Be Thankful for What You've Got (1974) 11/26/20

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope wherever you are today, you're staying safe. 2020 has been horrible, and that's putting it mildly. Still, today is a day to “Be Thankful for What You've Got,” which is also the title of today's “Great Song of the '70s.”

This somewhat forgotten soul song was a bona fide hit in 1974, reaching #1 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart, as well as #4 on the Hot 100. In Canada, it was just as bona fide: #3 on both the Top 40 and Adult Contemporary Charts. It sold more than TWO MILLION copies, and was one of the biggest hits of the year.

William DeVaughn originally recorded the track as a demo, which was later enhanced with music by members of Philadelphia's MFSB, and sold to Roxbury records for release as a single. That was a rather roundabout way of doing things back then...but it worked, although DeVaughn ended up being a one-hit wonder.

“Be Thankful For What You've Got,” and have a “soulful” Thanksgiving.

From 1974: