One of the most likeable and vocally cohesive singing groups of the late 60s and early 70s, the Friends of Distinction are too often forgotten in retrospectives of that era, but their music has continued to live on. Formed by Harry Elston, Floyd Butler, Jessica Cleaves and Barbara Love in 1968, the group had a relatively short life in its original incarnation, but made some of the most memorable pop/soul music of all time.
Elston had been singing with the Hi-Fi's in the mid-60s, warming up for Ray Charles in tours across the country. When that group split in 1966, members Marilyn McCoo and Lamont McLemore went on to co-found the enormously successful Fifth Dimension and Elston started the Friends, whose sound was similar to, and often confused with, the Fifth Dimension -- both included tightly harmonizing men and women dressed in late 60s "hip" clothing -- though the Friends' music was generally more soulful.
The newly formed Friends of Distinction was managed by football great Jim Brown and signed with RCA Records. Hitting the popular music scene when Motown and Stax were dominating, the Friends arrived with a breezy California pop/soul sound. Great harmonies and crossover arrangements backed the individually strong lead vocals of the group members. Combined with top notch material (both originals and covers), the group, like the Fifth Dimension, sounded like a breath of fresh air on Pop radio in 1969.
Their first single, "Grazin' In the Grass," was a Elston-sung vocal remake of a Hugh Masekela instrumental cut, and hit the top 5 on both Pop and Soul charts in 1969. The group's follow-up, "Going In Circles," was a brilliant ballad that also charted high. Love took some time off to have a baby, and Charlene Gibson stepped in and sang lead on the group's third big hit, "Love or Let Me Be Lonely." She also sang on the wonderful album cut, "Crazy Mary." The Friends were quite prolific from 1969-71, releasing 5 albums (a sixth appeared in 1973). They also released a number of great singles, including "Check It Out" (later remade by Tavares) and a terrific cover of Neil Sedaka's "Time Waits for No One." Their best cuts are excellently compiled in The Best of the Friends of Distinction, which was released in 1996.
As popular music changed in the mid-70s, the Friends' fortunes declined. A grueling touring schedule and the lack of a hit for several years led the group to call it quits in 1975. Elston and Butler continued to write and perform for a few years, then ultimately went their separate ways, taking jobs outside of music.
Over the next two decades, there was a rediscovery of the great music that the Friends had made together, and their biggest hits were remade by several artists, with "Going In Circles" charting for the Gap Band and Luther Vandross and "Love or Let Me Be Lonely" for pop artist Paul Davis. Most recently, "Grazin In the Grass" was released by Disney star Raven.
Elston and Butler met in 1990 and decided to bring the Friends back together. Tragically, Butler died (at Elston's side) before the group reunion could be realized. After Butler's death, Elston spent several years forming a new Friends group, ultimately bringing together Geno Henderson, Wendy Brun.. and Berlando Drake to sing with Elston. That lineup currently tours and continues to entertain audiences 35 years after the world first heard the Friends of Distinction.
Join us for a very special Holiday Edition of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION where I chat in-depth with Mr. Lamonte McLemore--unforgettable founding member of The 5th Dimension, everyone's favorite mellow bass, multi-Grammy winner, "The Visionary Dimension" whose impeccable sense of style & charmingly mischievous sense of humor is his trademark. Not to mention an indomitably wise spirit. You'll enjoy many 5th anecdotes never heard before plus get a major "new year 5th scoop!" Look for "Visit with a Visionary: Through the Lens of Lamonte McLemore" at the Blog section on my page!
And thank you, kind Friends for your continued support...you are "5th Family," indeed!
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, the acclaimed tribute Blog-Magazine for those awesome multi-Grammy winners, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore and Ron Townson invites you to...FLASHBACK!
Join us for our latest Special Edition just in time for Thanksgiving as we take a cozy, carefree "back in the day" look at the legendary original 5th Fan Club with rare memorabilia including excerpts from the fondly-remembered 5th Newsletters of the '70's. You'll chuckle at the climate of the times & marvel at The 5th Dimension's whirlwind appearance schedule!
See you at the Blog on my page & Thanksgiving blessings,
Hey Friends of Distinction~ Madame Zenobia's Halloween Bash Produced By: Dr. Sweet 'N Low Day! NEW HALLOWEEN JOINT! Best Since THRILLER! ...LOL ;0) Madame Zenobia's (Halloween Re-Mix) By Brown Orphanage! Inspired By The Classic Motion Picture "UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT"! w/ Bill Cosby, Sidney Portier, and Harry Belafonte! Y'all Enjoy! Jay Robinson M4L! Record Corp.
Hey friend remember us we would like to think you because wit out you we couldn't of gotten so far, we started this account 3years ago and we never would expect to go so far wit the band
Friends, I'm pleased to announce our latest, The Girls' Song Edition of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION--the monthly Blog-Magazine on my page. I feel this is one our best issues ever as we wave banners for those amazing women of The original 5th...as beautiful & vocally dexterous as ever, always giving 300% on stage & to the community-at-large with class & Godly grace.
You'll find a special salute to Marilyn McCoo's upcoming birthday (Sept. 30th) with lots of fun including "The One Less Egg to Fry Challenge" plus a Q & A and the link to our exciting new McCoo YouTube! And we check in with FlorenceLaRue, that Delightful Diva on stage with today's 5th!
You're invited to our all-new FOREVER 5th DIMENSION ANNIVERSARY EDITION as we celebrate both our first year of our globally popular Blog-Magazine and more importantly, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.'s 40th Wedding Anniversary!! Join the fun & festivities with rare photos, celebrity wishes, and even take "The Marilyn & Billy Name that Tune Challenge!"
We'll also link you to our latest YouTube featuring the un-vaulted version of "Soul & Inspiration" as part of our tribute to the dynamic duo! It's all at the Blog section on my page...see ya there...and THANKS for your support, enthusiasm and friendship...
You are truly part of a full-circle "Up-Up & Away" blessing,
Hey Elston, What's shakin'? Looks like you got spammed on your page. You should keep your eye on that. Haven't heard from you in awhile. Just saying hey... Do you remember my friend Loretta? We're back in touch. peace,d*
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents our SUMMER SUNSHINE EXCLUSIVE: "Sound-sculpting with Mr. Bones & The 5th!" It's an ALL-NEW in-depth Q & A with The 5th's mega-producer, Bones Howe as we talk about the Grammy-winning quintet's most beloved Summer songs...of course the secrets behind Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In but fan favorites, too like Marilyn's "Open Your Window" and Billy's "Summer's Daughter!" Lots of rare photos, too. So surrey on down to the Blog section on my page and enjoy our Champagne Soul picnic! Blessings, Robert
How can I say thanks? Your awesome response to "Marilyn & Billy--From the Heart" was unprecedented! In the spirit of The official 40th Anniversary of The Age of Aquarius, we keep up the vibe of "harmony & understanding" that The 5th Dimension represents to this day by proudly presenting our latest GRACEFUL SOUL edition of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, featuring a rare & unique archival interview with the lovely & candid, Miss Marilyn McCoo.
If you enjoyed our last edition, I think you'll savor our latest..it's "a groovy thing" (with rare photos & updated info too!). So "surrey on down" to the Blog section on my page and "let the sunshine in!"
Hey Guys, What's the word? Thunderbird! How's every little thing? I've been as they say: just chillin. Haven't stopped to love in a while, you know how it is. You know I'd love to write something for you guys someday, maybe when I get my shot? (hint,hint,hint)lol... Well you all take care and may God bless. Peace on the breeze...
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, the monthly tribute is proud to present the interview so many of you have requested... MARILYN & BILLY--FROM THE HEART!
With a feeling of harmony & unity in the air and some Valentine’s magic too, McCoo & Davis talk music, marriage, their faith & about Obama! The secrets of so many of the hits you love like "Wedding Bell Blues"...the dynamic duo even holds a mini Master Class in singing technique for this special interview!
So take a "beautiful balloon" to the Blog section on my page for a charming visit with Marilyn & Billy--from their hearts to yours!
December 2008 Playlist NEW CHOONZ 1. Brahim - What I Like About You 2. Sunburst Band - Moving With The Shakers (Joey Negro Extended Mix) 3. The Chestnut Brothers - Girls 4. Cool Million ft. CJ Anthony - Give Me My Love (Astral22 Sat Remix) 5. Romina Johnson - Hold On To You 6. Beggar & Co Feat The Jazz Funk Collective - I'm So Happy 7. Beggar & Co Feat The Jazz Funk Collective - London Town 8. Soulpersona - Can't Hide feat. Darien 9. Gregory Mirac G Washington - I Thank You 10. Infinite - If You Think That You Love Me 11. Femi - I Want You
FLASHBACK 12. Ace - Baby Girl 13. Nigel Martinez - She's Gone (remix) 14. Allure - No Question (remix) 15. T-Empo - Saturday Night Sunday Morning (remix) 16. Surface - Stop Holding Back 17. Con Funk Shun - Secrets 18. Donna Allen - Perfect Timing
NEW CHOONZ 19. J -Funk Believe It 20. June Rochelle - Debt Free 21. Nicki Richards - Bring The Love 22. Towanna - Still l Rise 23. Jon B - Paradise In U 24. Isaac Tin Man Smith - I'am Into You 25. Sam Bostic - One More Try 26. David Mensah - My Day 27. Little Anthony & The Imperials - Love You Can't Handle 28. Larry London Project - Lady 29. LaBelle - Tears For The World 30. Light Of The World More Of Myself CD Round Trip + Bonus Tracks 31. Light Of The World - Time To listen, please check out the monthly sched
Hey guys haven't been here for a while thought It was about time for me to stop to love. Been on the road for a while, you know how that is...Still waiting on my shot with you guys...If you still see Jessie or Charlene send them my love... I've missed you all so!
Event: 70's Classic Soul Throwback Place: Denim Lounge, 1223 Bedford Ave Date: Friday October 31, 2008 Time: 10pm-4am Host: Barry "The Maestro" Mason, 98.7 KISS FM DJ's: DJ De-lite, DJ Hakim Adm: $10 Extra's: $100 cash prize to patron with best 70's outfit
October 2008 Playlist New & Upfront 1. Evelyn "Champagne" King - Standing On the Rock of Love 2. Don-E - Stay - A While 3. Eric Benet - Weekend Girl 4. Classic Detroit Style R&B - Perfect Mix 5. DJ Spen & The Muthafunkas presents Marc Evans - The Promise 6. Cool Million Feat Aaron Washington - Pride 7. Darien - Composure 8. D'Aquela - Shining Star 9. Sowfi - Your Own Good 10. LaSonya Gunter - Go 11. Dre T Turner - Oh Baby Baby
Flashback 12. Eric Gable - For Your Love 13. Chante Moore - I Want to Thank You 14. Solo - Where Do U Want Me to Put It 15. Damel Carayol - Heaven 16. BLU - Out Of The Blu 17. Dazz Band - Heartbeat 18. Chantelle Duncan - Memories 19. Jeff Cascaro - Summer Love 20. Donald Harrison Jr - Love Me Back New & Upfront 21. George Duke - Listen Baby 22. Raphael Saadiq & Stevie Wonder - Never Give U Up 23. Lenora Jaye - Taking Over 24. Glendora Woodward - Heavenly 25. Leigh Jones - Free Fall 26. YAMAMA'NYM - Love Takes All Over 27. Marz Jukebox - Muzik 28. Bennson - I Need Music 29. Sly & Robbie - Amp Fiddler - I believe In You To listen, please check out the monthly schedule on http://www. soulchoonz. com/MyRadio
