BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1978
“Makin’ It” is a 1978 pop song performed by David Naughton, his first and, to date, only musical release. It was the theme song for the television show of the same name, in which Naughton starred. It was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, the team also responsible for Gloria Gaynor’s #1 hit “I Will Survive” and Peaches and Herb’s #5 hit “Shake Your Groove Thing” and #1 hit “Reunited”.
It appeared in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 16 weeks, and in the top 10 for five weeks. It debuted at #89 on March 31, peaking at #5 for two weeks, July 21 and July 28. On Billboard’s Disco Action Top 40 Chart, the song peaked at number 11 in its March 10, 1979 issue during its 17-week run.
The song also appeared on the soundtrack of the 1979 film Meatballs. It was also featured in the 1999 film Detroit Rock City as well as episodes of the television series Cold Case and Fame. It appears in a 2017 TV commercial for Subway, promoting an Autumn Carved Turkey sandwich. Early pressings of this record stated that it was from the TV series of the same name. Later pressings stated it was from the film Meatballs starring Bill Murray.
SIDE A:
Makin’ It (Special Disco Version) 7:29
SIDE B:
Makin’ It (Special Disco Version) 7:29
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Makin’ It | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #5 |
| 1979 | Makin’ It | U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary | #48 |
| 1979 | Makin’ It | U.S. Billboard Hot Disco action Top 40 | #11 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RSO – RSS 300, RSO – 2141 076
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Disco
CREDITS:
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Freddie Perren
Written-By – Dino Fekaris
NOTES:
Same track plays on both sides.
Produced and arranged for Grand Slam Productions Inc.
From the Hit ABC TV Series “Makin’ It” a Miller-Milikis/Henderson/Stigwood Group, Ltd. Production in Association with Paramount Television.
Find the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL RESTORATION BY:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube: Mullard 12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tube Pins
Soundcard: Novation Audiohub 2×4 Audio Interface
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2, ocenaudio
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
Username: btg
Password: burningtheground
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Oh DjPaul, thank you thank you thank you. I’ve been looking for this songs for years and at this very distressing time, this has brought a huge smile to my dial and a spring in my step.
Wow, I’ve heard the song but never saw the face. Now that I see it, it’s the same guy from American Werewolf in London – mind blown! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
He has a very good singing voice, shame this is the only song he recorded.
Love this song. So uplifting, so inspirational, very American spirit of pursuit of success and making it! Strive for exceptionalism and appreciating reaching success and the feeling that all is falling into place type of song. Relevant even in these times of economic and job growth. Thanks Paul!
It’s Chachi’s long lost older brother! 🙂 I wonder how many will get this joke. Thanks for the incredible rip, Paul!! This is a one-hit wonder that was often played on the 70s flashback radio shows. I have countless 70s compilations but this song (and mix) has never appeared in my vast collection. If you look on Discogs (I won’t post the link because then this forum refuses to submit my post), it’s appeared only on various artist compilations. 1984 was the last vinyl-only compilation, then 1993 was the first cd compilation. That 9+ year is when I collected most… Read more »
Hi Fred,
The site does allow links my spam filter sometimes flags links that it does not like I have it set to it lowest filters so not sure why it flags some and not others. Usually, if I catch it I can approve the comment. 🙂
My Goodness Paul!! I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to see this song make it to your site. Growing up, it was an instant favorite. I know they used it in “Meatballs” and I had a copy of the 12-inch. When I went to a teen disco, the bells on the track really banged out much better than on my home stereo. I even liked the television show too. And David seemed to be everywhere; yes, I was a Pepper too!! Weren’t we all? That’s the power of music to make us feel good (usually) and… Read more »
Always loved David Naughton he seemed like he would be a really nice guy to know. “American Werewolf In London” is one of my all-time favorite movies. Have a Solid Gold weekend 🙂
So cool of you to mention “Solid Gold” as I have great memories of that program. I think I may have seen Soft Cell perform “Tainted Love” on that show. Such memories really feel me up. You’re always prodding my memories with your posts and I am so grateful.
Jeff
Never heard the song. Love it. I just love 70´s disco versions with their typical sounds and noises.
I never knew Naughton had so many appearances on television and in movies! I am probably one of many who only knew him from American Werewolf.
Thank you Paul. A nice surprise. I hope my feet will stop tapping along later 🙂
I am so happy that you like this one Song And Dance. Have a great weekend 🙂
What a lovely surprise, to say that this song brings me millions of memories would not be exaggerated, thank you very much Paul what beautiful and pleasant surprise!!!!!!!!!
Rafa
Thank you, Rafa. Enjoy the weekend 🙂
What a nice surprise!, this come out on my very first days of dancing!
Thank you Charly 🙂
David Naughton was everywhere at that point, Dr Pepper commercials, An American Werewolf in London and this TV show/song. Then he dropped off the face of the planet. If remember correctly, this song lasted longer on the charts than the TV show did.
Yeah he was huge and then vanished but he left a great mark on pop culture 🙂