"My Thang" is a funk song written and recorded by James Brown. Unlike most of his songs, this song was released not as a two-part single, but instead issued with three different B-sides. It spent two weeks at number one on the R&B singles chart - Brown's second #1 in a row, following "The Payback" - and reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1974.White, Cliff (1991). "Discography". In Star Time (pp. 54–59) [CD booklet]. New York: PolyGram Records.Leeds, Alan, and Harry Weinger (1991). "Star Time: Song by Song". In Star Time (pp. 46–53) [CD booklet]. New York: PolyGram Records. The song also appeared on Brown's 1974 double album Hell.
Personnel James Brown - lead vocals probably Lew Soloff - trumpet John Faddis - trumpet Michael Gipson - trombone David Sanborn - alto sax Frank Vicari - tenor sax Joe Farrell - tenor sax Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis - baritone sax Dave Matthews - piano Joe Beck - guitar Sam Brown - guitar Gordon Edwards - bass Jimmy Madison - drums Sue Evans - percussion Fred Wesley - tambourine, background vocals Bobby Roach - background vocals Johnny Scotton - background vocalsLeeds, Alan (1995). Hell [CD liner notes]. New York: PolyGram Records.
Samples "My Thang" is also sampled on various songs, including: "Brand New Funk" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince "Funky Child" by Lords Of The Underground "Gotta Have It (song)" by Kanye West & Jay-Z Guy - "Groove Me" Heavy D & The Boyz - "We Got Our Own Thang" Bell Biv DeVoe - "Something in Your Eyes"
In popular culture The song was featured in the 1990 psychological horror film Jacob's Ladder.
See also List of number-one R&B singles of 1974 (U.S.)
References
External links AllMusic review