Everything I Own

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For the Ken Boothe album, see Everything I Own (album).
"Everything I Own"
File:Everything I Own - Bread.jpg
Single by Bread
from the album Baby I'm-a Want You
B-side"I Don't Love You"
ReleasedJanuary 29, 1972
GenreSoft rock[1]
Length3:07
LabelElektra
Songwriter(s)David Gates
Producer(s)David Gates
Bread singles chronology
"Baby I'm-a Want You"
(1971) 		"Everything I Own"
(1972) 		"Diary"
(1972)

"Everything I Own" is a song written by American singer-songwriter David Gates. It was originally recorded by Gates's soft rock band Bread for their 1972 album Baby I'm-a Want You. The original reached No. 5 on the American Billboard Hot 100. Billboard ranked it as the No. 52 song for 1972.[2] "Everything I Own" also reached No. 5 in Canada and No. 1 in the Philippines.[3]

Jamaican artist Ken Boothe's reggae version of the song was No. 1 in the UK Singles chart in 1974. A version by Boy George reached No. 1 in the charts in the UK, Canada, Ireland and Norway in 1987, Boy George's first hit and only UK No. 1 as a solo artist.

Composition

Although initial listeners may have interpreted it as a song about a broken relationship, David Gates revealed that it was written in memory of his father who died in 1963 before he achieved his success with Bread.[4] According to the book 1000 UK No. 1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh, at his father's funeral, a friend took David Gates aside and said, "Your dad was so proud of what you were doing." David agreed, "My success would have been so special to him as he was my greatest influence. So I decided to write and record 'Everything I Own' about him. If you listen to the words, 'You sheltered me from harm, kept me warm, you gave my life to me, set me free', it says it all."[5] As for the title, Gates said that he once sent his mother an orchid for her birthday at a time when he could barely afford it: "She was so touched – my dad wrote to tell me I could have had "anything she owned" in return."[4] Typically Gates wrote the lyrics after the music. Although the lyrics were written so it could be interpreted as a love song, Gates said: "When I played it for my wife, she knew right away that it was about my father. She cried."[4]

Covers

The single has been recorded by Shirley Bassey, The Connells, Jack Jones, Zdravko Čolić, Ken Boothe, Olivia Newton-John, Georgie Fame, Boy George, William Tarmey, *NSYNC, Jude, Rod Stewart, Rebeca Monroy, Crystal Gayle, Nicole Scherzinger, Russ Willoughby, Chrissie Hynde, Felix Serrat, Greg London, Edison Lighthouse, Marc Engelhard, Hernaldo Zuniga, Aiza Seguerra, Vanessa Hudgens and Boyzone. The song was frequently interpreted as a romantic one, but Gates wrote it as a tribute to his late father.[6]

Charts

Ken Boothe version

"Everything I Own"
Ken Boothe - Everything I Own.jpg
Single by Ken Boothe
from the album Everything I Own
B-side"Drum Song"
Released1974
StudioFederal studios, Kingston
GenreReggae
Length3:49
LabelWild Flower/Federal (Jamaica)
Trojan (UK)
Songwriter(s)David Gates
Producer(s)Lloyd Charmers
Ken Boothe singles chronology
"Everything I Own"
(1974) 		"Crying Over You"
(1974)
Official audio
"Everything I Own" on YouTube

Jamaican artist Ken Boothe's reggae version of the song "Everything I Own" in 1974 was featured on his Trojan Records album release of the same name. Boothe first heard Andy Williams' version of the song in Canada, and included it in his album as he needed additional material.[4] He recorded the song at the Federal studios in Kingston, Jamaica, and it reached No. 1 in that country on release. The recording was then picked by Trojan Records for release in the United Kingdom,[4] where it reached No. 1 in the Singles charts on October 26, 1974, staying at the top for three weeks.[15] Although the song was a major success, with Trojan going bankrupt in 1975, Boothe did not receive royalties.[4]

Boothe's version employs the lyric "I would give anything I own".

Personnel

Source: [16]

Boy George version

"Everything I Own"
File:Boy George-Everything I Own.jpg
Single by Boy George
from the album Sold
B-side"Use Me"
ReleasedMarch 13, 1987 (UK)
1993 (US)
Recorded1986 in Montserrat
GenreReggae
Length4:00
LabelVirgin
Songwriter(s)David Gates
Producer(s)Stewart Levine
Boy George singles chronology
"Everything I Own"
(1987) 		"Keep Me in Mind"
(1987)
"The Crying Game"
(1992)
"Everything I Own"
(1993)
"More Than Likely"
(1993)
Alternative cover
Music video
"Everything I Own" on YouTube

The version by British singer and songwriter Boy George reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in March 1987, becoming his first hit and only UK No. 1 as a solo artist.[17] It was also his first solo single after a departure from his band, Culture Club. Owing more to the Ken Boothe version, the sweet reggae style was reminiscent of his earlier debut hit with Culture Club, "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?". Coming at the time of his arrest for possession of heroin, it provided a major boost to his career. Other than the UK, it was a No. 1 in many countries (including Canada, Ireland, Italy, Norway and South Africa) and top 10 in many markets too. The track was recorded during the "Sold" sessions at Air Studios Montserrat and produced by Stewart Levine. The musicians were Ian Maidman (later aka Jennifer Maidman) bass and guitar, Vic Martin keyboards, Glen Nightingale guitar, Richie Stevens drums, and Paul 'Wix' Wickens keyboards .[citation needed]

Boy George played this song many times in his live shows. He re-recorded the track in an acoustic style (named the Hippy Trippy Mix) and it was released on the American CD single of "Everything I Own", a re-release from 1993. It was also remixed in a dub version for the Culture Club 2002 box set.[citation needed]

Critical reception

William Ruhlmann from AllMusic stated in his review of Sold, "But it's still that bouncy, vulnerable voice, notably on the reggae-tinged hit "Everything I Own", that remains his trademark."[18] On the 1993 version, Larry Flick from Billboard commented, "Refurbished for George's new "At Worst, The Best Of" compilation, oh-so charming track should meet with greater approval this time around—thanks to George's revived strength at radio and radio's increasing penchant for reggaevibed covers."[19] Irish newspaper Kerryman wrote that the singer "returns with the deceptive tune that was aired by American group Bread. While it may not be a brilliant return the Boy needs our support. Lets hope this will mark the beginning of a full rehabilitation."[20] A reviewer from People Magazine described it as an "atrocious" reggae version, and added, "To fit the reggae meter George must resort to a sort of hiccup on the chorus, “I would give everything I o-own." Oh-oh, Boy!"[21] British newspaper Reading Evening Post reviewed the song as a "croaky and tired sounding version of the old hit."[22]

Charts

Covers (details)

Andy Williams released a version in 1972 on his album, Love Theme from "The Godfather".

Cilla Black released a version in 1974 on her album In My Life.

Joe Stampley released this song twice. First on his 1972 album, If You Touch Me (You've Got to Love Me), and then again in 1976 on his All These Things album. He released it as a single in 1976 and it peaked at No. 12 on the Country charts.

Brazilian singer Diana recorded a Portuguese version of the song with the title "Tudo Que Eu Tenho". The version by Ken Boothe reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in October 1974.[48] The version by Boy George also reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, in 1987.

Country star Crystal Gayle released her version as a single in 1983 where it peaked at No. 93 on the UK Singles Chart.

A cover version of this song was recorded by The Remingtons, a band which comprised former Bread member Jimmy Griffin, on their 1993 album Aim for the Heart.

In 1998, 'N Sync also covered the song on their debut album *NSYNC.

In 2006, Chrissie Hynde covered the song for the soundtrack to the film Happy Feet. This recording was produced by John Powell and Gavin Greenaway. On the soundtrack album Happy Feet: Music from the Motion Picture, the song is mashed up with "The Joker", recorded by Jason Mraz.

The song (in a new ska arrangement) is also included in the 2009 film Bandslam. It is performed by Vanessa Hudgens, and is present on the soundtrack as well.

On November 19, 2009, Greg London and "Everything I Own" won the award for Best Adult Contemporary Song for the highest charting new artist release and release on an independent label on all three AC Radio airplay charts at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards HMMA.[49][50]

In 2013, Irish group Boyzone released the song as part of their anniversary album BZ20. They later performed the song at Sport Relief 2014.

References

  1. ^ "James Griffin, 61; Co-Founder of Band Bread Shared an Oscar". Los Angeles Times. January 14, 2005. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
  2. ^ Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1972
  3. ^ a b "Philippines". Billboard. Billboard Publications, Inc. August 12, 1972. p. 56. Retrieved September 17, 2022. (Courtesy: The Music Bank Report)
  4. ^ a b c d e f Simpson, Dave (August 20, 2019). "How we made Everything I Own: Ken Boothe and David Gates on their shared hit". The Guardian.
  5. ^ "Everything I Own by Bread Songfacts". Songfacts.com. February 27, 1972. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
  6. ^ "David Gates & Billy Dean "Everything I Own" 1994". YouTube. Archived from the original on August 24, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  7. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 7597." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  8. ^ Flavour of New Zealand, 15 May 1972
  9. ^ "Bread: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  10. ^ "Bread Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  11. ^ "Adult Contemporary Chart". Billboard. January 2, 2013.
  12. ^ "Cash Box Top 100 3/11/72". Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  13. ^ "Musicoutfitters.com". Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  14. ^ "Cash Box YE Pop Singles - 1972". Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  15. ^ Ken Boothe, Full Official Chart History. officialcharts.com. Web. Retrieved October 24, 2016. http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15130/ken-boothe/
  16. ^ Ken Boothe (1974) Everything I Own. Roots Archives. Web. Retrieved October 15, 2016. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. pp. 472–3. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  18. ^ Ruhlmann, William. "Boy George – Sold". AllMusic. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  19. ^ Flick, Larry (December 4, 1993). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 57. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  20. ^ "Singles Review". Kerryman. March 6, 1987. p. 20. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  21. ^ "Picks and Pans Review: Sold". People. July 20, 1987. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  22. ^ Reading Evening Post. March 7, 1987. p. 13. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  23. ^ "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – Top 100 End of Year AMR Charts – 1980s". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  24. ^ "Boy George – Everything I Own" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  25. ^ "Boy George – Everything I Own" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  26. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0814." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  27. ^ Danish Singles Chart. May 8, 1987.
  28. ^ Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Boy George". Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 (PDF) (in Finnish). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 37. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  29. ^ "Boy George – Everything I Own" (in French). Les classement single.
  30. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Everything I Own". Irish Singles Chart.
  31. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 14, 1987" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  32. ^ "Boy George – Everything I Own" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  33. ^ "Boy George – Everything I Own". Top 40 Singles.
  34. ^ "Boy George – Everything I Own". VG-lista.
  35. ^ "Boy George – Everything I Own". Singles Top 100.
  36. ^ "Boy George – Everything I Own". Swiss Singles Chart.
  37. ^ "Boy George: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  38. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Boy George – Everything I Own". GfK Entertainment charts.
  39. ^ * Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
  40. ^ "Australian Music Report No 701 – 28 December 1987 > National Top 100 Singles for 1987". Australian Music Report. Retrieved December 11, 2019 – via Imgur.
  41. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1987". Ultratop. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  42. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0920." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  43. ^ "European Charts of the Year 1987 - Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 4, no. 51/52. December 26, 1987. p. 34. OCLC 29800226. Retrieved April 11, 2022 – via World Radio History.
  44. ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1987". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  45. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1987". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  46. ^ "The Official New Zealand Music Chart".
  47. ^ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  48. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 306. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  49. ^ [1] Archived September 26, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  50. ^ "MarketWatch.com". MarketWatch.com. September 1, 2009. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
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