Dave Baby Cortez
Dave "Baby" Cortez, born David Cortez Clowney on August 13, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, was an influential American pop and R&B organist and pianist. He was one of the pioneers in integrating the Hammond B-3 organ into mainstream pop music.
Cortez was born into a musical family; his father, a pianist, greatly influenced his early interest in music. This familial support encouraged him to develop his talent in playing the piano from a young age.
He began his professional music career in the late 1950s. He joined various bands and quickly made a name for himself as a skilled organist. His breakout moment came with the release of his instrumental hit “The Happy Organ” in 1959. This track made history as the first pop single to prominently feature the Hammond B-3 organ, and it became a massive success, solidifying his place in music history.
Cortez was not only known for "The Happy Organ" but also for his unique sound that blended elements of pop and R&B. Throughout his career, he released several albums and singles, earning him a spot in the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
He continued to perform and record music throughout the decades. He remained active in the music scene, contributing to various recordings and performances until his passing on May 31, 2022. His legacy as a pioneer of the organ in popular music endures, and he is remembered for his contributions that brought the sound of the Hammond B-3 organ to a wider audience.
Cortez's works have also been featured in films, further showcasing his influence and the lasting appeal of his music. His career is a testament to the impact an individual can have on the musical landscape, blending styles and pushing boundaries within the genre.<div hidden>Dave Cortez</div>
In Orbit
Written-By – David Clowney, Henry Glover, Morris Levy
1:59
A2 Belly Rub Part II
Written-By – Henry Glover, Julia Clowney, Morris Levy
2:20
A3 Do Any Dance
Written-By – Henry Glover, Julia Clowney, Morris Levy
2:30
A4 Peg Leg
Written-By – David Clowney, Don Covay, Henry Glover, Morris Levy
2:13
A5 Sticks & Stones
Written-By – Henry Glover, Morris Levy, Titus Turner
2:29
A6 My Sweet Baby Part I
Written-By – Robert Spencer
2:37
B1 In Orbit
Written-By – David Clowney, Henry Glover, Morris Levy
2:30
B2 Summertime
Written-By – George Gershwin
1:58
B3 Belly Rub Part I
Written-By – David Clowney, Henry Glover, Morris Levy
2:56
B4 You Talk Too Much
Written-By – Joe Jones (2), Reginald Hall
2:22
B5 Count Down Part II
Written-By – David Clowney, Henry Glover, Morris Levy
2:20
B6 My Sweet Baby Part II
Written-By – Robert Spencer
2:07
Label: Roulette – R 25328
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1966
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz, Instrumental
Dave "Baby" Cortez's In Orbit (1966) is a soulful, grittier Hammond B3 organ album for Roulette Records, moving from his earlier pop sound to a more mature soul-jazz vibe with tight backing, featuring tracks like "Belly Rub" and "Countdown," showcasing his signature organ riffs alongside horns, understated guitar, and female vocals, marking his final release for Roulette and a deep dive into instrumental soul.
A departure from his pop hits, this album leans into soul-jazz, sounding closer to artists like Jimmy McGriff, notes Dusty Groove.
Features strong Hammond B3 work, tasty comping lines, flavorful riffs, brass sections, and cool female backing vocals. Produced by Henry Grover, the arrangements are tight and soulful, contrasting with earlier pop combos.
Notable Tracks: Includes popular two-part songs like "Belly Rub" and "Countdown," plus "Sticks & Stones" and his take on "Summertime".
Known for his dynamic stage presence, Cortez's style on this record is described as standing and spinning at the organ while maintaining total control of the groove. It was his third and final album for Roulette Records and featured more original material than his previous efforts.
Dave Cortez