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. Jessica Cleaves was featured with Earth Wind and Fire,first appearance on the"Last Days and Time" release. 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.
In 1990, Elston and Butler 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 Bruné and Berlando Drake to sing with Elston. That lineup currently tours and continues to entertain audiences nearly 40 years after the world first heard the Friends of Distinction.
And I Love Him
The Friends of Distinction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never, never doubt
I give him all my love
That's all I do
And if you saw my love
You'd love him, too
I love him
He gives me everything
And tenderly
The kiss my lover brings
He brings to me
I love him
A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I
Have you near me
When you're near me
Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
I love him
Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
I love him
I love him
Yes, I really love him
Let me tell y'right now, I need him
And I've gotta have him
Can't y'hear me when I say I love him
And I've got t'have him
I really really really love him
Oh yes, I got t'have him
I love him
...
The Friends of Distinction's song "And I Love Him" is a beautiful ode to the depth of love one can feel for another person. The repetition of "never, never doubt" in the opening lines sets the tone for the rest of the song, implying that the singer's love is unwavering and steadfast. The opening verse speaks to the power of the singer's love, stating that they give their love to the person they adore and that anyone who sees that love would love the person as well. The second verse is focused on what the singer receives from their beloved-- "everything" and "tenderly."
The chorus is perhaps the most memorable part of the song, with its repeated lyrics about the stars shining and the sky being dark. This can be interpreted in a few ways: perhaps it's emphasizing the power of the singer's love as a guiding light in the darkness, or it could be underscoring the idea that their love is so strong, it can exist even in the darkness. The final lines of the song drive home the point that the singer loves this person deeply and needs them.
Overall, "And I Love Him" is a moving tribute to the power of love and the way it can shape our lives. The song is a beautiful example of the soul, R&B, and pop mix that The Friends of Distinction were known for, and its timeless sound and message have ensured that it remains a much-loved classic to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Never, never doubt
I have unwavering trust in my love for him.
Never, never doubt
I have unwavering trust in his love for me.
I give him all my love
He is the only one I love and I give him my all.
That's all I do
I devote myself completely to him and our love.
And if you saw my love
If you could see our love and connection, you would love him too.
You'd love him, too
You would see the unique beauty of our love, and love him for who he is.
He gives me everything
He gives me all that I need, including his love and care.
And tenderly
He gives me love and care with a gentle touch and a kind heart.
The kiss my lover brings
His kiss, as my lover, brings me joy and happiness.
He brings to me
He brings me love, happiness, and everything else that is good in life.
A love like ours
Our love is special, rare, and meant to be.
Could never die
Our love is strong and will never fade away or end.
As long as I
As long as I am alive and present in this world.
Have you near me
As long as I have my love by my side.
When you're near me
When he is close to me, everything else in the world fades away and I am happier than I could ever be.
Bright are the stars that shine
When he is near, everything is more beautiful and more bright.
Dark is the sky
Even when everything else in the world seems dark and bleak, our love keeps me strong and hopeful.
I know this love of mine
I am confident and certain in my love for him.
Will never die
Our love is eternal and will last forever.
Yes, I really love him
I love him more than anything in the world.
Let me tell y'right now, I need him
I need him in my life, in every way possible.
And I've gotta have him
I want him in my life, in every possible sense.
Can't y'hear me when I say I love him
I am being as clear as possible when I say that I love him- there is no doubt in my mind or heart.
I really really really love him
I love him with every fiber of my being.
Oh yes, I got t'have him
I must have him by my side, no matter what.
I love him
I love him more than anything else in the world- he is my everything.
Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
george robinson
this is the best version of this song i have ever heard, hands down!!!!
Ettenyl56
Woooooo! Over the top, good god almighty! The best and most original rendition of this song I have ever heard!
Daryl Peguese
Ettenyl56 Check out the version of this song by Grady Tate.
Michelle Mcdonald
amazing
Lori Saname
Did you know it was FOOTBALL GREAT Jim Brown that discovered The Friends of Distinction and saw to it they had a record deal? This group is incredible and their harmonies are masterful!!!! I love "This Generation" & "Love Or Let Me Be Lonely" music like this is DEAD
Jerry Johnson
July 24th: Happy birthday Singer Barbara Jean Love (80) Thank you and God bless.....thank you, OldTimeClassic1 for posting this beautiful song. My Saturday "Love Is" on FB playlist. Blessings....#keeprockin'...
John Shepperson
This is what really music inspires to open the mindset and enjoy inspiration joy comes from the Heart and Soul it's Easy if you're real life always changes Every day smile no one can take joy away from you never 365 days it's different don't be le don't be l lead choose your own Way because it's yours always
Joshua Bamford
Vanilla - Give you everything. is an incredible remix
Mana_Beast_Beats
Greydon Square - Snowflakes and Flowsnakes!!!!!
mike Lowry
After all these years rick ross maybach music brought me here. I knew he had to sample that because it was so soulful.