Babe Ruth

Progressive rock outfit Babe Ruth originated in Hertfordshire, England, during 1971 when vocalist Janita "Jenny" Haan, guitarist Alan Shacklock — whose last name supplied the band’s initial name — and bassist Dave Hewitt came together. Keyboardist Dave Punshon and drummer Dick Powell completed the roster ahead of the 1971 single “Elusive.” The 1972 album First Base, which highlighted the explosive Haan’s “vocal power,” yielded the band’s signature track, the Shacklock-composed “Wells Fargo.” Although domestic response remained modest, the record found an audience across North America and achieved gold status in Canada. Ed Spevock took over drums from Powell for 1973’s Amar Caballero, after which former Wild Turkey keyboardist Steve Gurl replaced Punshon on the self-titled third album. Shacklock’s departure proved most consequential; another Wild Turkey veteran, guitarist Bernie Marsden, joined for 1975’s Stealin’ Home. Despite the album’s apparent potential to break the group in Britain, both Haan and Hewitt stepped away. Vocalist Ellie Hope and bassist Ray Knott appeared on 1976’s Kid’s Stuff, yet with no original members left the band dissolved shortly afterward. Marsden later joined Whitesnake.