Zero to 180 – Three Minute Magic

Discoveries of a Pop Music Archaeologist

“Congratulations Baby”: Marriage as Payback

Doris Duke (the singer, not the tobacco heiress) is getting married out of spite, and frankly, I think she’s making a big mistake:

Congratulations Baby

Doris Duke (1969)

This classic track is from 1969’s I’m a Loser, first solo album for the vocalist (who also sang backup on  Nina Simone‘s A Very Rare Evening album).  “Congratulations Baby” was the A-side of an August 1971 single release, with “Divorce Decree” on the flip side.

Canyon Records

Doris Duke - I'm a Loser

Album recorded & mixed at Capricorn Studios, Macon GA – with string overdub done in Philadelphia.  Songs arranged and produced by Jerry Williams, Jr. (a.k.a., Swamp Dogg) with help from the following musicians:

LP Music & Production Credits

JohnnyDuckSandlin – Drums
Robert Popwell – Bass
Paul Hornsby – Piano & Organ
Jerry Williams, Jr. – Piano
Jesse Carr – Guitar
Engineer – Jim Hawkins
Engineer – Joel Fine
Producer & Arranger – Jerry Williams, Jr.
Recorded & Mixed at Capricorn Sound Studios
Overdubbed at 919 Sound Studios

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Canyon ended up issuing three singles from I’m A Loser, and stunningly, “Congratulations Baby” was passed over each time — even for the B-side.

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LINK to Soul Music on Zero to 180

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