The Friends Of Distinction Go "Grazing In The Grass" | CHOONS S1E10

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#TheFriendsOfDistinction #MusicHistory #MusicPodcast

Continuing our musical journey through legendary and under-appreciated songs, we’re going way back to the sunny and funky sixties with singer and composer Harry Elston as he discusses the making of his 1969 million-seller with The Friends of Distinction, “Grazing In The Grass.”

One of the most vocally cohesive groups of its time, The Friends of Distinction—Harry Elston, Barbara Love, Jessica Cleaves, and Floyd Butler—enjoyed considerable success and influence due to their blend of California harmonies and crossover arrangements, qualities that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Aided by their manager, NFL legend Jim Brown, the San Diego foursome hit the big time with an irresistible rendition of an already popular song by South African instrumentalist Hugh Masekela, which earned a Grammy nomination one year earlier.

Certified gold by the RIAA, “Grazing In The Grass” proved to be somewhat of a challenge to follow for The Friends of Distinction, as their label struggled to promote them across the board. Years later, however, the track would carry a total vibe, a thunderous celebration of nature, love, and life.

-------------Contents of the video----------------

0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Teasers
1:26 - Vocal groups: an endangered species
3:39 - Going way back with Harry Elston
4:37 - The influence of Johnny Otis and others
5:51 - Doowoping with the Hi-Fis
8:15 - Flying high with a genius
10:25 - The Vocals get unglued
11:55 - Making 'Friends'
14:50 - Enter Jim Brown
17:24 - What an NFL legend saw in the 'Friends'
18:31 - Going to blows
20:15 - Launching The Friends to the Hollywood Elite
22:48 - Hugh Masekela and the novelty that became a hit
24:23 - The real inspiration behind the lyrics of "Grazing"
25:54 - Recording the song
26:50 - People could all dig it
28:04 - Appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show
29:01 - The conflict of being a 'crossover' act
31:50 - What happened to The Friends?
32:37 - The legacy of a timeless vibe
35:03 - Thank you & Credits

Show Tracklisting

Honest I Do (Cell Foster & The Audios)
Double Crossing Blues (Johnny Otis Quintette)
Grazing In The Grass - Instrumental (Hugh Masekela)
Grazing In The Grass (The Friends of Distinction)
Grazing In The Grass - Live at the Ed Sullivan Show (The Friends of Distinction)

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

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