My Baby Loves Me

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Ian Gillan Band’s funky track “My Baby Loves Me” from their 1976 album Child In Time! This song, a high-energy, bluesy rock number, was penned by a powerhouse team: Ian Gillan, John Gustafson, Mark Nauseef, Ray Fenwick, and Roger Glover. It’s got that raw, soulful vibe that makes you want to crank up the volume and let loose. Fun fact: the song was part of the album’s first side, which featured shorter, punchy tracks compared to the jazzier, experimental second side. Reviewers at the time noted its straightforward rock energy, with Gillan’s signature vocals shining through, though some Deep Purple fans found it a bit too funky for their taste.

Digging into the trivia, “My Baby Loves Me” stands out for its live performance history. It was included in the Live at the Budokan album, recorded in Tokyo on September 22, 1977, but earlier CD releases curiously dropped it from the tracklist. The 2007 remaster brought it back, much to the delight of fans. In a 2017 review on ProgArchives, a fan praised the song’s live version for its tight instrumentation, highlighting the band’s chemistry. The track also reflects the Ian Gillan Band’s brief but bold experiment with blending hard rock and funk, a move that puzzled some Deep Purple diehards but won over listeners open to something fresh.

Let’s rewind to how Ian Gillan got his start. Born on August 19, 1945, in London, England, Gillan’s early influences included Elvis Presley, whose swagger inspired him to front local bands in the mid-1960s. He kicked off his career with groups like The Javelins and Episode Six, where he honed his powerful, wide-ranging voice. In 1969, he joined Deep Purple, skyrocketing to fame with albums like In Rock and Machine Head. His work on the iconic “Child in Time” showcased his ability to blend soulful crooning with intense screams, a style he carried into his solo ventures. After leaving Deep Purple in 1973, Gillan briefly stepped away from music, dabbling in business ventures like a motorbike company and a hotel, but these flopped. A guest appearance at Roger Glover’s Butterfly Ball in 1975 reignited his passion, leading to the formation of the Ian Gillan Band.

For more on Ian Gillan, check out his official website at gillan.com, where you can dive into his latest projects and tour updates. Follow him on Facebook for news and fan interactions, with over 289,000 followers vibing to his posts. His Instagram offers glimpses into his life and performances, while his X account keeps fans in the loop with quick updates. For Zoo Freaks who want to connect with fellow fans, join the Deep Purple Fans group on Facebook to discuss Gillan’s legacy. You can also explore fan sites like The Highway Star, a hub for Deep Purple and Gillan-related news, or ProgArchives for detailed reviews and discography dives. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Freaks!