Bobby Thurston
Bobby Thurston, born in 1954 in Washington, D.C., is a prominent American soul and disco singer known for his contributions to the music scene. He began his musical journey during his high school years, where he initially sang and played congas with a group called Spectrum Ltd. This early involvement in music laid the groundwork for his eventual career in the industry.
Thurston gained recognition for his expressive vocal style and became well-known for his hit single "You Got What It Takes," which showcased his talent and solidified his place within the genre of disco music. In addition to his solo work, he released the album "Sweetest Piece of the Pie" under the Mainline label, further establishing his presence in the R&B and funk scenes.
Over the years, Bobby Thurston has continued to influence the music world, with a sound that combines elements of soul, disco, and R&B, reflecting the rich musical heritage of Washington, D.C., his hometown.
Sweetest Piece Of The Pie
A2 Na Na Na Na Baby 4:05
A3 I Want Your Body 4:22
A4 Sweetest Piece Of The Pie 5:08
B1 Treat Me The Same Way 4:22
B2 We Got So Much To Stay Together For 3:33
B3 Foolish Man 3:20
B4 I Do Love You 4:20
B5 Just Ask Me 3:42
(All songs written by Willie Lester + Rodney Brown)
Label: Mainline Records – 12747
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Sweetest Piece Of The Pie is a highly-prized 1978 album that is considered a classic and collectable modern soul gem by fans and reviewers, praised for its focus on mid-tempo R&B, steppers, and ballads rather than the pure disco sound of his later work.
Originally released in 1978 on the Mainline label, the album is noted for its Philly Soul sound, setting it apart from Bobby Thurston's subsequent, more disco-oriented Prelude LPs like You Got What It Takes and The Main Attraction. It features arrangements by Al Johnson, Rodney Brown, and Willie Lester.
While some early reviewers felt "Just Ask Me" was the only track of note, others strongly disagree, highlighting "Treat Me The Same Way" as an underrated modern soul tune and "We've Got So Much To Stay Together For" as an "achingly beautiful" soul ballad. A cover of the Billy Stewart classic "I Do Love You" is also considered "unmissable".
The original vinyl LP is a significant rarity, highly sought after by collectors, with some copies selling for hundreds of dollars. Its reissue on CD by Expansion Records was widely appreciated by fans.