"Be Thankful For What You Got" was written and recorded by William DeVaughn and hit number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1974. The original version is a slower tempo composition with flavors of gospel and jazz. This cover is based on a "disco" remix version re-released by DeVaughn in the late 70's presumably to cash in the disco craze. I enjoy the original best but it was more fun to cover the up beat version.

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According to Wikipedia DeVaughn spent $900 developing the track for a publishing company with options to record and release if approved. The original track was recorded by members of the group MFSB who were a legendary studio session collective of more than 30 musicians from Phillidelphia.

 

(from Wikipedia)
"The record sold nearly two million copies on its release in spring of 1974, reaching #1 on the U.S. R&B charts and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With a sound and content influenced by Curtis Mayfield (and often erroneously attributed to him), its simple and encouraging lyrics hit home, to the extent that it became featured on gospel radio stations."

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This song is a personal favorite and I hope you enjoy my version.