Hollywood Swinging (Single Version)

Recorded during April and May 1973 at Mediasound Studios in New York City for Kool & The Gang's fourth studio album, Wild and Peaceful. Produced and arranged by the band, with engineers Harvey Goldberg and Jeff Lesser, the recording features Ricky Westfield on lead vocals and electric piano, Robert Bell on bass, George Brown on drums, Claydes Smith on guitar, Ronald Bell and Dennis Thomas on saxophones, and Robert Mickens on trumpet. Originally released on Wild and Peaceful in 1973 and issued as a single in April 1974, 'Hollywood Swinging' became one of Kool & The Gang's biggest early hits. It reached number one on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart and number six on the Billboard Hot 100, earning a gold certification and establishing the band as a major crossover act. The recording became a frequently sampled source for hip-hop, notably appearing in DJ Kool's 'Let Me Clear My Throat' and Mase's 'Feel So Good'. Its enduring cultural reach includes appearances in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and continued popularity through film, television, radio and dance playlists.