song pop's up, I listen, I love, I remember life. Maybe just me, but this group, this man, touches me. This video is a very special moment in time.

[@MissRobbiOKC]

❤ Agree!

[@thickbrianq]

65 here and I love this, my life was so sweet and precious back then and I lived a full time.

[@marynorriss1717]

Amen.............

[@brendee85]

Me, too…the older music speaks to me and prepares me for the next day. Rock on, fellow music lover🙌🏻👍🏻👏🏻🤟🏻

[@nancy9478]

❤ relaxing in the evening, listening to my teen years on youtube. 65 and still remembering those days!

[@rebeccawagner4167]

I just love this song,just a musical treasure ❤❤

[@gregharris2442]

the 70s will always be the era of the best music bar none

[@donaldallen4285]

So true and I really miss the the 70’S. Wish I could go back

[@bensmith4563]

​@donaldallen4285 i wasn't even there and i want to go back there

[@pipegarmich]

And the 80s

[@jamessholtz6016]

I love the two female backup singers. Their look, demeanor, smiles, moves etc. fit 1978 perfectly.

[@susanszabo7130]

They look like sisters

[@tammypleasant2958]

The original backup singers were three females from Andre Crouch andThe Disciples. Lisa Freeman-Roberts,Myrna Matthews and Pat Henderson.They are seen on the original video.

[@joycefineoutbirmingham7103]

​​@@tammypleasant2958with Marti McCall they were The Babettes.

[@atlantarhythmsection2017]

Love their glance at each other and slight smiles when Waite messes up the lip sync at 2:47 mark. 😂 It also appeared that Waite was extremely ticked at himself which I’m sure he was being a consummate professional.

[@gjverhoof1336]

One of them is Margriet Eshuis, a Dutch singer , probably only filling in for this TV recording as she was from Dutch band Lucifer herself@@lewisner

[@okrajoe]

Still sounds great in 2024!

[@James-zd1lk]

BETTER

[@chefangel4ever]

Can’t wait, seeing him tonight!

[@sealisa1398]

Haven’t heard this in decades…what a treat.

[@MatthewLooex]

2024 was a great year🎉

[@Stickman1001]

That voice and melody! Those haunting keyboard!! The horns! The backup singers! That bass! How pop music can get a bad rap is beyond me. Listen to this song and it immediately takes me to a much needed happy place. Thanks Mr Waite and all you talented musicians.

[@denairby7454]

Don't you love these lip sync videos?

[@lettylynton1932]

@@denairby7454 Love how you know when the lead singer stuffs up and it's not edited out !

[@ullrloki6568]

Echos of Motown

[@frankmarsh1159]

Pop music ? Well it depends on the era don't you think?

[@farideldiwany8043]

Spot on my friend! Every single word.

[@JoyceB-qv9xq]

John is so stinkin' adorable here.

[@tinakannady6458]

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame please. The Babys deserve to be there.

[@usayes]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written

[@johnbriggs7966]

That was a seriously underrated band right there!! Freaking John Waite was so talented. I was too young then, but discovered them afterwards. Love em

[@ftwins2000]

Too Bad Waite got Fat Head and thought he was Bigger than the Band. His Solo Career was brief, had he stayed who knows where the Babys would be now.

[@donaldallen4285]

I got to see them back then and they put on a good concert. The rumor was back then they broke up because their keyboard player decide to quit and go play for journey

[@chuckrastchannel]

They weren't underrated at the time.

[@angham3829]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

[@laurenonmoonlightdr]

I was wondering when he will get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He needs to be!!

[@Truth-matters-v2z]

Saw John Waite a couple of years ago. His voice is still incredible and what a performer. Never gets old

[@peteisaacson816]

I saw him recently also one of the best performances ever

[@Skyviking]

I’m a fool for this love song! 💜😇🙏

[@patrickpower2342]

It's a. Exceptional love songs to some of us that still believe in love...

[@kepcar]

My favorite part of this and their other hit is how the "background singers" add so much more to the song - instead of just complementing the lead vocal, they add to the story within the song. Real gems from true artists.

[@jimhunt1592]

Great song. And the backup singers have a beautiful harmony.

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

One of the best songs ever written and performed !

[@MandyMoore-e1c]

I know I could listen to it over and over a masterpiece

[@kenbott5612]

Simply the best backup singers I’ve ever heard

[@ronleight9341]

Check out the two girls from Steely Dan's Showbiz Kids performed live on The Midnight Special.

[@Modernaire]

@@ronleight9341 I was going to reply the same thing!🤩

[@zebra3stripes]

When I can't decide whether I want to listen to classic rock, a ballad, a great pop song, or disco, I always choose this tune.

[@1prairiegirl]

Well said @zebra3stripes.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I agree 👍

[@rangerrick222]

I agree and do same!

[@angham3829]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” King James Version

[@lorifreeman1746]

There's nothing better than the great songs of the past I'm sixty years old I would rather hear this great music than what kids listen to knowadays ❤

[@VivianSwim-e2x]

I would have to agree with you.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

My grandmother said the same thing about the musicians on the Lawrence Welk show… 🤭 😅

[@soglo2009]

@@KittyGrizGrizExactly. Each generation has its voice

[@joebobb7349]

Yeah, but Lawrence Welk never made music that gave you energy and made you get up and dance@@KittyGrizGriz

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@joebobb7349 Well, to be perfectly honest when I was 14 & visiting my grandma (out of state), I’d tease her a little for watching the show, as it was kinda corny to a young teen. But I secretly wanted to be one of the dancers on the LWS, or a dancer on the variety shows aka Carol Burnett that we had back then. I think I was probably dancing in the womb, as I love it & wish I’d pursued dance as a profession. Cheers!

[@gracemariebeauty9101]

John Waite’s voice is gold.

[@hendrikje5952]

Ah the beautiful man with the just as beautiful voice.

[@donnamonson1378]

And that hair…and earring!

[@johepple5124]

Back then did you ever think you would get old?❤❤❤best times in your life❤❤

[@-wasagoodday]

No. Not sure why but I have known some who thought they would die b4 age 30, me being one.

[@fasteddie9529]

This is one of the best songs of the late '70s...love it even more all these years later!

[@freggerken6931]

It was a great song by a great band!

[@thetubeeleven11]

This song always reminds me of a deep track from the 1970’s that was so far ahead of its time…. Speaking of time or isn’t it time! One of the greatest songs ever recorded and released in the 1970’s.

[@ginaf2103]

❤❤ l still love this song 48 years later.

[@Myveryownplace]

I will never forget when I heard this song for the first time in the late 70s ❤

[@deborahrobertson8606]

The Babys should have been HUGE!!!!

[@etodd568]

Deborah they were where I lived....Had John Lennon not been murdered they would have not broken up...

[@deborahrobertson8606]

@@etodd568 I loved the song at the time, but I took great music for granted then. We had so much of it! I thought that the story was that they dealt with Mike Corby rather unfairly and moved on without him. In what way was Lennon's death a factor?

[@KerryFiles]

One of the most underated bands of rock. True talent.

[@montyduskin4610]

CRIMINAL THIS SONG WASN'T NUMBER #1 ,, STILL HOLDS UP AND THE MUSICAL ARRANGEMENT AND VOCALS IS MUSICAL PERFECTION !!

[@jayjoy9659]

It was number 1 in Australia ! March 1978

[@montyduskin4610]

@@jayjoy9659 GOOD !! THANK YOU 😊

[@scotttimothy64]

What an epic song, epic vocals by the great John Waite. Song just never gets old.

[@bobstocker3090]

Classic classic song, maybe the best underrated song ever.It really don’t come much better than this

[@markmcnamara9502]

I agree. a song/record that should be up there with the best power ballads of all time.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

The Babys is the most underrated song ever? Gawd you sound stupid.

[@marknorris1381]

Wasn't underrated in Australia, topped the charts here. Remember it well, great song.

[@lisamariepagliei3945]

@@marknorris1381 it sure did, went all the way to #1, the fact that it didn't here says a lot about why we've evolved into a talentless, lackluster bunch of overly synthesized kids who can barely carry a tune!

[@grindfreakmike5754]

never was underated, this is there most popular tune.

[@gmgems1970]

John Waite still puts on a great show, he's still touring!!

[@leytonthomas2043]

The 70's personified! Absolutely fantastic, where have those days gone?................

[@matthewjamesjong1179]

couldn't agree more the trash today isn't music unless someone can sing well with good or great music supporting them, but this is now few and far between,

[@djsimonrossprice9400]

Leyton. Youth the thing just wont endure . Me? I thought those days would last forever

[@sexobscura]

I AM AN ANTICHRIST

[@leytonthomas2043]

@@sexobscura I think you can get tablets for that?

[@lisamariepagliei3945]

@@sexobscura I'll pray for you for your redemption.

[@brucemacmillan9581]

My dad did the string and horn arrangements on this tune

[@bethbaldoni8310]

He did good!!!!

[@davidmoore14776]

Wow! You must be proud 😊

[@Kate-f1n]

Flapping amazing! Very lucky man 👍🏼👏🏼

[@scottdaugherity1327]

Yes he did. Alan correct? How cool!!

[@scottwheeler6050]

I am really impressed! I've listened to this song 10,000 times and love the strings and the horns! Amazing arrangement and mixing!❤

[@thomascarpenter7415]

Anything John touches turns to GOLD ! A vocal range that’s unmistakable

[@sappersteel532]

Saw Waite in '01 opening for Journey and when he performed this song, the lack of the women backing him hindered the song. Still, he put on a great show.

[@juliehill9247]

Listening in 2025 - I love this song

[@RosieGaelic]

ME🎶🎵♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@DonniePowell-o5t]

Good song 🎵

[@dianethompsonbusch6005]

Me too ❤

[@wearitlikeadiva]

When I first heard John I was blown away. Then I saw MTV and he looked like the coolest rock guy ever

[@samtatge8299]

The twins on back up vocals. Sibling harmony at its best.

[@JfK--OBJECTivE]

This great song oozes class that no other new song in 2025 can match!

[@Dee-kt7yo]

I loved John Waite. I loved this song when I was young. So great to hear again

[@victorrobert4600]

We are so lucky and had it all, from 1950 until now, Rock, Blues, Jazz, R&B and country western. No other century will every compare.

[@laurakelley1658]

This song never gets old! Loved The Babys and still love John Waite❤❤

[@barnetrebel776]

One of the best songs ever written.

[@tbay]

Love anything John Waite ever did. The Midnight Special was the best.

[@henrysmith5472]

The backup singers are awesome on this one.

[@rosecarey8522]

I wish i could go back to the 70s,just for a little while and play with my boy cousins. They are all gone now,,I miss our music growing up.i used to stay up on Saturday night ,so I could watch,THE Midnight Special with Wolfman Jack

[@Victoria-gq8gt]

Handsome, handsome, handsome.. And this haunting song, and that voice...

[@bigpun1427]

Love the piano intro

[@RC-Flight]

What a masterfully melancholy song from my teenage years! Born is 1962 and remember this song well!

[@RobRGuitarMan]

1962 me too

[@MrShenyang1234]

We attended a Baby's/Edie Money Concert in Hawaii back in the 80's. When the Baby's left the Stage, fans screamed for over 15 minutes for them to return. We didn't even care if Edie Money showed up. They were Fantastic!

[@stevelight2061]

I saw the Baby’s,Pat Traverse and Rush in 1980 for 8: 50 a ticket.Great memories!😄👍

[@CarolynGale-dk3vp]

Pat *Travers*

[@michelletuttavilla9763]

I forgot about his song and heard it the other day and fell in love with it all over again

[@steves6557]

Those ladies backing the vocals kick this up to a whole new high.

[@Iambigdaa]

The two ladies singing back-up vocals grab my heart and pull me back to a distant time telling me to stand right here and wait........she is almost here for you. Such a very powerful feeling that happens to me every time I listen to THIS song.

[@tammypleasant2958]

They aren't the original backup singers.

[@michaelthorpe1869]

@@tammypleasant2958 true but they're in the video

[@Iambigdaa]

​Thanks but I don't care. The power is there, always! @@tammypleasant2958

[@Victoria-gq8gt]

Aww!!

[@janskeet1382]

His hair, outfit, makeup and look are perfect. 💕

[@teejayhaych149]

Awesome song, just close your eyes and you are back in the 70s. What a great feeling and john waite had it all❤❤

[@nicidevine6670]

I agree with you too about that

[@davethompson8283]

LISTEN TO" EVERYTIME I THINK OF YOU".....

[@phillygrl69]

I WISH!!!!!

[@DavidHanken-cx5ck]

Saw him live at Wefest. Best ever.

[@johnphillips7923]

Great song.. Real music

[@fsu88me]

New Year’s Eve 2024! We made it another year and after all these years this song still sounds amazing! Peace to all!

[@Marylandhappiness]

Loved this song! The ladies on back up vocals amazing

[@Thadmotor1044]

piano intro sets an incredible tone for this great song . Backup singers really bring it home , then there is that piano again . Perfect Song by the Baby's

[@daveball1799]

Total classic never get sick of hearing it timeless

[@MrJoker2112]

Such a great guy! His whole band was great. I saw him in Evansville Indiana back in the day Everybody was on their feet. It was 79. I’m old. I think it was 79 Robert Stadium rocks!

[@vincentmeads6712]

Baseline is hard! Underrated song.

[@ppiper396]

Fantastic song; fantastic band; all are great musicians. I have always loved this song.

[@julieking5577]

Was lucky to hear John Waite in 2019 in RI. He commanded the stage with that voice- still strong and beautiful.

[@yvonnetaylor36]

The fab 1970"s, top tune ❤

[@LindaPorter-du5mv]

Such a great talent, his voice has not changed at all. He was always so handsome, cute...has grown into himself..has aged very, very nicely.

[@MayorB227]

I had the melody for the “And baby isn’t it time” part of the song stuck in my head for nearly two years Without knowing the lyrics I am so glad I finally tracked down this little 70s gem found this.

[@ritamills3417]

Oh I loved The Babys and Bad English! What a voice!

[@JohnShields-xx1yk]

Wow, I was 18 when this was played a lot on the radio back then. Great song.

[@Thadmotor1044]

I have been listening to this song every night . Good medicine . Music is good for the Heart

[@Thadmotor1044]

back at it tonight listening to this great song . choose love and peace and yet hold the line . Rebuke Hate , Racism, and evil .

[@davekennedy4497]

Truly a musician with serious vovals that truly needed to be more positioned to the greatness he deserves. Such a musical presence and powerful voice. Loved that I was alive when his musical contribution was such an influence. True musical talent. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@eowenspa2]

I remember it being played on radio 1 in 77. Never understood why it didn’t do well, perhaps it was simply too good😌

[@Emjolein]

One of the best songs ever made

[@Bob-eh2do]

Haunting melody. Absolutely beautiful composition. Over the top performance. Takes me back in a flash to 1977, when I first heard it at a Chicago record store.

[@Victoria-gq8gt]

That would be a mighty fine memory.

[@markwalker5723]

This was an amazing record. The piano and the background singers make it but John Waite's vocal performance can't be faulted. One of the most beautiful songs ever IMO.

[@rhondarees9488]

A simply fabulous song - in all ways!!

[@tommccallan8802]

The Backup Singers Really Make This Song Work ..

[@carolshumbera2122]

Who are they?....

[@ge2623]

That bass groove is sweet.

[@naturerules3371]

Those back up singers are 🔥 🔥 🔥🤘🤘🤘

[@martyc2637]

Great production. The blending of strings, brass and backing vocals is excellent.

[@superspit]

I'm afraid your factual comment will fly over the heads of many here... I mean, the lip syncing and guitars not plugged in comments.... Pffffft.

[@acertainshape]

This was the best thing John Waite ever did.

[@lisamariepagliei3945]

@@acertainshape The Babys in general was his best work but The Babys' best songs were not written by him. I think most of their songs were written for the band by someone outside the band.

[@franklinj1038]

Amen sister! ✌️🎸🎤🔥🥁🎹🤟🖐️

[@grindfreakmike5754]

@@lisamariepagliei3945 so what there still great tunes.

[@MatthewlopexLopez-d6f]

This song is a good song i listened to it in san jose california when i was younger

[@danieljohnson9351]

Such a great song! Love the backup singers!

[@JimCarson-l8r]

Amazing song from my high school years.John Waite is still going strong to this very day!!

[@GILLYANNDODD]

Jon Waites voice is beautiful. I had not heard this song in decades and it popped up while I was scrolling through my instagram. I was a senior in high school when the song hit the charts. It flooded my mind with so many memories. I was teary the rest of the day - happy tears not sad ones of “days gone by”.

[@donnaascherl1976]

I know exactly what you're saying. I am the same age as John, when I heard it many years later it flooded me with memories. It was my favorite when I fell madly in love with my husband. When I listened to it, the feelings and chills just moved down my spine. Never did have that feeling ever again! What a voice, still strong, totally underrated!

[@marynorriss1717]

just found this .........awesome........from the 1970's.......

[@maryhill1102]

What an amazing composition - beautiful music, harmonies, piano, singing, melody, voice. Perfect song!

[@kiss196161]

Magical!

[@babejoy57]

I had a HUGE crush on this guy back in the 70’s, and, STILL do!!! ❤

[@dm19609721]

John Waite had a great voice and vocal range! Hard to believe their debut album from '78 is some 45 yrs ago

[@buttercream1961]

Saw John Waite 2 nights ago. He's still awesome!