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William DeVaughn

Be Thankful for What You Got

£19.99

Released: 26th June 2026. 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. The album was 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). It 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.

More info

Format

Vinyl 12" Album

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  • Details

    Released:
    26th June 2026
    Category:
    R&B/Soul, Soul/R&B
    Format:
    Vinyl 12" Album
    Barcode:
    5014797913967
  • 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. The album was 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). It 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.
  • Track listing

    Disc 1

    Track name
    Artist
    Length
    1.Give the Little Man a Great Big Hand
    William DeVaughn
    5.38
    2.We Are His Children
    William DeVaughn
    5.11
    3.Blood Is Thicker Than Water
    William DeVaughn
    7.14
    4.Kiss and Make Up
    William DeVaughn
    2.5
    5.Be Thankful for What You Got
    William DeVaughn
    7.07
    6.Sing a Love Song
    William DeVaughn
    3.18
    7.You Can Do It
    William DeVaughn
    3.38
    8.Something's Been Done
    William DeVaughn
    3.4
  • Delivery and Returns

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