Friends of Distinction "I Really Hope You Do"

[gemc8]

I can't see straight when I hear this song! This song just takes my breath away after all these years! Another Jr High School moment with Billy Thornton on my mind.

[TooDarnSoulful]

Wonderful :)

[wke34]

One of the best.

[steelcross101]

man i havent heard this song since the 60;s i was on my way back to viet-nam

[nubonyx]

@steelcross101 , I know you probably shed some tears because music, especially good music, brings on a flood of emotions. I've always loved this song even though the first time I heard it I was walking out of my grandmother's funeral. Jessica's voice is awesome.

[barnerl]

I LOVE THIS SONG!! I played it more that the other side which was the actual hit. I sing this song All the time. It stays in my head. It is a part of my soul............... forever..

[darkchococide]

Does anyone out there have the Friends of Distinction tune "It's Time To Face Each Other" (can't remember which Lp it came from), and if so could you please upload it?

Much appreciated.

[darkchococide]

@darkchococide Update: the song is called "It's Time To See Each Other". Hope someone out there can find and post it.

[rfwells32]

I can't get enough of this classic. Goosebumps everytime I hear it.

[boobtubelube01]

very nice! i one of my early 45's i got into that's so beautiful with a certain darkness to it... love it towards the end great harmonizing, great track...

[chicagodog69]

Classic time. They dont make music like this any more.Reminds me of going to Latees Beauty salon in Chicago. Late sixties .Unforgetable memories.

[ChrisImaniBeatz]

Endless stream

[annalvla]

My older brother Louis started a 45 records collection that span many years, anyway one of the things he would do is always listen to the B side! A lot of hits were made. He played this for me .

[hilinai08]

Makes me wanna cry.....I love this song...Thanks for sharing

[npenciso]

its putting a smile on my face,this is so memorable!

[summerbabetoo]

I REALLY HOPE YOU DO, SING IT JESSICA!

[emmettk]

For another great song by Jessica Cleaves, go to Earth Wind & Fire "I'd Rather Have You". She was with them in 1972-73.

[blake5miami]

It dose'nt get any better than this.

[angellove52195]

i love the song i find it so smooth and sexy. I wish this group will reunite. I really fell in love with the group. I wish one day they will have a concert with the original members.

[jonber221]

@angellove52195 UNFORTUNATELY THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE GROUP PASSED AWAY IN 1990 FROM A HEARTATTACK...RIP MISTA FLOYD BUTLER...HE WAS TRULY AMAZING...AS FOR THE OTHER MEMBERS THEY ARE CHOOSING THEIR OWN PATHS IN LIFE...THE MUSIC IS STILL WONDERFUL...AND AS A CHILD OF TWO OF THE MEMBERS I AM BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN ALL OF THESE WONDERFUL CREATIVE FOLKS!

[zgardener]

amen to that comment about the vocal talent 'back in the day' cannot be duplicated today!

[mrtwint1]

ALL I CAN SAY IS.....MAVERICKS FLATS LOS ANGELES ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON SLOW GRINDING WITH A LOVELY TENDER..........

IMAGINE THAT YOUNGSTERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[quickmajik1000]

I believe this was "B" side of a 45 record but it's an "A" with outstanding vocals and lyrics.

[npenciso]

I can die right now HAPPY!

[toicannon]

The great Ms. Jessica Cleaves on lead, I was in love with her, well I still am, LOL!!!

[mistycat57]

this song really is pure jesica, thank you for sharing what not easily found in todays music.

[gbgoul]

Found this side - loved it - danced many "grinds" (as we called it back then) to this song - so smooth!

[npenciso]

Superb song,superb talent,what a great combination. This song is to die for! Thanks a lot for this..

[Jadasan]

My dad got this song stuck in my head from playing it over and over!!!! ....I like it now!

[ezabdullah]

DebWillDo I could not agree with you more. I feel blessed to be able to hear and thoroughly appreciate the superior quality of music like this. It's genuine, timeless and therapy for the soul.

[bonewell112]

whos version was first the fod,s or the sophistacates i like them both but the vocals are better on this one

[TheBrusier35]

Her voice is so nice!

[MichelleLaBell10]

One of my favorites ever.

[marysman1960]

Ever had a song that just hung with you throughout the years? For me, this was the one. Searched and couldn't find it until last year along with all the other greats this group rolled out in their day. Thanks for the post. Brings back great memories.

[xfunkster]

This is not just my favorite song by the Friends of Distinction it's one of my all time favorite songs period.

[track2107]

ok this was a slow dance song

the lyrics was something

i wish i could had wish

i could had wrote

to keep my english teacher off my ass

[track2107]

i love this song

the lyrics is so real

[garyn1953]

My understanding is that Jessica Cleaves isn't doing well. Letz all pray for her and her family. Let the Angels surround her !!!

[nubonyx]

@garyn1953, I pray she is well or getting well. I was able to contact Sherry Scott a few years ago and I had thought she died of an overdose. I am so glad I was wrong and I hope you're wrong about Jessica. If not, I'll pray for her. And trust me...PRAYER works. No matter what religion, it works.

[garyn1953]

@nubonyx Whatever happens ... we'll meet on the other side and we gon PARTAAAAAAA !!!!!!!

[nitabu13]

Another one of those basement party slow dance, grindin, clothes burning songs. Beautiful song. One of the best!!!!

[voicemaster56]

Lord knows I used to love this song!! And the harmony?? Ohhhhh so sweet!! This is one of my all time favorites. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece.

[jmack1stlee]

Question? Is Jessica Cleaves the beautiful voice I hear on early Earth, Wind And Fire Albums?

[toicannon]

@jmack1stlee Yes that is the amazing Ms. Jessica Cleaves on the Earth Wind and Fire Album!!

[swt32567]

@jmack1stlee Yes she is one in the same.

[gwcharlton]

this woman had range. i hate to think about the unfulfilled lives of one hit wonders but she hooked up with two groups and made a minor splash. can we bring her back? if she still has anywhere near the pipes she outclasses all the pretenders out nown

[Bluesdirections]

1969 and I was a wee fifteen. Grazing In The Grass was NO 1 on a radio chart in Singapore. I buy the single and hear the b side. Which side was more played ?

[tonyaustin72]

what year did this song come out?

[Meridian83West]

@tonyaustin72 This came out in 1969. In addition to being the "B" side of the hit "Grazing In The Grass", it was also on the Friends of Distinction's "Grazin'" album, which also contained their hit "Going In Circles". The "Grazin'" and "Highly Distinct" albums were reissued on a single CD a few years ago. It's worth buying if you can find it.

[tonyaustin72]

@Meridian83West Thanks!

[xfunkster]

This song is one of my all time favorite songs of all time. I can't even begin to explain just how much I love this song.

[brandonandrewdad]

I don't know ( can't remember ) 16 / 17 years old, this was IT !!! If this song didn't do it for you, nothing would. serious blue light in the basement.

[tfronauer]

My favorite song of theirs. Shame on the record company for not pushing this one.

[stillwaters722]

Once again, I'm trying to find Love Or Let Me Be Lonely....it was on here for about a minute...now its gone....sniff!

[halfbreed1950]

We went to the same High School (LA High), was in love with her, she never knew.

[fallismyfavorites]

This is my favorite song ever!! Hypnotic.

[PetePeterkin]

Some "Bonehead" executive made this masterpiece the B -side of one of their hits.

Probably the same guy who made "My Cherie Amor" initially a B-side

[btinsley1]

wouldn't it be great to turn on the radio & hear music like this?

.....wake up...wake up...you're only dreaming

coming up..... soulja boy and jay-z !

(UGGGGH !!!!, somebody please light a match!)

[Womackette]

@Boopey61...my older sister hipped me to this as well. Thank God for our older siblings that had such good taste in music.

[stillwaters722]

Just found it---thanks

[stillwaters722]

can someone PLEEEEZE post Love Or Let Me Be Lonely?

[zenque]

Wow!! I was so in LOve, I used to think she was singing to me I had to be about 17 and I was in Love with Renee, when i hear that song for that Moment I still am ...peace

[Boopey61]

Great song. A timeless classics. My older used 2 play this song all the time back when the group was hot.

[DebWillDo]

I still get SICK when I hear this song...in a good way...after all of these years! The vocal talent "back in the day" cannot be duplicated today!

[channyandseddiefan]

@DebWillDo It can, but it's covered by autotune and lost in the swarm of untalented stars unworthy of the fame. ):

[imblessed723]

Beautiful memories...although I was in the 10th grade...but, GOOD songs have a tendency to come back when you finally find the love of your life...I'm loving someone now...and this is my song to him....

[DWhytePA]

Summer of 1969 and I was 14 and "in love"..lol. Wonder where Michael is now?? Thanks for the memories LamontCJ xoxo

[ItalianQue]

I remember this song on the radio as a kid.

[southcoastmod]

Great to hear this after a long time. In the late 60's me and my girlfriend were into the FOD's particularly this track. We've been married 38 years!

[nubonyx]

Just goes to show you that good music makes a good marriage beloved. I wish the two of you many more years of blessings and joy. Peace!

[MsTexas73]

LURVE this cut!

[abenra2000]

Love them. Reminds me of my days in Cleveland, Ohio. Much LOVE.

Abenra

[MsTexas73]

HI...I live in Cleveland *waving some Cleveland Lurve your way*

[nubonyx]

This is Jessica Cleaves who sang with EWF after she left Friends of Distiction.  I love this song. Damn, can you remember being in love like that?

[soulsupremeful]

I did enjoy this tune many thanks !!

[GStrongRAW]

Man...I LOVE me some Jessica Cleaves & FOD...They belted out some beautiful tunes..thanks 4 da post LamontCJ

[neoconsnightmare3]

Her voice is angelic. HIGHLY underrated song.

[Quixote010]

NFL player Jim Brown had a lot to do with the success of this group. He had moved to LA by the mid 60s and had an interest in movies and music. He thought this group would be the next 5th Dimension.

[MsTexas73]

Well...the groups ARE related...Floyd and Harry used to sing with Marilyn and Lamonte of the 5th Dimension when they sang in the Hi-Fi's.

[djdredwhitehead]

this song makes me smile without control so sweet so sweet

real shit right here

[kariebeez]

Jessica Cleaves has a trained and beautiful voice that never wavers and she can hit all of the high notes without straining. This is what I call singing. Not many can match her today.

[chaseruffin]

Hello Jessie,

Thank you for all those steamy hot dances under the red blue or green lights in our basements doing the slow drag holding a fine young firm thing with a cheek full of Royal Crown after resting your chin on top of her head and grinding on each other like there was no tomorrow. Your vocal performance was the best. It felt like love. I still play your songs where you are forever young. You are missed my friend because I'd rather have you.

Chase Ruffin

[btinsley1]

beautiful words !

[glaster57]

Love it!!!!!

[shirleyporter50]

A guy that im really into sent this song to me, and it brought back some memories that he and i shared some years ago

[npenciso]

Am a great fan of this group. Their songs mean a lot to me- such an downpour of emotions from way way back...

[claymarsh59]

I used to listen to oldies on KJLH in L.A. on a certain night and rock my daughter to this tune along with the delphonics, etc. Some time had passed by and I never knew who sang this until I analyzed it in my head, it had to friends of distinction and I was right. Nice when someone has a sound that's recognizible. olskoolgirl had it posted,boy i miss her but thank you very much Lamont for the post. Oh yeah my babys' 26 now and loves daddy's oldies. Good life!

[timmy841212]

Very nice joint.

[smellmyfarts]

OMG!This is perfect. I can still feel this like I did back in the day! Thanks for making this available. I'm in heaven! You are a SAINT!

[msthing57nc]

Brings back such memories! Wasn't this a flip side of one of their 45's? I remembered when I discovered it -- what a find!

[swt32567]

It was the (B) side of their 1st big hit in 1969 GRAZIN IN THE GRASS.

[clutchman17]

does anyone know if she did this before she did i rather have you with e.w.f and any other songs that she has done like this one she makes tears come to your eyes with songs like theses from the great old days

[btinsley1]

I Really Hope You Do came BEFORE I'd Rather Have You.....I like a song by her called "Lady Mae", when she was still with the Friends of Distinction, but I dont think it's on youtube(yet)....Glad you like JC...she can vocally float near heaven, or dip low down to China !

[Teniece123]

Jessica Cleaves is my couisin. I am alot younger than her but my sister and her grew up together. Great voice!!! The last time I talked to uncle Cline he said she was OK...

[yanoka626]

this was such a wonderful masterpiece. grazing in the grass was one i love just as much. thanks for the stroll.

[ycofan]

One of my very favourite groups from the seventies. Thanks for sharing this!

[seand67]

Thanks, I need to cop this CD to hear more of Jessica. Being a fan of EWF, I never heard a peep from Jess after she vanished from the group in '73.

[btinsley1]

she went to....get this......PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC....don't believe it?  check it out....

[marvingeniousoflove]

My favorite song ever. Whew!

[CRAZOLA3]

me too

[Mandi7882]

THank you for posting this. This was "my song" I sung in talent shows when I was in elementary school!!!! I loved Jessica too (From here to EWF and Parlament Funkadelic, etc..!) P.s. Ode to Jim Brown! :)

[rickydfcc77]

I was in fourth grade when this song was new. "Grazing in the grass" was the monster hit A-side, and in my teens and twenties I collected oldies and had this 45 but didn't make the connection until 2002 at an event where a fellow DJ played it. This song touches the heart and soul in a most genuine way.

[msthing57nc]

Thanks, ricky. I just posted a comment asking if this was a flip side. Thanks for the info. Great song!

[rickydfcc77]

This sounds like the perfect template for EWF, which Jessica Cleaves joined in 1972. Check her on "I'd rather have you" from "Last days and time", that sounds like a continuation of this style.

[freein2339]

This was really very talented group...No yelling and corny harmonies , just straight up great music with a great sound and great arrangements...Check out the arrangement on "Grazing in the Grass"...Now that's music not this sampled , watered down nonsense that's on the radio today....Sorry , but I had to vent a little...

[freein2339]

Another "hidden" classic Lamont....

[brandonandrewdad]

thank you. this is dangerous stuff for me,

takes me back to when...

[fnkbss]

I love the voice of Jessica Cleaves. Thank you for posting this LamontCJ, I didn't know this group. Fantastic stuff - hits right in the heart

[jahakha]

one of the most soulful beautiful grooves ever mae pure beauty and talent through and through timeless

[CRAZOLA3]

i agree i listened to this over ten times straight al ready

[yug08]

Can you believe that this sweet, sweet song was the "B" side of Grazing in the Grass?! Awesome forever!

[LamontCJ]

Thusly my reason for posting it! I've always prefered side "b" selections because I never based good recordings on "hooks" which seems to drive record producers. I always preferred good lyrics and content.

[MultiplicityMe]

@LamontCJ Smart. Great upload.

[not2shy2say]

@yug08 When I was little my friend and I used to throw B side party and this was always the most requested song to play.

[fallisfavorite]

WOW, the best song ever.

[congaplayera]

A smoky and priceless voice in a group that was a cut above so many of their contemporaries. Thank you LamontCJ.

[blacktigerwu]

I gotta drive to Stockbridge today so i know what i'll be listening to TFOD all the way. Some one put up the song "Never Die"

[5291791]

Jessica Cleaves lead singer,later to appear with Earth Wind and Fire beautiful voice

[Fishnetfamous]

Lamont CJ, I so glad that you posted. I thought I was the only one so nuts about Jessica's voice and this song, Crazy Mary and And I love her. Back to this song, everyone who has been infatuated or in love, wonders if "you give me a thought too or I really hope you do"

[swt32567]

So well said Fishnetfamous.That makes two of us who feel this way. I've often wondered as you've said "if she gave me a thought too".This song is what dreams are made of.1969

"It was the best of times;it was the worst of times". When I hear this song I know it surely

was,"the best of times". The Friends of Distintion & I Really Hope You Do 4-Ever.

[masusnay]

I'm actually crying as I hear the beauty in this magnificent voice. I wish to go back to this period also because the world was not as it is with current music. Love was in the air and the hearts of many sang of peace.

[rudielor]

Oh how I would love to go back to this period and start over. I wouldn't change a thing.

[honeybrownsugared]

THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE SONG IN EVER.

[npenciso]

At long last! I found what i have been lookin for a long time! Thanks a lot! Im so very pleased really! Thought I'd never get the chance to get to hear them anymore.

[54BEEBOM]

I really do .... REMEMBER

Yes Baby!!!!!!!

[jazzquartetman]

beautiful song...and her voice is ANGELIC!

[RonaldWindsor]

How many folks sing like this at 17 years old. Only one other and that would be the outrageous Georgia Anne Muldrow. I know them both. One, Jessica was my best friend and the other Georgia is my daughter. Both are artists with a vibration of sound that restores the soul. Praises be to Jah

[LamontCJ]

How fortunate of your association with those fine artists! I always felt Jessica was rather young and sang beyond her years. I hope they are both well, because they both were certainly blessed. Great comment! LOL

[5291791]

are you for real,Jessica was only 17 when this recording was made. Damm

[5291791]

Where is Jessica from and do you know what she is doing now

[swt32567]

Hey, How is Jessica doing these days? I fell in love with her voice & this song during the summer of '69. I was captivated with her hauntly beautif intonation.Thanx for the info. I thought she was at least 24 or 25yrs old.If you still talk to her let her know she is still loved & appreciated after all these years.

Sincerely

Colonel Santo A. Chase,USA(Ret.)

[freein2339]

Wasn't her son Mateen Cleaves that played in the NBA few years ago...???

[grifitti]

@RonaldWindsor Is this Jessica Cleaves on lead ? Didn't she sing with Earth Wind & Fire when they first started out ?

[jlomax]

@grifitti Yes!! She sang with Earth Wind and Fire! She is on their Head to the Sky album. (around 1973 or so..) She had an amazing voice!

[darkchococide]

@grifitti In response to @RonaldWindsor - actually Jessicawas EWF's second female vocalist. The first was Sherry Scott. on their first 2 Lp's.

[darkchococide]

@RonaldWindsor So what's Jessica doing these days?

[samhadrios]

mon meilleur morceau de soul :)

[blacktigerwu]

I play this song over and over this and crazy Mary . We all have someone who we think of like this ...I wonder if she ever thinks about me like I think of her.

[LamontCJ]

Dude, for me, especially when I was young and single and the conquest of women was my only motivation, I never experienced wondering if she wanted me like I wanted her. I went to her and let her know of my intentions and if the feelings were mutual, cool. No time for thinking! Go for it!!!

[swt32567]

This my favorite song by the Friends . It was the summer of 1969 & i was captivaated by a muy bonita nina named Marquita. I discovered this tune on the flip side of their hit Grazin'In The Grass and I wore out the grooves and had to buy another 45prm. Love the sound and harmony of The Friends. Thanx for Caring  Col. S.A. Chase U.S. Army(Ret)

[LamontCJ]

Great memories for many of us! Thatis what this medium is all about and I am glad to share. Their four part harmony was beautiful and it has stood the test of time.

[musicloverjazz48]

@LamontCJ Many thanks for sharing and posting this very beautiful song. It has taken me back to the early 70's when I was madly in love with a young man that I will simply call TP. Many Many thanks, I love Friends of Distinction!!

[btinsley1]

My very FAVORITE from Friends of Distinction. The amazing thing about Jessica Cleaves was her wonderful vocal range, soaring octaves and bottoming Sarah Vaughn-like lows (ever heard her sing "I'd Rather Have You? with Earth Wind & Fire??) When she left FOD, she was featured with Earth Wind & Fire, whose falsetto harmony by Phillip Bailey was perfectly suited to lilt alongside Jessica's. She also performed with George Clinton later in the mid-70's...What a Talent !!!!! P.S...."Lady Mae" anyone?

[LamontCJ]

You are one of many fans of Jessica. I have heard many reasons why she left EWF but the most plausible was that she and Maurice did not click. He was running the band and had his own agenda. I believe she left on good terms and eventually became an original Parlet and Bride of Funkenstein. What a voice!

[btinsley1]

thank you LamontCJ for your knowledge and appreciation......much love

[LamontCJ]

Thank You, I enjoy music.

[MotownMs]

Here is another big fan of Jessica's...when people rave about the five-octave-plus crowd they seem to leave out her name...thanks for keeping her incredible voice alive for the world to hear...

[LamontCJ]

Even as a younger person in the early 70's, there was something about Jessica's voice that really moved me. I don't know much about her except what was read off liner notes but her singin' was all that was required. Here on the east coast, she is greatly appreciated for her voice range on cuts like this one and "I'd Rather Have You" and "Lady Mae"

[topsmaniac]

@LamontCJ  I'm A Witness To That ... The Philly Area Appreciated Jessica's Talent !

[maximillion8sensitiv]

@MotownMs

awesome ..such fab memories ... my teen years were wonderful her voice sent me into a soulful trance ...mellow....

[n2cora]

wow! i was hoping someone would post this one!

YOUTUBERS THANK YOU!!!

[LamontCJ]

You're welcome. It's nice to share great music.

[n2cora]

a bet a modern version of this (if done right)would be an automatic big hit.

[LamontCJ]

Wishful thinking at best. First, there's no groups being produced to sing four part harmony. Second, as long as record companies are corporately controlled and mandated to turn a profit, artists packaged as singing groups are deemed too expensive and unescessary. These singing groups from the 60's and 70's are forever gone. It's tragic.

[gchaed]

This is the most underrated R&B group of all time.  Their music is like magic.

[LamontCJ]

I agree, they sho' nuff could sing. I often wonder why they did not get the recognition they deserved. At least rock and roll hall of fame consideration.

[justfinewithme]

My favorite song by Friends of Distinction! I remember hearing this song so many times when I was coming up, and it sounds even better today. Thanks for the post.

[LamontCJ]

Ditto for me. I really enjoy great harmony and phrasing and this group pulled it off!