First recorded by Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express (1973).
Hit version by The Main Ingredient (US #35/R&B #7/CAN #51 1974).
Also recorded by Cuba Gooding, Sr. (1983), Altern-8 (1991).
From the wiki: “‘Happiness is Just Around the Bend’ was written by Brian Auger and first recorded in 1973 by Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. A cover recording in 1974 by The Main Ingredient charted in the US Top 40, peaking at #35, and the R&B Top 10, peaking at #7.
“Cuba Gooding, Sr., father of actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., was the lead singer of The Main Ingredient, singing lead on the group’s two biggest hits (‘Everybody Plays the Fool’, 1972; ‘Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely’, 1974). Gooding later launched a brief solo career with Motown Records in the late 1970s. His biggest international success was his cover of ‘Happiness Is Just Around the Bend’ in 1983, which he had previously recorded in 1974 with The Main Ingredient.
“In recent times, Gooding’s recording has been sampled by several R&B artists, including a remix by UK Hardcore Rave group Altern-8 in 1991. In the same year, samples from the song also featured prominently in Bizarre Inc’s single ‘Playing With Knives’.”
The Main Ingredient, “Happiness is Just Around the Bend” (1974):
Cuba Gooding, Sr., “Happiness is Just Around the Bend” (1983):
Altern-8 “Happiness is Just Around the Bend” (1991):