Thank You for Being a Friend

Last updated
"Thank You for Being a Friend"
Andrew-gold-thank-you-for-being-a-friend-elektra.jpg
Side label of U.S. 7-inch vinyl single
Single by Andrew Gold
from the album All This and Heaven Too
B-side "Still You Linger On"
ReleasedFebruary 1978
Genre
Length3:58 (Single Edit)
4:41 (Album Version)
Label Asylum
Songwriter(s) Andrew Gold
Producer(s)
  • Andrew Gold
  • Brock Walsh
Andrew Gold singles chronology
"I'm On My Way"
(1978)
"Thank You for Being a Friend"
(1978)
"Never Let Her Slip Away"
(1978)
Music video
"Thank You For Being A Friend" on YouTube

"Thank You for Being a Friend" is a song recorded by American singer Andrew Gold. It appears on Gold's third album All This and Heaven Too . The song reached number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978. [3] On the Cash Box chart, "Thank You for Being a Friend" spent two weeks at number 11. [4] A cover by Cynthia Fee was the theme song for the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls .

Contents

Overview

According to Gold, "Thank You for Being a Friend" was "just this little throwaway thing" that took him "about an hour to write". [5]

Personnel

Other versions

The song was later re-recorded by Cynthia Fee to serve as the theme song for the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls , and recorded again for the series' CBS spin-off The Golden Palace .

Additionally, the song was featured as a dedication to the host on Casey Kasem's final American Top 20/10 , broadcast on the Fourth of July weekend in 2009; [6] at the end of two World Series games (Game 5 in 1988 and Game 4 in 1990); in the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode "Mac's Mom Burns Her House Down"; at the end of Super Bowl XL; in the episode of The Simpsons titled "Double, Double, Boy in Trouble"; [7] on episodes of the TV shows Dancing with the Stars , Family Guy , New Girl , Looking , Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt , The Goldbergs , Arrested Development , Atlanta , and the TV special Trolls Holiday , as well as on a May 2010 episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Golden Girls star Betty White, in which past and present cast members sang the song followed by a death metal version of the song performed by White herself while wearing a ski mask. Elaine Paige and Dionne Warwick released a recording of the song on Paige's duet album Elaine Paige and Friends in 2010. Other notables who covered the song include ex-Beatle Ringo Starr whose unreleased recording of the composition was produced by longtime Andrew Gold confederate Peter Asher, and actress/chanteuse Bernadette Peters who used it to open her 1979 live video release Bernadette Peters In Concert. [8]

The song was included in the Wearside Jack tape by someone purporting to be the Yorkshire Ripper; covered by ska-pop band Suburban Legends on their 2015 album Forever in the FriendZone, and re-imagined by Virginia punk-rockers The Blanche Devereauxs on their 2009 LP Midnight Cheesecake Banter. It was also recorded by singer-songwriter and sometime Gold collaborator Stephen Bishop; ensembles such as the Starlite Singers, Wild Stylerz, Smooch, Bliss, The Blue Rubatos, and Micah's Rule; singers Alyssa Bonagura, Angela Galuppo, Valerie DeLaCruz, and Brynn Marie; and bandleader Brandon Schott, with instrumental interpretations by groups including the London Studio Orchestra, Orlando Pops Orchestra, the Twilight Trio, and the Instrumental All Stars with Dominic Kirwan.

Various iterations of the composition have also been used in a number of advertisements, including a commercial for the New York Lottery, a German ad for Toyota, a U.K. ad for KFC, a special one-off ad for Arby's to commemorate the end of Jon Stewart's run as host of TV's The Daily Show , a web ad for the Radio City Music Hall dance troupe the Rockettes, 2019 Campbells Soup Commercial, a 2013 Super Bowl ad for the National Football League, [9] and in a trailer for the movie Deadpool 2 , posted on lead actor Ryan Reynolds's Twitter account to thank fans for the box-office success of the superhero blockbuster. [10]

The chorus of the song is sampled in Rachel Platten's song of the same name on the 2017 soundtrack album of My Little Pony: The Movie . In 2020, a version of the song was sung by Jane and Kat in The Bold Type , Season 4, Episode 16 "Not Far from the Tree".

In 2021 former AEW star CM Punk jokingly sang the song along with "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry and Luchasaurus on AEW Dark the day before AEW All Out

Chart performance

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're All I Need to Get By</span> 1968 single by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye

"You're All I Need to Get By" is a song recorded by the American R&B/soul duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and released on Motown Records' Tamla label in 1968. It was the basis for the 1995 single "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" from Method Man and Mary J. Blige.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing</span> 1968 single by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" is a 1968 single released by American R&B/soul duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, on the Tamla label in 1968. The B-side of the single is "Little Ole Boy, Little Ole Girl" from the duo's United LP. The first release off the duo's second album: You're All I Need, the song—written and produced by regular Gaye/Terrell collaborators Ashford & Simpson—became a hit within weeks of release eventually peaking at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart, the first of the duo's two number-one R&B hits. In the UK "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" reached number 34.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just the Way You Are (Billy Joel song)</span> 1977 single by Billy Joel

"Just the Way You Are" is a song by Billy Joel from his fifth studio album The Stranger (1977), released as the album's second single in early November 1977. It became both Joel's first US Top 10 and UK Top 20 single, as well as Joel's first gold single in the US. The song also topped the Billboard Easy Listening Chart for the entire month of January 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Way You Do the Things You Do</span> 1964 single by The Temptations

"The Way You Do the Things You Do" is a 1964 hit single by the Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label. Written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers, the single was the Temptations' first charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking in the Top 20 at number eleven; it also went to number one on the Cash Box R&B chart. The song has been an American Top 40 hit in four successive decades, from the 1960s to the 1990s. A version by Hall & Oates featuring Temptation members Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1986. A cover version by British reggae band UB40 hit number six in the U.S. in 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Last Dance (Donna Summer song)</span> 1978 single by Donna Summer

"Last Dance" is a song by American singer Donna Summer from the soundtrack album to the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday. It was written by Paul Jabara, co-produced by Summer's regular collaborator Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, and mixed by Grammy Award-winning producer Stephen Short, whose backing vocals are featured in the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Was Made to Love Her (song)</span> 1967 single by Stevie Wonder

"I Was Made to Love Her" is a soul music song recorded by American musician Stevie Wonder for Motown's Tamla label in 1967. The song was written by Wonder, his mother Lula Mae Hardaway, Sylvia Moy, and producer Henry Cosby and included on Wonder's 1967 album I Was Made to Love Her.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sea of Love (Phil Phillips song)</span> 1959 single by Phil Phillips

"Sea of Love" is a song written by John Philip Baptiste and George Khoury. It was the only top-40 chart-maker for Phillips, who never recorded another hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oh Girl</span> 1972 single by the Chi-Lites

"Oh Girl" is a song written by Eugene Record and recorded by American soul vocal group the Chi-Lites, with Record on vocals and also producing. It was released as a single on Brunswick Records in 1972. Included on the group's 1972 album A Lonely Man, "Oh Girl" centers on a relationship on the verge of break-up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Child in the City</span> 1978 single by Nick Gilder

"Hot Child in the City" is a song by English-Canadian musician Nick Gilder. It was released in June 1978 as a single from the album City Nights. It went to No. 1 both in Canada and in the United States. It was not his first No. 1 single: as the lead singer of Sweeney Todd, he had hit No. 1 in Canada on June 26, 1976 with the single "Roxy Roller", which remained at the top for three weeks. He won 2 Juno Awards in Canada and a People's Choice Award in the US. According to The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, it held the record for taking the longest amount of weeks to reach No. 1 at the time, taking 21 weeks to reach the summit. The song became a platinum record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">More Love (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles song)</span>

"More Love" is a 1967 hit single recorded by the American soul group The Miracles for Motown Records' Tamla label. The single, included on the group's 1967 album Make It Happen, later reissued in 1970 as The Tears of a Clown. Kim Carnes's 1980 cover of the song reached the Top 10 of Billboard's Adult Contemporary and Hot 100 charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keep On Singing</span> Early 1970s hit song

"Keep on Singing" is a 1973 song composed by Danny Janssen and Bobby Hart, and was originally recorded by Austin Roberts from the album Austin Roberts. It was released as a single on Chelsea Records and reached No. 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 39 on the Cash Box Top 100. In Canada it reached # 79. "Keep on Singing" was best known as a hit single by Helen Reddy in 1974.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Won't Let Me Wait</span> 1975 single by Major Harris

"Love Won't Let Me Wait" is a hit 1975 single by Major Harris, a former member of R&B/soul group The Delfonics. Written by Vinnie Barrett and Bobby Eli, the single is considered to be a staple of classic soul playlists, and was Harris' only entry into the top five on both the soul and pop charts. The single hit number five on the pop chart, and also hit number one on the soul chart for one week. Billboard ranked it as the No. 24 song for 1975. It was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. on 25 June 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold On (Ian Thomas song)</span> 1982 single by Santana

"Hold On" is a song written and first recorded by the Canadian singer and songwriter Ian Thomas, on his 1981 album The Runner. His version reached No. 28 on the Canadian pop singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Line (song)</span> 1976 single by the Sylvers

"Hot Line" is a song recorded by American family group the Sylvers, from their 1976 album Something Special. It was written by Freddie Perren and Kenneth St. Lewis. It became an international Top 10 hit, and is a gold record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gypsy Woman (The Impressions song)</span>

"Gypsy Woman" is a 1961 rhythm and blues song written by Curtis Mayfield and recorded by his group the Impressions. The group's first single following the departure of lead singer Jerry Butler, it reached No. 2 on the US Billboard R&B chart, No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 17 on the Cash Box chart. It also appeared on the group's 1963 eponymous debut album. Joe Bataan (1967), Brian Hyland (1970), Bobby Womack (1985), Steve Marriott (1989), and Santana (1990) covered this song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only Sixteen</span>

"Only Sixteen" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, released in May 1959. The song was a top 15 hit on Billboard's Hot R&B Sides chart and also charted within the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. In the UK it was covered, and taken to No. 1, by Craig Douglas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ready to Take a Chance Again</span> 1978 single by Barry Manilow

"Ready to Take a Chance Again" is a 1978 international hit single performed by Barry Manilow. The song was composed by Charles Fox, with lyrics by Fox's writing partner, Norman Gimbel. Manilow conceived and supervised the song's recording in partnership with Ron Dante.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Like Dreamin'</span> 1976 single by Kenny Nolan

"I Like Dreamin'" is the debut single by Kenny Nolan, taken from his eponymous debut album. The recording was issued as the album's lead single in October 1976, spending 27 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spiders & Snakes (song)</span> 1974 single by Jim Stafford

"Spiders & Snakes" is a 1974 hit song recorded by Jim Stafford and written by Stafford and David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers. It was the second of four U.S. Top 40 singles released from his eponymous debut album and also the highest-charting at number three. The lyrics in the verses are spoken, while only the chorus is sung.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm on My Way (Captain & Tennille song)</span> 1978 song by Captain & Tennille

"I'm on My Way" is a 1978 song by Captain & Tennille. It is a track on their LP Dream. The single was released a month prior to the release of the LP. Songwriter Mark Safan first released his version of the song in 1976 on Warner Bros. Records.

References

  1. Snyder, Michael (September 30, 2019). "Spooky, scary, and silly tunes". Marina Times. Retrieved May 28, 2023. The album has all the charm and good humor one might expect from the pop-rock purveyor of the perennial "Thank You for Being a Friend".
  2. "Explore: Soft Rock | Top Songs | AllMusic". AllMusic . 2011-12-14. Archived from the original on December 14, 2011. Retrieved 2014-03-24.
  3. 1 2 Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 8th Edition (Billboard Publications), page 258.
  4. "Cash Box Top 100 Singles, April 29, 1978". Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2017.
  5. Garber, Megan A Brief History of 'Thank You for Being a Friend' The Atlantic. September 16, 2015
  6. Durkee, Rob. Salute to Andrew Gold, American Top 40 Fun & Games, June 5, 2011.
  7. "Double, Double, Boy in Trouble". IMDb.com.
  8. [ dead link ]
  9. "2019 Super Bowl LIII Commercials". NFL.com.
  10. Hipes, Patrick Deadpool's Thank You Vs. 'Golden Girls' Opening Theme: Who Swore It Better? Deadline. May 26, 2018
  11. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 127. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  12. "Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2016-11-20. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
  13. "Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2016-11-20. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
  14. "Official Singles Top 75: 22 October 1978". Official Charts Company . Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  15. "Adult Contemporary Music Chart". Billboard . 1978-04-15. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
  16. "Cash Box Top 100 Singles, April 29, 1978". Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2017.
  17. "Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2016-08-17. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
  18. "Cash Box Year-End Charts: Top 100 Pop Singles, December 30, 1978". Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2017.