Alice Cooper Group: "Billion Dollar Babies" Single (1973)

Alice Cooper Group’s "Billion Dollar Babies" backed with "Mary Ann", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the USA by Warner Bros. Records (catalog number WB 7724) on July 11, 1973., was taken from their sixth studio album, Billion Dollar Babies. The A-side, “Billion Dollar Babies” (3:44), a hard rock/glam rock track, features a duet with Alice Cooper and Donovan, whose falsetto and high harmonies add a creepy ambiance to the satirical take on fame and excess. Written by Alice Cooper, Michael Bruce, and session guitarist Reggie Vinson (credited as R. Reggie in some sources), it showcases Neal Smith’s dynamic drumming and a catchy riff. Record World predicted strong sales, noting it “should see billions of Cooper babies flocking to the stores.” The B-side, “Mary Ann” (2:23), is a melodic, piano-driven track with contributions by Alan MacMillan, offering a lighter, whimsical contrast often likened to Paul McCartney or Western film music. A 1973 Cash Box review praised the single’s balance of shock-rock energy and melodic charm, though some considered “Mary Ann” a weaker album track.

Label: Warner Bros. Country: USA Catalogue: WB 7724

Tracklist (7” Vinyl):

A1. Billion Dollar Babies – 3:44

B1. Mary Ann – 2:23

Note: The tracklist reflects the standard US 7” vinyl release.

Personnel: Alice Cooper (vocals, harmonica)

Glen Buxton (lead guitar)

Michael Bruce (rhythm guitar, keyboards, writer)

Dennis Dunaway (bass)

Neal Smith (drums)

Additional musicians: Donovan (vocals on "Billion Dollar Babies"), Reggie Vinson (guitar), Mick Mashbir (guitar), Steve Hunter (guitar), Dick Wagner (guitar).

Produced by Bob Ezrin for Nimbus 9 Productions.

Label: Warner Bros. Country: Portugal Catalogue: N-S-63-45

Recording Locations: Recorded at the Cooper Mansion in Greenwich, CT (August/October 1972), Morgan Studios in London (December 1972), and The Record Plant in New York (December 1972–January 1973). The Greenwich sessions used the mansion’s acoustics for unique vocal effects, while Donovan’s parts were recorded in London.

Context and Significance: Album Success: Billion Dollar Babies was Alice Cooper’s most commercially successful album, reaching #1 in the US and UK album charts and achieving platinum status by 1986. The single "Billion Dollar Babies" was the fourth single from the album, following "Elected," "Hello Hooray," and "No More Mr. Nice Guy," all of which were Billboard Hot 100 hits. The album’s themes of wealth, decadence, and horror (e.g., necrophilia in "I Love the Dead") stirred controversy, with UK MP Leo Abse criticizing the band’s act as “an incitement to infanticide.” Despite (or because of) this, the album and its singles sold exceptionally well.

"Billion Dollar Babies" Song: The title track reflects the band’s shock at their rapid rise from obscurity to global fame. Alice Cooper noted the inspiration came from their disbelief at becoming “the Number One band in the world, with people throwing money at us” after living in poverty just years earlier. The song’s lyrics, influenced by Chuck Berry’s storytelling style, mock rock star excess and societal perversions. Neal Smith described it as evolving from an Elvis Presley-style rock track into something darker and more “Alice Cooper-ish” with “rolling drums and dark psychedelics.” A notable feature is the duet with Donovan, recorded in London while he was working nearby, adding a unique texture to the track.

Label: Warner Bros. Country: Japan Catalogue: P-1247W

"Mary Ann" Song: This track stands out for its brevity and melodic simplicity, contrasting with the album’s heavier tracks. Described as a “very melodic” piece with a piano-driven arrangement, it’s been compared to a McCartney-esque or Western film-style song. While not a major hit, it’s appreciated by fans for showing the band’s versatility. Some reviews note it foreshadows the softer direction Alice Cooper (the solo artist) would take after the band’s split in 1975.

Cultural Impact: The single and album solidified Alice Cooper’s reputation as shock rock pioneers, blending theatricality, macabre themes, and catchy rock. The band’s provocative lyrics and elaborate live shows (e.g., guillotine stunts, attacking mannequins with a giant toothbrush) outraged critics but thrilled fans, influencing later acts like Marilyn Manson and inspiring songs like Turbonegro’s “Zillion Dollar Sadist.” Chris Cornell cited the album as a favorite, noting its ability to “scare the fuck out of certain people” in the 1970s.

Reception and Legacy: Critical Reception: The single version of "Billion Dollar Babies" is praised for its energy, with Neal Smith’s drumming and the guitar riffs standing out. However, some fans prefer the unedited album version over the single edit, which received a 4/5 rating on Rate Your Music. "Mary Ann" is often seen as a minor track but valued for its melodic contrast. The album itself earned high praise, with AllMusic’s Greg Prato giving it 4.5/5 stars, calling it “one of rock’s all-time, quintessential classics,” while Robert Christgau gave it a B+ for consistency.

Releases: The single was not issued worldwide, only in the US, Canada, Brasil, New Zealand, Greece, South Africa, Philippines Japan, Portugal and Sweden .

Label: Warner Bros. Country: USA Catalogue: BS 2685

Additional Context: Band Dynamics: The Billion Dollar Babies era marked the peak of the original Alice Cooper band (Alice Cooper, Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith) but also showed early signs of strain. Glen Buxton’s alcohol-related health issues (pancreatitis) led to additional guitarists like Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter being brought in, and the band split in 1975, with Cooper continuing solo. Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith later formed a band called Billion Dollar Babies, releasing one album, Battle Axe (1977).

Recording Anecdotes: The album was recorded across multiple locations, with the Cooper Mansion in Greenwich, CT, used for its acoustics (including a greenhouse for vocal effects). A famous London session with Keith Moon, Marc Bolan, Donovan, and others produced no usable material due to excessive partying.

Live Performances: "Mary Ann" is the only track from the album never performed live, while "Billion Dollar Babies" remains a staple in Alice Cooper’s setlists, second only to Welcome to My Nightmare tracks in frequency.

Conclusion: The "Billion Dollar Babies" / "Mary Ann" single encapsulates the Alice Cooper band’s 1973 peak, blending hard-hitting glam rock with theatrical flair. "Billion Dollar Babies" is a high-energy, satirical anthem of excess, elevated by Donovan’s contribution, while "Mary Ann" offers a melodic, understated counterpoint. The single reflects the band’s ability to shock and entertain, cementing their legacy as rock provocateurs.