Artist:The O'Jays
Song:For The Love Of Money
Album:Collectors Items
Though For The Love Of Money wasn't The O'Jays' biggest hit, it's probably one of their most memorable and frequently sampled songs. They started out as The Triumphs in 1958 with Canton, OH high school students Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bill Isles & Bobby Massey. They recorded as The Mascots on King Records in 1961. Cleveland DJ Eddie O'Jay took a liking to them and the group was renamed The O'Jays to honour him. They had mixed success in the 60s and considered splitting up when they met the team of Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff in 1968. So when Gamble & Huff started Philadelphia International Records in 1971, The O'Jays were one of the first signings. Isles & Massey had left so the group was now a trio. The O'Jays had several smash hits. For The Love Of Money was a top ten pop and R & B hit in 1974. It'd become one of The O'Jays signature songs with all three guys trading vocals and Anthony Jackson's bass line. I think most folks know the song but they might not know who originally performed it. This 1977 comp is a reasonable intro to their music. William Powell died of cancer in 1977 but Eddie Levert & Walter Williams along with Eric Grant continue to tour as The O'Jays and last recorded in 2004. They appeared in the film The Fighting Temptations and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2005. Here's The O'Jays performing For The Love Of Money on The Midnight Special in 1974.
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