Ranked #84 in the Soul Strut 200

Soul was a hobby for DC singer William DeVaughn in the early 70s when he decided to roll the dice and bank roll a session with The Sound of Philadelphia.  The gamble (and huff) paid off as "Be Thankful For What You Got" became a summer smash in 1974.  It later became a West Coast anthem, immortalized in gangsta rap songs by groups like NWA.  DeVaughn's laid back Curtis Mayfield-like delivery (especially on the cut "Blood Is Thicker Than Water") confused the radio listening and record buying public, but he was able to withstand the confusion and enjoy a modicum of short-lived success.  His debut is 8 slices of summer, laid back and refreshing, an album you can put on the turntable and kick back to.

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