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William DeVaughn – Be Thankful For What You Got (50th Anniversary LP reissue) [Demon Records DEMREC1186]

William DeVaughn’s 1974 masterpiece, ‘Be Thankful For What You Got’, is one of the most widely recognised soul releases of the twentieth century. The album is a seminal session recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia with a who’s who of superb musical talent – from backing band MFSB to John Davis (of Monster Disco Orchestra fame).

Born and raised in Washington D.C., DeVaughn had previously worked as a salaried government employee – a drafting technician. A singer in his spare time, DeVaughn wrote the tune ‘A Cadillac Don’t Come Easy’ – eventually re-written to ‘Be Thankful For What You Got’ in 1972, a song with a devotional, spiritual character which tenderly addressed ghetto sensibilities. Be Thankful For What You Got would go on to reach number 1 on the US Billboard R&B Charts and 4 in the US Billboard Top 100, an ever-popular song which has been endlessly sampled and covered, DeVaughn even revamping it in 1980 as a four-to-the-floor disco rendition.

Featuring musicians from MFSB (Larry Washington – percussion, Norman Harris – Guitar, Bobby Eli – Guitar, Vince Montana – Vibraphone, among others) and recorded at the Philadelphia
International Records’ main studio, Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, P.A., the music contains that luxurious Philly sound signature; sweeping strings, galloping percussion and tight, soulful arrangements combine to beautiful extents. Blended with DeVaughn’s socially conscious and semireligious lyrical content, the music culminates in something very special; soulful, heartfelt and funky, underscored by a deep and effortless pocket and an enduring message of positivity and resilience in the face of social and financial hardships.

Limited edition 50th anniversary edition, limited to 1,000 copies featuring a fresh liner from Will Fox, and packaged in a newly printed sleeve with an obi and printed inner.