One of the most likeable and vocally cohesive singing groups of the late 60… Read Full Bio ↴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. 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.
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.
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Light My Fire
The Friends of Distinction Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Light My Fire' by these artists:
'The Doors' You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
(G)I-DLE Doom da ta la doom da ta Doom da ta la…
092 A.K.A. Skunky Oh yeah Yeah eh Yeah eh Recks (Ah) Baby come around feel th…
6.5 How can I pretend To be okay When I have just nothing Good…
A*S*Y*S & Dominik Schwarz Light My Fire…
A-Live What'd you forget? Got a light? I know you, you’re you're …
A.K.-S.w.i.f.t. Doom da ta la doom da ta Doom da ta la…
A.M.P. 擦れ違う景色に 取り残されてしまうから 少しだけ両手を握る ここで僕等は何故生まれ そして何故死んで逝くのだろう 誰もた…
Al Green You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Al Green/Mabon "Teenie" Hodges You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Amii Stewart You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Amorphis Originally performed by The Doors You know that it would be…
Ananda Shankar this s instrumental but the original song s lyrics goes…
ARTEMA LIGHT MY FIRE アーティスト ARTEMA LIGHT MY FIRE アーティスト ARTEMA …
Astrud Gilberto You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Astrud Gilberto feat. Thievery Corporation You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Baccara Baby why don't you reach out? Why don't you maybe reach…
Bananafishbones Saturday Night Nothing To Do Chose A Bra And Then Shine…
Bassenge & the J Gal your body burnin' and my body yearnin' You know that…
Bassey shirley You know that it would be untrue You know that…
Béatrice Ardisson You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
BETAMOTION You know that it would be untrue, you know that…
Billy J. Williams Whachu say your name was? Well um, lookin real sexy right…
Birth Control You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Black Mighty Orchestra きつくひいた 赤いルージュ 汚してもかまわない あなたがまだ ためらうなら 終わりにしてもいい 明日をただ 守るだけの…
Booker T. & the MG's Get it right it's all I ever want I don't…
Boom Boom Satellites Stay away You cover me over Brittle contract you made with…
C. Papa Let there always be a light in my eyes For it…
Carol Douglas You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Cibo Matto Miho Hatori & Beastie Boys (The Doors cover) You know…
Club house Burn baby burn, all my energy Burn baby burn, all my…
Club House Feat. Carl Set my pubes on fire, get my ballsack too Ugh, just…
Creed Light My Fire - by The Doors __ Was Never covered by…
D-Funk Meu bem, você me (você me dá) água na boca Vestindo…
D.J. Chill Gal your body burnin' and my body yearnin' You know that…
Dabu Davout You light my fire You are making me higher I want you…
David Essex And another one bites the dust Oh why can I not…
Divididos You know that it would be untrue you know that it…
Door You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Dr. V Lay down you arms, open up your heart You and I are…
Dread Zeppelin You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Ed & The Doors You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Elkin & Nelson cnother busy morning How will I get through? The world is ou…
Erma Franklin You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Etta James You know that it would be untrue. You know that I…
Fantastics Kill your kids Yhey wont make a difference If you've got…
Feliciano José You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Flowerz You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Franklin Erma You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Free Design You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Freedom Dub You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
G&T Doom da ta la doom da ta Doom da ta la…
Ghetto Funk ICONS Vol.3 Yeah Light don't leave me, no (Please) Don't me leave me her…
Groove Armada You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Inner Circle J Boog Konshens Gal your body burnin' and my body yearnin' You know that…
Isaac Hayes You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Ivan 'Boogaloo Joe' Jones I had a way then losing it all on my…
J Dilla Fire, yea Come on baby, light my fire (Light my fire now…
J. Dilla aka Jay Dee Gal your body burnin' and my body yearnin' You know that…
Jack Pack you know that it'd be untrue you know that i would…
Jackie Wilson You know that it would be untrue. You know that I…
Jamie-Lee Sexton You see what shines in me You see what shines you…
Jax clright lesgo to work Nobody like Bob Odenkirk In a city whe…
Jay Dee a.k.a J Dilla Oh yeah Yeah eh Yeah eh Recks (Ah) Baby come around feel th…
Jay-Dee Speeding down a canyon road My thoughts are twisted I'm scre…
Jazz and 80 You lived in the light of my love, where darkness…
Jim Morrison/John Densmore/Ray Manzarek/Robbie Krieger/The Doors You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
John Andrews You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
John Tartaglia You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
John Tartaglia/The Doors You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
John Wetton K.K. Downing & Derek Sherinian You're waking up And sound asleep By your side Is the love o…
Johnny Mathis So many nights I sit by my window Waiting for…
Jools Holland & José Feliciano You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
José Feliciano You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Josй Feliciano You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Joy Charity Enriquez Middle of the night I can hear your heartbeat (heart beat,…
JR.Dynamite Edits I'll dance and I'll sing. I'll do anything Just to get…
Julie London You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
K. Lizard You're waking up And sound asleep By your side Is the love o…
Kayah You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
KITCHEN 1 - The Doors You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
KOTOKO 今解き放て 秘めた思いを 無に帰る現実 断ち切るために 運命が必然だとしたって Nobody can pr…
Laurent Voulzy You know that it would be untrue You know that i…
Laurent Voulzy You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Lisa Lovbrand You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Madonna Someone who's friendless and cannot find their way So I'll k…
Massive Attack You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Maysa Matarazzo You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Medeski Martin & Wood/John Scofield I've traveled a long road Through the shadow of death But I…
Mike Flowers Light My Fire You know that it would be untrue You know…
Mike Flowers Pops Light My Fire You know that it would be untrue You know…
Minnie Riperton You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Mr. Capone-E You are my fire you take me higher And I…
Mr.Children 桑田圭祐 You are my fire you take me higher And I…
Muschihaus Vol. Four I've been I've been I've been down for some time I've…
Nancy Sinatra You know that it would be untrue You know that…
New London Rhythm & Blues Band 1. Tudod, hogy ez nem igaz, Tudod, hogy ez…
Nora & Will You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
P. Stone If your cool loving dipped with my loving We could do…
P.P. Arnold Its my right to let the Fire burn Such an arsonist…
P.Stone Been here before the light Made it for the fight Made…
Patricia Barber You know That it would be untrue You know that I would…
Pearl Jam You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Pras Michel Yo (uh, what, yo, uh-huh) ha, yeah yeah Yeah, eh-heh, alrig…
Puhdys You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Quentin Alexander You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
R.k. Shuquem Lost in the dark Shadows surround Thoughts in my head Can't …
Rama I don't wanna get away. Now I want you to…
Rebeat Feat. The Doors You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Scarlett BoBo The time has come its now or none It's me and…
Shakugan no Shana III Final - Kotoko 今解き放て 秘めた想いを 無に帰る現実 断ち切るために 運命が必然だとしたって Nobody can predict w…
Shirley & Lee 별빛이 내린 밤 그 풍경 속 너와 나 날 새롭게 하는 따뜻하게 만드는 네…
Shirley Basset and 12 Tree You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Shirley Bassey (Mobbin' - Peanut Butter Woolf ) You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Shirley Bassey And Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Sonny & Cher Don't try We will not stop We will not Be pulled from our…
Stalin Iset) I set (myfriends) My friends on fire (fire) well I…
Stevie Wonder Yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah Oh, baby You know that it would be un…
Stop Dead Nine lives wouldn't be enough To work it out & makeup Lord…
T.M.Revolution 擦れ違う景色に 取り残されてしまうから 少しだけ両手を握る ここで僕等は何故生まれ そして何故死んで逝くのだろう 誰もた…
Tahta You know that it would be Untrue You know that I…
The Bobs Hey, it's me were you already sleeping? I know it's late…
The Del Rubio Triplets You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Doors ( Jim Morrison) Ah keep your eyes on the road, Your hands upon the…
The Doors - Greatest Hits You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Doors of the 21st Century You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Doors/Jaz Coleman You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Doors/Musicfire.in Ah keep your eyes on the road, Your hands upon the…
The Doors渀 You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Doors爀 Ah keep your eyes on the road, Your hands upon the…
The Doors You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Electric Hellfire Club You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Free Design You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Gym All-Stars A mystery: adrift on a lonely sea If felt like I…
The Lounge-O-Leers You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Mike Flowers Pops Light My Fire You know that it would be untrue You know…
The Nite-Liters Saturday night looking for a good time I'm gonna meet that…
The Perception You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
The Rock-Afire Explosion Hey too much war and crime.Come let us unite.Hey.... Jah,Ja…
The Stalin Iset) I set (myfriends) My friends on fire (fire) well I…
Thievery Corporation You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Train You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Type O Negative You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
UB40 You know that it would be untrue You know that it…
V.A. How can I pretend To be okay When I have just nothing Good…
Various Artists You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Various Artists - Avid Entertainment [ROGER] What'd you forget? [MIMI] Got a light? [ROGER] I k…
Vintage Cafe Lounge & Jazz You lived in the light of my love, where darkness…
Will Young You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Young Holt You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
Young Holt Unlimited/Erma Franklin/Jackie Wilson You know that it would be untrue You know that I…
桑田佳祐 & Mr.Children You are my fire you take me higher And I…
郑俊弘 You are my fire you take me higher And I…
KOTOKO 今解き放て 秘めた想いを 無に帰る現実 断ち切るために 運命が必然だとしたって Nobody can predict w…
We have lyrics for these tracks by The Friends of Distinction:
And I Love Him Never, never doubt Never, never doubt I give him all my …
Crazy Mary They call me crazy, Crazy Mary Because I still love him Thou…
Eli's Comin' Eli's comin' Eli's comin' Whoa you better hide your heart Yo…
Goin In Circles I'm an ever rollin' wheel, without a destination real I'm an…
Grazing In The Grass It sure is mellow grazin' in the grass (Grazin' in…
Great Day (spoken) It's kind of a nice day isn't it? I don't know …
I Need You My imagination starts working over time when you come near O…
It Don't Matter To Me It don't matter to me If you really feel that You need…
Let Yourself Go Hey you You say you got a problem If you don't mind I'd…
Lonesome Mood Oh yes you gone now What is there for me to…
Love Me Or Let Me Be Lonely Love me let me be lonely, Part time love I can…
This Generation Inspiration flows (from river to river) And grows (by leaps …
Time Waits For No One Time waits for no one And nobody gets away There's no except…
When A Little Love Began To Die Ay, this for you, baby, you know who I'm talkin'…
Why Did I Lose You? Why did I lose you, Baby What did I do wrong Just…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos