On this day in music history: November 6, 1971 - “Gypsys, Tramps And Thieves” by Cher hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks. Written by Bob Stone, it is the first solo chart topper for the singer and Academy Award winning actress. Originally written as “Gypsys and White Trash”, the lyrics and title are amended when producer Snuff Garrett (Gary Lewis & The Playboys), expresses interest in recording it on Cher. The track is recorded in mid 1971, with members of the famed Wrecking Crew studio collective playing on the basic track. The story song is about a young girl who becomes pregnant by a man her family picks up while traveling through the south. It reignites Cher’s solo recording career, not having had a top ten hit since “You Better Sit Down Kids” (#9 Pop) nearly four years before. “Gypsys” debuts on the charts just seven weeks after “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” makes its debut on CBS. Entering the Hot 100 at #88 on September 18, 1971, it climbs to the top of the chart seven weeks later. “Gypsys” is the first of four number one pop singles that Cher has over the next twenty eight years.“Gypsys, Tramps And Thieves” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
