The Friends of Distinction

by Craig LytleFounded by Harry Elston and Floyd Butler, the Friends of Distinction also comprised Jessica Cleaves and Barbara Jean Love (plus Charlene Gibson, who replaced Love during her pregnancy). Elston and Butlers involvement in music entailed several groups, including the Hi-Fis, Ray Charles backing band. When the group disbanded in 1966, Elston and Butler recruited Cleaves and Love for a new band; initially, Elston came up with the name Distinctive Friends, but Love suggested reversing the words to Friends of Distinction.After polishing up their act for a few six months during 1968, the group hit the local tour circuit in Los Angeles. With well-developed talent and the support of a well-known manager, former football great Jim Brown, the group signed with RCA Records. In 1969, the group released their first single Grazing in the Grass. Originally recorded by famed trumpeter Hugh Masekela (Elston wrote the lyrics to Masakelas trumpet lead), the song became a smash hit. It graced the R&B charts for 17 weeks, peaking at number five. Four months later, the second release, Going in Circles, surpassed its predecessor. It climbed its way to number three after a prosperous 19 weeks.Three more singles charted for the group — Love or Let Me Be Lonely, Time Waits for No One and I Need You — though none were as rewarding as the groups first two hits. The group encountered some personnel changes following the two smash hits. Jessica Cleaves and Barbara Love both departed the group. Cleaves joined up with other R&B acts (Earth, Wind & Fire, Parliament, etc.). After the release of their fifth and final single, the decline of Friends of Distinction was on the horizon, but not by their own doing.By the mid-70s, the groups well had run dry. With more than five years elapsed since their first release, Elston and Butler called it quits. The two parted ways and didnt speak for several years. When they finally overcame their differences however, Butler died of a heart attack — in Elstons arms. In 1996 Elston ultimately accomplished what he and Butler had agreed to do: he reformed the group with new members Pattie Brooks, Van Jewel and Drake Frye.