The Story Behind Bachman Turner Overdrive’s Hit Song “Takin’ Care of Business”
If you’re a classic rock fan, you’ve definitely rocked out to the iconic track “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive. The song, released in 1974, is one of the most recognized and celebrated hits of the era, and has been covered by artists across various genres. But do you know the story behind its creation? In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of “Takin’ Care of Business”, and explore how it became a timeless masterpiece that still resonates with fans worldwide.
The Birth of “Takin’ Care of Business”
“Takin’ Care of Business” was written by Randy Bachman, a Canadian musician who’s best known as a founding member of The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive. While touring with The Guess Who in the early 1970s, Bachman came up with the idea for the song after hearing a fellow musician say “I’m takin’ care of business” as a response to a mundane question. Intrigued by the phrase, Bachman started working on a riff that would eventually become the backbone of the track.
In an interview with Songfacts, Bachman explained that he wanted to create a fun, upbeat song that would be relatable to people from all walks of life. He wanted the lyrics to reflect the everyday struggles and victories of the average person, and encourage them to keep pushing forward. The result was “Takin’ Care of Business”, a feel-good anthem that celebrates the joy of hard work and perseverance.
The Recording Process
Once Bachman had the basic structure of the song, he brought it to the rest of the band, consisting of his brothers Tim and Robbie Bachman, and Fred Turner. Together, they worked on refining the melody and lyrics, and adding their own instrumental touches to the mix. The band recorded the track in 1973, with Randy Bachman on lead guitar, and Tim Bachman on rhythm guitar. The song was produced by Randy Bachman and engineered by Mark Smith.
In an interview with The Record, Randy Bachman revealed that the recording process was fairly straightforward, with each member contributing their own unique style to the track. He described the vibe in the studio as “very communal”, and said that they all knew they had something special on their hands as soon as the recording was finished.
The Legacy of “Takin’ Care of Business”
“Takin’ Care of Business” was released as a single in 1974, and quickly climbed the charts, peaking at #12 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was also a hit in Canada, where it reached #3 on the RPM Top Singles chart. It has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved tracks in classic rock history, and has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials.
Despite its popularity, “Takin’ Care of Business” has managed to maintain its original message of hard work and perseverance. The song continues to inspire people around the world to chase their dreams, and to never give up on their goals. In a world that’s constantly changing, “Takin’ Care of Business” remains a timeless reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can be the most powerful.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the story behind Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care of Business” is one of creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. From its humble origins as a riff in Randy Bachman’s head, to its status as a classic rock staple, the song is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. Whether you’re a seasoned rock fan, or just discovering the song for the first time, “Takin’ Care of Business” is a reminder to keep pushing forward, and to never stop chasing your dreams.
