Today in Black Music: June 1

June is Black Music Month!

On this day in Black Music History...

June 1, 1974, William DeVaughn's "Be Thankful for What You Got" was No. 1 on R&B charts. Source.

DeVaughn is said to have spent $900 toward the song under a development agreement, where an artist would record demo tracks and if approved, a song would be arranged and released.

The song is said to have sold nearly two million copies on its release and reached #1 on the U.S. R&B charts. It was featured in the 2002 movie "Bug," "Be Cool" in 2005, and "La Mission" in 2010. Source.

The song was also sampled by N.W.A. in "Gangsta Gangsta" and by Ludacris in "Diamond in the Back."