"People Make the World Go Round" was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, who are both credited as composers, with Bell also credited as lyricist in some databases. The Stylistics recorded it at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, with Bell as producer. Avco released it as a single in 1971, with "Point of No Return" on the B-side, and it also appeared on the group's self-titled debut album, The Stylistics (1971). In the United States the single reached No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 25 on the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 6 on the Soul Singles chart. It is a Philadelphia soul record. Michael Jackson recorded a version in 1972 for his album Ben on Motown, with new verses by Bell and Creed. Later versions include Angela Bofill's recording from 1979 on Angel of the Night and Richard Elliot's smooth jazz version from 2005 on Metro Blue. Marc Dorsey recorded a version in 1994 for Spike Lee's film Crooklyn, which appears in the film and on its soundtrack. Hip-hop artists have also sampled the song, including Naughty by Nature on "World Go Round" (1995) and Westside Connection on "Gangstas Make the World Go Round" (1996).
