Pick Up the Pieces (1975) 4/17/20

In 1974, the Average White Band released a song in the United Kingdom, over the objections of tenor saxophone player Malcolm Duncan. “Molly” felt no one would buy a “funk instrumental played by Scotsmen with no lyrics other than a shout."

He was right...until he wasn't.

“Pick up the Pieces” sank without a trace on the UK charts. But then it was released in North America, and in early 1975, it charted in a BIG way.

In the US, it was a hit on THREE Billboard Charts: #1 on the Hot 100, #5 on the R&B Chart and #12 on the Disco Chart. On Canada's Top 40, it went to #4.

Back in the UK, radio programmers saw what was happening “across the pond,” and gave the song another shot. It went to #6.

It turned out to be a “Great Song of the '70s! Not bad...for a "funk instrumental played by Scotsmen with no lyrics other than a shout!”

From 1975: