My Thang
James Brown · 1974Recorded on November 27, 1973, at A&R Studios in New York City, with additional recording at Sound Ideas Studios during March and April 1974. James Brown sang lead vocals alongside a studio ensemble featuring Jimmy Madison on drums, Gordon Edwards on bass, Joe Beck and Sam Brown on guitars, Joe Farrell and Frank Vicari on tenor saxophones, David Sanborn on alto saxophone, and Alfred 'Pee Wee' Ellis on baritone saxophone. Released as a single on Polydor Records in 1974 and subsequently included on Brown's double album Hell, 'My Thang' spent two weeks at number one on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart and reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its tightly interlocking guitar, bass and horn arrangements demonstrated Brown's continued commercial success during the mid-1970s. The recording remains an important part of James Brown's 1970s catalogue, reflecting his use of New York session musicians alongside established collaborators. Its intricate rhythmic arrangement has sustained its appeal among DJs, collectors and listeners exploring Brown's influential recordings.