In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Baby What a Big Surprise

Music by Peter Cetera

Originally Performed by Chicago

"Baby, What a Big Surprise" is a power ballad written by Peter Cetera for the group Chicago and recorded for their album Chicago XI (1977), with Cetera singing lead vocals. The first single released from that album, it reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys and Cetera's brother, Tim Cetera, provided additional backing vocals on the recording while saxophonist Walt Parazaider plays flute on the distinctive flute introduction and trumpeter Lee Loughnane plays a piccolo trumpet. Although Chicago XI yielded two more minor singles, "Baby, What a Big Surprise" was Chicago's last top ten single before the accidental death of guitarist Terry Kath, and was also their last Top Ten single produced by James William Guercio.

Release Date: 1977

Individual Folios

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Philip Lawson : Baby What a Big Surprise

The pop hit by Peter Cetera for the group Chicago soared to the top of the charts in 1977 and has retained its popularity even to the present day. This a cappella setting features a wordless tapestry of vocal harmony that showcases the smooth melody as it moves from part to part. Duration: ca. 3:20.

Arranger: Philip Lawson Performed By: Chicago