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.
This Generation
The Friends of Distinction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And grows (by leaps and bounds)
Til we′ve grown so great
In number our power is strong.
This generation, shall be remembered my friend
As the ones that did their best.
We are the same (the world is amazed that.)
And yet, they always respect us
We acscend on others
When it comes to getting things done.
This generation, (this generation)
It's gonna be remembered my friend
As the ones that did their best.
This generation (with their upbeat music)
This generation (they′ve got new inspiration)
They're pressing forward to a brand new world.
This generation(with their guitar...)
This generation (although they are bad)
Let them in, they demand to come in,
This generation (this generation)
Is gonna be remembered my friend as the ones that did their best.
This generation (oh with their upbeat music)
This generation (they've got new inspiration)
They′re pressing forward to a brand new world.
This generation (with their guitars...)
This generation (although they are bad)
Let them in, they demand to come in...
This generation. (this generation)
It′s gonna be remembered my friend
As the ones that did their best,
As the ones that did their best.
It's gonna be remembered...
Oh
As the ones that did their best.
The Friends of Distinction's song This Generation celebrates the power and potential of the current generation. The song is composed with an upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm that convey a hopeful and enthusiastic outlook towards the future. The lyrics convey the message that inspiration is constantly flowing and growing, and that the current generation is making a significant impact by doing their best to shape the world around them.
The first line of the song, "Inspiration flows (from river to river)", speaks to the concept of inspiration being a never-ending resource. The following lines, "And grows (by leaps and bounds) Til we’ve grown so great in number our power is strong," suggest that the more people that are inspired, the more powerful they become. The chorus repeats "This generation" to emphasize that the current generation will be remembered for doing their best and always pressing forward to a new and better world, even in the face of challenges.
The lyrics also acknowledge that while the current generation is similar to previous generations, they are also unique and have new inspiration that propels them forward. The lines "They're pressing forward to a brand new world" and "With their guitars... Although they are bad, let them in, they demand to come in" further exemplify the idea that this generation is forging its own path and leaving a lasting imprint on society.
Line by Line Meaning
Inspiration flows (from river to river)
We draw inspiration from everything around us and it only grows more and more with time.
And grows (by leaps and bounds)
The growth we experience is enormous and happens at an alarming rate.
Til we′ve grown so great
In number our power is strong.
As we continue to grow, our power becomes stronger and more impactful because there are so many of us working together.
This generation, shall be remembered my friend
As the ones that did their best.
This generation will be remembered as the ones who put forth their best effort to make a difference in the world.
We are the same (the world is amazed that.)
And yet, they always respect us
Even though we may look or act differently, we are still respected by the world for the work we do and the progress we make.
We acscend on others
When it comes to getting things done.
We are able to rise above others to achieve great things when it comes to getting tasks accomplished.
This generation (with their upbeat music)
This generation (they′ve got new inspiration)
They're pressing forward to a brand new world.
This generation has a vibrant and positive energy, full of new ideas and inspiration, and together we are moving towards a better future.
This generation(with their guitar...)
This generation (although they are bad)
Let them in, they demand to come in,
This generation, even with their flaws or missteps, is still pushing to be included and heard in important conversations and decisions.
This generation. (this generation)
It′s gonna be remembered my friend
As the ones that did their best,
As the ones that did their best.
Overall, this generation will be remembered for their dedication and effort to make positive changes in the world.
It's gonna be remembered...
Oh
As the ones that did their best.
This line echoes the sentiment of the previous ones, emphasizing that above all, this generation will be remembered for their hard work and dedication.
Writer(s): Kevin J Mc Dougal, Rick A Heil
Contributed by Isabella S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.