The Ebonys, You’re The Reason Why | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 110th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “You’re The Reason Why” by The Ebonys.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 110^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “You’re The Reason Why” performed by The Ebonys.

“Just because of you / I’m a happy guy / You’re the reason why.” During the 1970s, there were plenty of awesome R&B, soul, and funk groups. Unfortunately, not all of those talented collectives earned the same notoriety, or only a few songs caught on.  For the New Jersey-based soul quartet, The Ebonys, they sadly fall into the underrated category of talented groups.  A key song that The Ebonys are renowned for is “You’re The Reason Why”, the ninth track from their 1971 self-titled album.  The Philly soul sound is prominent, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Notably, Hall of Famers Kenneth Gamble (1943 – ) and Leon Huff (1942 – ) wrote and produced it. Another prominent Philly soul proponent, Thom Bell (1943 – 2022), arranged it.  A top 10 R&B hit, “Reason” did impact the pop charts, peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“You’re The Reason Why” begins with a dramatic, ear-catching hit and chord. The dramatic intro builds up anticipation for this soul gem. “Reason” features fierce orchestration and production work – Philly to the core! The Ebonys have a fabulous musical backdrop to sing over with the rhythm section and orchestral cues. The singing is marvelous singing from the lead and background vocals. I love the depth of the robust, gritty baritone lead by the late James Tuten (d. 1994), who asserts in the first verse, “I feel like a king / Sitting high on top of the world / If my heart could sing / I’d sing a love song to you, girl / I’d sing a love song to you girl.” He goes on to shine in the second verse, where he “feels like a tot / That found a brand-new toy.” Oh, the feels! The love! The ripe, soaring falsetto from high tenor David Beasley in the pre-chorus/bridge section is incredibly impressive, too: “You are my reason / To feel this way / And every time I see you / I just wanna say.” The tuneful, unforgettable chorus (excerpted earlier) is another big-time selling point. Of course, you can’t mention “You’re The Reason Why” without those timeless, “ba, ba, ba, ba…yeah” or the assertive, “Baby, baby, baby, baby.” Less heralded than some soul classics, this song deserves the same amount of love, too! It’s sensational!  Other musicians, unsurprisingly, have sampled it.