Thankful is the fourth album by the American singer Natalie Cole . It was released on November 16, 1977, by Capitol Records . In 1978, the album's first single, "Our Love ", peaked at No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B chart.
Thankful Released November 16, 1977 Recorded August–November 1977 Studio ABC , Los AngelesGenre Label Capitol Producer
"Our Love " Released: November 6, 1977
"Annie Mae" Released: February 8, 1978
All tracks are written by Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy , except where noted
Side one Title Writer(s) 1. "Lovers" Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancy, Natalie Cole 3:47 2. "Our Love " 5:22 3. "La Costa" Natalie Cole, Linda Williams 3:50 4. "There Ain't Nothing Stronger Than Love" 4:54
Side two Title Writer(s) 5. "Be Thankful" 3:49 6. "Just Can't Stay Away" 5:23 7. "Annie Mae" Natalie Cole 4:00 8. "Keeping a Light" Natalie Cole 4:06
Natalie Cole – lead vocals
Linda Williams – acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes
Marvin Yancy – acoustic piano, organ , clavinet
Reginald "Sonny" Burke – organ
Michael Boddicker – synthesizers
Criss Johnson – guitars
Ray Parker Jr. – guitars
Lee Ritenour – guitars
Larry Ball – bass guitar
James Gadson – drums
Donnell Hagan – drums
Paul Humphrey – drums
Teddy Sparks – drums
Alan Estes – percussion
Chuck Jackson – handclaps
Hal Brooks – handclaps
Gene Barge – alto saxophone solo (6), arrangements
Richard Evans – arrangements
The Colettes – backing vocals (1-4, 5, 7, 8)
The "N" Sisters – backing vocals (1-4, 5, 7, 8)
Anita Anderson – backing vocals (6)
Yasmine "Sissy" Peoples – backing vocals (6)
Executive Producer – Larkin Arnold
Producers – Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy
Co-Producer on Track 5 – Gene Barge
Engineer – Barney Perkins
Assistant Engineers – Zollie Johnson and Lester Smith
Mixed by Barney Perkins, Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy at Westlake Audio (Los Angeles, CA), assisted by Dean Rod.
Mastered by John Golden and Barney Perkins at Kendun Recorders (Burbank, CA).
Art Direction – Roy Kohara
Illustration – Craig Nelson