(You're) Having My Baby

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“(You're) Having My Baby”
Single by Paul Anka and Odia Coates
Released June 1974 (U.S.)
Format 7"
Recorded 1974
Genre Pop
Label United Artists Records 454
Writer(s) Paul Anka
Producer Rick Hall

"(You're) Having My Baby" is a song written and recorded by American popular music singer Paul Anka. Recorded as a duet with female vocalist Odia Coates, the song became Anka's first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 15 years.

[edit] Song history

Anka — whose last chart-topping hit was 1959's "Lonely Boy" — had written the song for his wife and their four daughters while appearing at Lake Tahoe.[1] The song, meant to celebrate the joy and anticipation of being a father-to-be, quickly gained notoriety with the National Organization for Women, who gave Anka the "Keep Her in Her Place" award.[2]

Originally, the song was to be a solo effort by Anka. But the unknown Coates, whom Anka had met while on tour, was at the studio during the recording session. Upon suggestion by United Artists recording executive Bob Skaff, the song became a duet.[3]

Released in late June 1974, the mellow-sounding "(You're) Having My Baby" quickly climbed the chart and became Anka's third No. 1 song. A follow-up single — "One Man Woman/One Woman Man" — reached the Top 10 in early 1975.

[edit] Succession

Preceded by
"The Night Chicago Died"
by Paper Lace
Billboard Hot 100 number one single
by Paul Anka and Odia Coates

August 24-September 7, 1974
Succeeded by
"I Shot the Sheriff"
by Eric Clapton

[edit] References

  1. ^ Bronson, Fred, "The Billboard Book of Number One Hits" 5th ed. Billboard Publications, New York, 2003. ISBN 0823076776.
  2. ^ ibid.
  3. ^ ibid.