"Bourgie Bourgie" chronology

[markydefad]

I recently put all 3 versions of the Ashford Simpson composition together on a tape.

1) Ashford & Simpson's instrumental version. (1977)

2) John Davis & The Monster Orchestra's version with lyrics. (1979, I think)

3) Gladys Knight & The Pips version with lyrics (1980)


My question is why the original A&S version was done as an instrumental? Did they write the lyrics later? I think this is the loveliest version of all--BUT, I'm wondering if they didn't care for their lyrics and decided to just use an instrumental track or what. Seemed a little odd for a vocal group to include a purely instrumental track on an LP. Anyone know the backstory?

[buckaroo]

8)
There's also a '90s dance version.

[Art Figueroa]

In 2001, G Club released Guitarra G, which samples Bourgie, Bourgie. Nice guitar in it and energy. It can be found on Hed Kandi's Base Ibiza compilation.

Art