How ‘Make It with You’ Became Bread’s Signature Hit

“Make It with You” is a classic soft rock ballad by the American band Bread. Released in June 1970 as part of their album On the Waters, the song was written and produced by the band’s lead vocalist and primary songwriter, David Gates. Its mellow melody and heartfelt lyrics quickly captivated listeners, propelling Bread into the spotlight during the early ’70s.

Make it with you

Chart-Topping Success: “Make It with You” became Bread’s first and only song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, achieving this milestone on August 22, 1970. ​

International Recognition: Beyond the U.S., the song also performed well internationally, peaking at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and reaching the top 10 in several other countries. ​

Minimalist Recording: Interestingly, only two members of Bread participated in the recording of “Make It with You”: David Gates handled vocals, guitars, bass, and string arrangements, while Mike Botts played drums. ​

Gold Certification: The single was certified gold by the RIAA, signifying over one million copies sold—a testament to its widespread popularity. ​

Cover Versions: “Make It with You” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Ralfi Pagan’s Latin soul rendition in 1971 and a 1996 version by British band Let Loose, which reached No. 7 on the UK charts.

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