The Unlikely Story of How Jeff "Skunk" Baxter Helped Create a Disco Classic
When Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, co-founder of Steely Dan, contributed to Donna Summer’s "Hot Stuff" in 1979, he hardly expected the song to become a hit. In a recent interview with Vertex Effects, Baxter shared the unorthodox story of how he helped shape the single, which would go on to become Summer’s second of four No. 1 hits.
Getting the Call
Baxter recalled how he nearly missed the session for Summer’s album Bad Girls, thanks to his assistant’s forgetfulness. He explained, "My assistant forgot to tell me that Giorgio had called. I saw it on a message pad. So I called him back; I said, ‘What kind of music is it?’" When Moroder responded that it was disco, Baxter’s initial reaction was lukewarm, stating, "Not to be snotty about it – but Jay and I would get together on a Monday and decide what riff we’re gonna play, for the whole week! To us it was all the same."
Finding an Unconventional Guitar
Baxter’s biggest concern was that he didn’t have access to his regular guitars, as he was moving into a new home. He visited the Guitar Center in Hollywood and showed the manager a $35 guitar he had purchased without matching tuning pegs. Baxter recalled, "He laughed and pointed to the box in the middle of the store. The box said, ‘Buy me – $25.’ It had a bunch of weird guitars in it." Curiously, he chose a guitar that didn’t match his usual style, paid $35, and set off to Rusk Studios.
One Take Was Enough
At the studios, Baxter plugged in, turned everything up to 10, and recorded one take of the song, which became "Hot Stuff." He remembered, "I said, ‘Roll tape.’ That was it – one take." Upon listening to the final mix, Baxter realized the difference he had made and observed, "I think I know what you wanted to do." Moroder enthusiastically agreed, and the iconic song was born.
Looking Back
When asked if he had anticipated "Hot Stuff"’s enormous success, Baxter replied humbly, "I don’t think I had any foresight… after it was over, I thought, ‘Wow, this is different.’…" He added, "We can only sew the body back up and see what happens!"
Conclusion
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter’s story serves as a testament to the art of collaboration and the surprises that can arise when approaching a project with an open mind. His unassuming attitude and willingness to venture out of his comfort zone led to the creation of a timeless disco classic that continues to captivate listeners to this day.
FAQs
1. What was the circumstances surrounding Jeff "Skunk" Baxter’s involvement with Donna Summer’s "Hot Stuff"?
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter initially missed the session for Donna Summer’s album Bad Girls due to forgetfulness. He later met with Giorgio Moroder, who convinced Baxter to contribute to the track.
2. Was Baxter familiar with the concept of disco music before meeting Moroder?
According to Baxter, he was familiar with disco music from his previous work in the genre, but his partnership with Jay Graydon treated it as just another form of music.
3. How did Baxter become involved with the production process of "Hot Stuff"?
Baxter visited a Guitar Center in Hollywood to find a guitar to work with, eventually selecting an unconventional instrument without matching tuning pegs. He spent a brief time with Rusk Studios, recording only one take of the track.
4. Had Baxter anticipated the success of "Hot Stuff" beforehand?
Baxter does not claim to have any foresight regarding the single’s success, but retrospectively acknowledged the impact the song had on his experience.
5. Have there been any notable interactions or collaborations between Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Donna Summer, or Giorgio Moroder that have been documented?
This article focuses on their work together on "Hot Stuff."
