HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS - DOING IT ALL FOR MY BABY

Released: June 29, 1987

Charted:  UK: #93    US: #6 

"Doing It All for My Baby", released in 1987 from the album Fore!, achieved significant chart success by peaking at number six on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on September 19, 1987. This accomplishment made the band the first group to have five top-ten singles from a single album on the Hot 100 chart. 

"Doing It All for My Baby," a retro-soul track, was co-written by Michael Duke and Philip Cody. Duke, previously a member of The Outlaws and known for writing "Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do," collaborated with Cody, who had penned lyrics for Neil Sedaka and The Carpenters. Reflecting on their collaboration for this song, Cody described it as a seamless process driven by shared musical aspirations. The lyrics, inspired by Cody's joyful experiences with his then-girlfriend (later wife), Barbara, capture the essence of dedicating oneself completely to a loved one. 

Cody and Duke wrote "Doing It All for My Baby" while working for Lawrence Welk's publishing company, where they initially struggled to find interest in the song. Michael Duke recorded a demo, but the company couldn't place it. Later, Duke performed the song during gigs in Mississippi, where members of Huey Lewis & the News heard it and were impressed. They brought the song to Huey Lewis, who eventually recorded it three years after it was written. 

Emilio Castillo of Tower of Power discussed their collaboration with Huey Lewis & the News on this track. They worked closely with the band in the 1980s, finding common ground in musicality, songwriting, vocals, and dynamic live performances. According to Castillo, the Tower of Power horn section contributed significantly to the song's sound, blending seamlessly into the soul shuffle style. He highlighted their signature horn riff at the beginning and the baritone saxophone solos by Doc Kupka towards the song's conclusion, which added a distinctive touch to the track. 

The music video was a comedic homage to monster movies and featured elaborate makeup and roles for the band members. Huey Lewis appeared as himself, Dr. Frankenstein, and the singing monster. Mario Cippolina portrayed Dracula and other characters, while other band members and guests took on roles such as Igor and the Bride of Frankenstein's monster. The video was shot in Los Angeles over three days and included special effects and makeup that Lewis found burdensome, making it one of his least favorite videos to film.