Sometimes songs get stuck in my head for a long time and I find myself humming or singing them without thinking for many weeks. Sometimes it can be irritating when the song is one that begins to grate on my nerves but stays on because of a catchy melody or verse. But lately, there have been two songs that keep popping up quite unexpectedly, both early 70’s soul classics with positive messages that I find myself glad in having them stick around.
The first is Be Thankful for What You Got from William DeVaughn, who I guess would fall into the category of one-hit wonder. While it may seem to celebrate the gangsta lifestyle of Cadillacs and street-cruising, it’s message is that you don’t need material possessions to hold your head high if you can simply be thankful for what you got. A very simple message but one that holds true and strengthens through the infectious beat and chorus plus its Curtis Mayfield-like vocal stylings. This is an extended version with some great cool vibraphone work and a video of striking imagery.
The second is Ooh Child from the Five Stairsteps, a family band from Chicago that preceded the Jackson Five and was for a while the first family of soul. This song was a huge hit and has been covered by a number of artists. Another simple message that really resonates.
Have a great Sunday and be thankful for what you got…
Redtree Times 
“Be Thankful for What You Got” is wonderful. It surely does sound like Curtis Mayfield, and when I saw the credits I thought that was so – but the uploader did the research and got it right.
There’s some great photography, too. A favorite is the woman with the accordian. There are days I feel just like her. Good Sunday music.
Both remind me of one of my favorite groups – The Persuasions. Their a capella work is the best in the business. I got to hear a live concert in Oakland, back in the 1970s, and this was one of the offerings. It fits nicely with yours. It’s a Curtis Mayfield song.
Curtis Mayfield was the producer for the Five Stairsteps. Love this from the Persuasions.
On Sun, Sep 15, 2013 at 9:28 AM, Redtree Times