Be Thankful For What You Got

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Cat No: DEMSING004

PRE-ORDER: This item will be shipped with the aim to deliver on release day.

Release Date: 05 May 2023

Label: Demon Records

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 5014797908901

Genres: R&B

Release Date: 26 June 2026

Label: Demon Records

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 5014797913967

Genres: R&B

Description
William DeVaughn in the early 70s was a part time singer and government employee. He wrote a song called "A Cadillac Don't Come Easy", which was eventually re written to become "Be Thankful for What You Got", in 1972. Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, the session featured an array of talented members of the MFSB group.

The track was eventually released on Roxbury Records, a subsidiary of
Chelsea Records and sold nearly two million copies on its release in spring 1974, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard R&B chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track saw two chart entries in the UK, with the record peaking at #31 (1974) and also #44 (1980), in the UK Singles Chart.

With a sound and content influenced by Curtis Mayfield, its simple and encouraging lyrics hit home, to the extent that it's become an enduring soulful, disco hit for music aficionados all over the world.

Now presented here in a brand new 12" sleeve and backed with the
beautiful Blood Is Thicker Than Water.

Description
Originally released on Wes Farrell's Roxbury (US, Canada and Jamaica) and Chelsea (Europe) labels, William DeVaughn's 1974 masterpiece "Be Thankful For What You Got" is one of the most widely recognised soul releases of the last 50 years.

Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia with a who's who of that iconic music scene – from backing band MFSB to John Davis (to be part of Sam Records with his Monster Orchestra moniker). The album features the cream of Philadelphia International's musicians, which gives the album a true Philadelphia recording vibe with lush orchestral and soulful arrangements and soaring strings.

Born and raised in Washington D.C., DeVaughn had previously worked as a government employee, whilst a singer in his spare time. WdV wrote the song 'A Cadillac Don't Come Easy', which was eventually re-written to 'Be Thankful For What You Got' in 1972, which addressed inner-city sensitivities.

A much-sampled track, 'Be Thankful For What You Got' reached #1 on the US Billboard R&B Charts and #4 in the US Billboard Hot 100, remaining popular throughout the decade that he re-recorded the song with a new contemporary dancefloor beat, reaching #44 in the UK Singles Chart in 1980. The album also includes the Singles 'Blood Is Thicker Than Water', 'Give The Little Man A Great Big Hand' as well as 'Kiss And Make Up'.

His socially conscious and semi-religious lyrics, define Soul Music, with positivity and resilience in the face of life's hardships.
Tracklisting