Give a Little Bit - Supertramp (1977) 5/9/21

One day in 1967, British teenager Roger Hodgson was listening to the radio when he heard a song about "peace, love and understanding" that inspired him to write what later became a "Great Song of 1977!"

The song he HEARD was "All You Need is Love," by The Beatles.

The song he WROTE was "Give a Little Bit" by Supertramp.

Roger and Rick Davies formed Supertramp in 1970, but Roger didn't present it to the group for possible recording until 1975.

They added it to their 1977 album, "Even in the Quietest Moments," and when it was released as a single, it became a Top 10 hit South Africa (#4), Norway (#9) and Canada (#8). In the US, it reached #15 on Billboard's Hot 100.

For several years, Supertramp would use it as their encore song at concerts, and to this day, Roger believes the song has become a standard because the message is so simple: "Share your love with your fellow man."

The song has been used in Christmas ads for The Gap, and for fundraising by several charities--a fact that makes Roger very proud.

By all accounts, "Give a Little Bit" was one of Princess Diana's favorite songs. In 2007, Princes William and Harry invited Roger to play a set at the "Concert for Diana" at London's Wembley Stadium. As soon as he began "Give a Little Bit," the crowd--including both Princes--stood up and sang the song with him.

According to Roger, it was magical. No doubt!

Note: In 2005, the Goo Goo Dolls released an excellent cover that went all the way to #1 on the Adult Charts in the US and Canada!

"Give a Little Bit:" a Great Song of the '70s" by Supertramp, and in the "aughts" by the Goo Goo Dolls!

Supertramp (1977):

Goo Goo Dolls: (2005):

Concert for Diana (2007):