School Boy Crush

Recorded between November 1974 and March 1975 for Average White Band's album Cut the Cake, School Boy Crush featured Alan Gorrie on guitar, Hamish Stuart on bass, Onnie McIntyre on guitar, Roger Ball on keyboards and saxophone, Malcolm Duncan on saxophone and Steve Ferrone on drums. The recording was produced by Arif Mardin, engineered by Gene Paul, with additional engineering by Peter Granet and Neal Schwartz. Released on Atlantic Records in 1975, School Boy Crush became a hit single, reaching number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 22 on the Billboard R&B chart. Its distinctive bassline, tightly interlocking guitar rhythms and relaxed vocal delivery reinforced Average White Band's success in the American soul market following their breakthrough with Pick Up the Pieces. School Boy Crush became one of Average White Band's most influential recordings through its extensive use in hip-hop sampling, notably by artists including Eric B. & Rakim and other producers working with its distinctive bassline and drum groove. Its enduring popularity among DJs and record collectors has established it as a cornerstone of the band's catalogue.