On this day in music history: June 1, 1974 - Be Thankful For What You Got by William DeVaughn hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 1 week, also peaking at #4 on the Hot 100 on June 29, 1974. Written by William DeVaughn, its the debut single and biggest hit for the singer, songwriter and musician from Washington DC. The song is recorded with MFSBs rhythm section including Earl Young (drums), Ronnie Baker (bass), Norman Harris (guitar), Larry Washington (congas), and Vince Montana (vibes) at the famed Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, PA. Recorded for only $900, co-producer Frank Fioranvanti will shop the master around to various record labels in New York, with many of them passing on it. Record producer Wes Ferrell (The Partridge Family), will end up buying the master for his label Chelsea Records (distributed by RCA). Issued on Chelseas Roxbury Records imprint, the single is a smash right out of the box on R&B radio, quickly crossing over to Top 40 pop radio. DeVaughn will re-visit his biggest hit again in 1980 when he records an uptempo disco version of the track for Philadelphia based TEC Records. The original version of Be Thankful For What You Got is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:01:36 +0000
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