Born in Vancouver, Canada; Died in Los Angeles, California; Pretty much a protege of Bobby Taylor, having come aboard The HITSVILLE Empire along with Taylor and his band The Vancouvers
This was Tom's first *solo* composition for Motown. His 1st big hit, of course, being "Does You Mama Know About Me?", a collaboration with Thomas Chong.
But Baird's stellar talents were VERY evident in this superbly composed tune from the lone "Vancouvers" LP.
As an aside, listen closely to the backing vocals on the intro. You can DISTINCTLY hear that it is Tommy Chong (A guitarist for the band)...that timbre which has traces of that "HEEY, PEDRO! HEEY, MAN!" voice characterization would, of course, later escort Chong to greater heights of glory when he would depart The Vancouvers, to be 1/2 of the duo known as "Cheech & Chong".
Baird, of course, went on to greater heights of glory himself...later composing, producing &/or arranging for fellow Motown artistes such as Diana Ross, Rare Earth, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Michael Edward Campbell, Riot, The Undisputed Truth, Jerry Butler, Stoney & Meatloaf, Stevie Wonder, XIT, and a host of others. As well as being 1/3 of the equally stellar pop trio Matrix in both 1972 (1 LP) & 1974 (A hilarious 45 single)...in collaboration with Jobete writers/producers Nick Zesses & Dino Fekaris.
This, then, is a small tribute to a true genius that was lost to us all too soon.
For my best friend & fellow animator "Pigpen" Goddard. This was one of *his* faves, too...
Thank you for posting that. That song really works
Tom, imo, had something special. All due respect to every producer Rare Earth has workd with...Tom brought out the very best in Rare Earth. The Beatles had George Martin, Rare Earth had Tom Baird. The 3 studio albums cut with Tom...the band sound TIGHT. Listen to the harmonies on Ecology, One World and Willie Remembers. It's safe to sat Tom knew his stuff.
