The usual story emanating from singer-songwriters is that they had no idea that a particular song they crafted would become a hit. However, that’s not so for John Waite, who claims he knew the catchy and emotional “Missing You,” which topped the Billboard chart a generation ago, would become a success. 

“I knew immediately that it would be a hit as soon I started singing it,” Waite said while calling from Chicago. “I was just coming up with the words over somebody else’s chord changes. It was just one of those magical moments. 

“It was obvious to me that ‘Missing You’ was a hit. It was one of those watershed moments that I was fortunate to have. But I had been down the road as a songwriter for quite awhile by that point, and I just knew.”

Waite, 71, who will perform Friday, June 7, at Sweetwater Performance Pavilion, is no stranger to hits. 

Waite penned “Isn’t It Time” with The Babys in 1977. The following decade he hit as a solo artist with “Missing You” and “Change.” And then there was the 1989 smash “When I See You Smile,” with the short-lived Bad English.

“I’ve been fortunate to have some hits,” Waite said. “The thing is when I tour now, I have to play about seven of those hits or I’ll be tied to a lamppost after the show. I’m not complaining.”

A greatest hits collection is the latest project Waite is working on when he’s not focusing on his road work.

“It’s time to focus on what I’ve done,” he said.

Getting the job

For Waite, the journey of what he has done began with The Babys, who formed about a half-century ago. 

Waite wrote the songs, but the group auditioned singers. 

“None of the guys trying out for the gig were as good a singer as me,” Waite said. “I would cut them short. Our manager said, ‘I have some good news and bad news for you. The good news is that you’re the singer for The Babys. The bad news is that you’re the singer for The Babys.’ ”

The Babys splintered in 1979 after keyboardist-songwriter Jonathan Cain joined Journey. This left Waite as a solo artist.

“It’s worked out well,” he said. “I’ve always tried to keep moving forward as a recording artist. I’m a singer-songwriter first and a businessman second.”

Nearing end of the line

Waite impressed with his 2022 EP Anything, a four-song collection that is buoyed by its upbeat title track.

The catchy “Grenadine” is a standout and one of the finest songs written by Waite. 

“That song was made up on the spot,” Waite said. “That’s the result of us jamming in the studio. 

“We were drinking a glass of wine and, well, one thing led to another and then there is the song. Grenadine sounds good and it’s an interesting word that is the color of lipstick. It’s the color of wine. Grenadine is something you mix with tequila. And it’s also the name of a song.”

Waite has never been one to follow a formula. 

His 1995 album Temple Bar is arguably his finest, but it was not a commercial success.

“I’d like to make a Temple Bar 2,” Waite said. “It would be an album reflecting on the hard truth. It wouldn’t be a toe-tapper, but it could be. 

“Perhaps I can pull off a trick like Bob Dylan has throughout his career. Dylan always comes up with songs that taste like a spoonful of sugar, but they’re also extremely sour.”

If Temple Bar 2 is crafted, it’ll be Waite’s swan song as a recording artist.

“I can live with that,” he said.

Waite looks forward to the pendulum swinging back to a more adventurous sound. 

“We’re in a weird space right now,” Waite said. “You have these recording artists out there and it’s all about the dance troupe behind them. Who cares about that? 

“However, I believe things will change. There’s some kid out there with a guitar with broken strings, who will turn the world around with his songs. I’ve seen it happen again and again. We’re due for it.”

Working on own terms

Waite doesn’t look back. When asked if he remains in touch with the members of The Babys, he laughed: “I have no idea where they are or what they’re up to. I’ve moved on and I’m about what’s next while being thankful for all the good that’s happened in my career.”

It’s been a career in which Waite doesn’t follow the normal rocker protocol. Many of his peers continue to grind it out since they live in fear of being forgotten. However, Waite has taken a couple of breaks and has lived to tell the tale. 

“After The Babys broke up, I returned to England,” Waite said. “I got married and I didn’t think I would record again. After Bad English (splintered) I went back to England and didn’t do a thing for a year. 

“I always have done what I wanted. I never understood doing anything other than what was on my terms. I was never a slave to the music industry. If I’m not inspired, I don’t tour and I don’t write or record. It’s an organic thing with me and I like to be authentic. It’s never been about the money for me. It’s about inspiration.”

Waite was inspired when he crafted the aforementioned “Missing You,” off his 1984 album No Brakes, which came quickly. 

“I wrote that song in about 20 minutes,” Waite said. “Sometimes you’re just moved and then you write a song that’s part of your set years after you write it. I had no idea that I was going to write ‘Missing You.’ It just happened. Sometimes you just walk into music. You run with it. I’m not one to sit down and attempt to write songs. I don’t know how to do that. I just get moved and then I have some songs. I’m fortunate that I have been moved enough to write so many songs.”

Not to dump Waite into the pile of rockers from the ’80s, but many music fans get nostalgic and enjoy going back to the comfort songs from their late teens and early 20s. Two years ago, Waite was on a successful tour, which also featured Rick Springfield and Men at Work. 

“I was out for over a month with those artists and had an amazing time,” Waite said. “I have no problem going back to the ’80s. I love to play my songs from that period. The great thing is that the audience enjoys it so much.”

The unpretentious and direct Waite engages the audience and clearly enjoys live performance. 

“I live for it,” he said. “When you see me perform, it’s what you see is what you get. I feel like the crowd and I are in unison from the start of the show. I strive to connect when I get up there onstage and sing the songs with my band.”