November 1973 – a song popular in this month – For The Love of Money by The O’Jays
Often misinterpreted as a song celebrating the accumulation of money, it’s actually one of the more unadorned warnings about the sordid side of the mighty dollar.
Interesting facts For The Love of Money & The O’Jays
The songwriting/production duo of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff co-wrote this song with Anthony Jackson, who also played bass on the track.
The song was written at a time when the songwriters Gamble and Huff were reaping the financial rewards of their success, but also reconciling it with their spiritual beliefs (Gamble had recently converted to Islam).
The duo often wrote messages into their songs gleaned from their everyday conversations. On this track, they are very clear: “Don’t let money change you.”
It was the theme of the NBC reality series The Apprentice starring Donald Trump.
Tarsia tried recording the bass (with a wah-wah pedal) through the phaser. Gamble loved the effect, which provided a unique sound that made the song stand out on the airwaves.
When Trump ran for president in 2016, he used another O’Jays song, “Love Train,” at the Republican convention. This didn’t sit well with the group members, who denounced him.
This information was provided by Songfacts.com
Fascinating information and a great song – thank you, Terry!
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You are welcome Dolly, thank you for stopping by today. 🙂
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My pleasure. 🙂
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Good music, and very interesting.
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I think so too – thank you Jennie. 🙂
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You are welcome, Terry! 🙂
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I am delighted that they would not allow Soul Train to be abused in that way…😁 Hope you are comfortable today, sweetie. 💋
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I agree Kerry – my day is good, hope yours is as well. 🙂
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Great song ! Wow, interesting info Terry. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday my friend. Hugs 🙂 x
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Thank you Lynne, and a wonderful Sunday to you as well. 🙂
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I must have heard that song – goodness hundreds of times but if never stopped and anylised it. Thank you for doing that and making it far more meaningful to me. Those lapels though …. !!!! 😄
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A good song to listen to – hope all is well with you Osyth, thank you for stopping by today. 🙂
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” some people, wanna do bad, bad things with it”…such a warning sign. I remember it well, and obviously, Trump’s people didn’t listen to the real lyrics. Thanks, Terry.
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You are welcome Van, thank you for stopping by today. Happy Sunday! 🙂
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Interesting info! thanks for sharing Terry!!
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You are welcome Jodi, thank you my friend. 🙂
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Always appreciate the insight you give to songs we hear but often don’t analyse. Thanks so much.
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You are welcome Peggy – thank you for stopping by each day. 🙂
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Ironically, Trump also used “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” during his campaign, without the permission of the Rolling Stones. Anyway, I love it when you feature 70s songs with interesting added info. Many of those songs I heard but never really listened to when they were originally popular–now it’s fun to listen and actually think about the lyrics.
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Glad you like these posts, I appreciate you stopping by to comment. Hope you have a great day. 🙂
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Well said, Terry
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Thank you Derrick. 🙂
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Wow, this song brings some great memories. Thank you, Terry.
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You are welcome Eugenia, thank you for stopping by. Happy Day! 🙂
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