Woman's Touch

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning Woman's Touch by John Waite from his 1987 album Rover's Return, and we've got some groovy trivia to share. This track, a sleek slice of '80s rock, was featured in the 1987 Jim Belushi film The Principal, though the movie didn’t exactly set the box office on fire. According to Goldmine Magazine, the song’s inclusion offered a promotional boost for the album, but it wasn’t enough to propel Rover's Return to the heights of Waite’s earlier hit Missing You. The song itself, with its pulsing rhythm and Waite’s emotive vocals, was crafted with help from top-tier songwriters like Desmond Child and Diane Warren, who were penning hits for everyone from Bon Jovi to Cher at the time. Waite has said on his official website that songwriting is a spontaneous act for him, often scribbling lyrics on whatever’s handy—cigarette packs, shirt cuffs, you name it. He’s described rock ’n’ roll as his “spiritual power,” and you can feel that raw energy in Woman's Touch.

Now, let’s dig into how John Waite got his start. Born on July 4, 1952, in Lancaster, England, Waite grew up with a passion for music and art, studying at Lancaster Art College. His big break came in the mid-1970s when he co-founded The Babys, a British rock band that blended pop sensibilities with arena-ready hooks. As the lead singer and bassist, Waite’s distinctive voice powered hits like Isn’t It Time and Everytime I Think of You, both peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band built a solid following through relentless touring, but by 1980, they disbanded. Waite then launched his solo career with the 1982 album Ignition, which included the single Change, a fan favorite that later gained traction on the Vision Quest soundtrack. His 1984 album No Brakes was the game-changer, delivering the No. 1 hit Missing You, a song that defined his career and became a staple of '80s radio. Waite later fronted the supergroup Bad English, scoring another chart-topper with When I See You Smile in 1989.

Want to keep up with John Waite? Check out his official website for tour dates and news, like his upcoming shows in Jim Thorpe, PA, and St. Augustine, FL. Follow him on Facebook, where he’s got over 66,000 fans vibing to his updates, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps. His X account keeps the conversation rolling with fans. For those craving more, join the John Waite Fans Facebook group, a lively community of supporters sharing memories and concert plans. Fan sites like ClassicRockHistory.com also dive deep into Waite’s discography, celebrating his lasting impact on rock.