The Dramatics ~ Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get 1971 Soul Purrfection Version

The Dramatics were formed in 1964 Detroit with Ron Banks, Wiliam Howard, Larry Demps, Willie Ford and Elbert Wilkins. They were not part of Motown but rather they began their career with a single released by Stax/Volt and then were dumped by the label for a lack of original material.

The Stax/Volt catalog is one of the richest sources of Memphis Soul, a special kind of Southern soul sound that domintated the charts from the late 1960's up until 1974. That label brought The Staple Singers, Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes into the mainstream. Now you can understand why these men did not feel Motown would have been a good fit for them. Their slow burning funk and soul kept a lot of people warm, I'm sure!

After that disappointment the band turned to Tony Hester, a songwriter that they were familiar with and who in turn was very interested in working with them. At this point, the band re-signed with manager Don Davis who knew a good thing when he heard some new songs Hester brought him. The man knew what he was doing, I mean "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" the title track was released on July 3, 1971 and it peaked at #9 on the Hot100 and the group was back with Stax under their Volt label.

I can't always do this but, Im glad to report I could get it done! I got the request today and at 1PM EST the remix was done. I love this song so much, its their very special brand of funky soul with vocals that did not ape the Temptations arrangement, but rather opened them up even more, allowing the vocalists to assert themselves and distinguish themselves with inventive harmonies and using that stereo space to interject the lyrics and maybe just give you a little shudder that starts in the trapeze muscles and ripples up to the back of your head. Ahhh...there it is again. ENJOY WITH HEADPHONES!

[EmmyV]

I'm 17 years old and this shit is better than music today. I love this channel ❤

[IAMUNUAMI]

The music from the 70’s is one of the greatest things that ever happened on this planet.

[catgirl]

This is such a classic groove. I'm still not tired of listening to it and I can't believe it's over 50 years old.

[lancegoerner]

I played trumpet with the Dramatics for 5 years and I have never heard this long version before. Thanks!

[christinaminicozzi]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤im 68 n I still love this song n it’s so true….

[chadraymond]

This song destroys anything that is made today. I wish the Funk/Soul sound would just come back already <3

[glennkollman]

50 years old and still sounds awesome. One of my favorites from the 1970's. Lyrics still hold true after all these years. Just don't make songs like this anymore. Love the trumpets and brass too.

[jmichelo]

I cannot imagine life or a world without beautiful, socially conscious music like this!

[xmm]

I was 7 years old in 1971 great memories of all these classic tracks!

[JackFlemingFan]

After all these years this song by The Dramatics is still excellent to listen to over and over!

[janeknight]

This was that good time in life when we had "REAL MUSIC"

[Msfabulous]

Makes my heart smile hearing the music my father introduced me at such a young age. Being 22, I’ve come to realize I love more old school music than anything

[catgirl]

Thank you, Tony Hester for the lyrics. Thank you to the composer for the timeless music. And finally, thank you to The Dramatics for the fantastic singing.❤❤❤❤❤

[frankieapples]

First time I heard this song (1971) I was standing on the corner of 150th St & Cortlandt Ave. I just cut class from Bronx Vocational HS!! What an awesome

[salimahshakoor]

This is the best music. Back in the 70's and 80's. There are no good groups out there today. I love this one because it's so true!
Some people are made of plastic and wood!

[weegee-dramaticbehindthemi]

The Dramatic Behind The Mic is WeeGee, with his unmistakable gift and passion. We, WeeGee’s family thank you all for still enjoying what is now classified as a “legacy recording”. Still being enjoyed since crashing onto the charts in 1971!! William would be honored, as are we at DBTM. ENJOY!!! 🎼🎼

[calilee]

Detroit representing! I still jam to this! And I’m 35. Good music and folks who know good music will never let good music die. Idc what they doing now

[juanitajones]

I'm 58 and dearly miss our R&B music and totally tired of the cussing in this rap music and they need to come on with it.

[MK-sueg]

1971, 72, and I'm right back!, , , , 70s, and 77 hs graduate, 82 college degree and 40 years later, still grovin at 62, retired and loving it, LIFEis good!!peace lov happiness!

[Romelus]

I was born in 69....this song brings back that 1970's childhood....my parents played this at all their house parties....we were really black back Train and Fat Albert on Saturdays....lol