John Waite coming to Englert in Iowa City

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 Singles chart a generation ago, would be 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 a while by that point, and I just knew.”

Waite, 71, who will perform Friday at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City, is no stranger to hits. He penned “Isn’t It Time” with The Babys in 1977. The following decade, he hit as a solo artist with “Missing You” and “Change.” In 1989 came the smash hit “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.

“I’m putting together this compendium,” he said. “It’s time to focus on what I’ve done.”

It all started with The Babys, which formed about a half-century ago. Waite wrote the songs. The group auditioned singers.

“But 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.’ ”

Rimshot, please for the charismatic Waite. The Babys splintered in 1979 after keyboardist/songwriter Jonathan Cain joined Journey. Waite found himself as a solo artist.

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

Waite has never been one to follow a formula. 1995’s “Temple Bar” is arguably his finest album, but it wasn’t a commercial success.

“I’d like to make a ‘Temple Bar 2.’ It would be an album reflecting on the hard truth,” he said. “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.

“It will be the last album I make,” he said. “I can live with that.”

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

“We’re in a weird space right now,” he 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.”

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,” he said. “I’ve moved on and I’m about what’s next, while being thankful for all the good that’s happened in my career.”