We’re only in the third month of 2025 but we sadly have to report the passing of another soul stalwart – HARRY ELSTON of the FRIENDS OF DISTINCTION.
The news was announced by his close friend LaMonte McLemore of the Fifth Dimension, who posted: “We are so sorry to note the sudden passing of music legend, Harry Elston of The Friends of Distinction. More than that, for six decades he was LaMonte’s very best friend. Please join LaMonte & Mieko in prayer for Harry’s wife, Yukari and his family, and for all—colleagues & friends—who loved and cherished Harry for his joyful optimistic manner, and the kindness, honesty and witty humor that were his trademark. Like his timeless musical legacy of “Grazin’ in the Grace” and so much more, his spirit will live forever.” No more details are forthcoming save that Harry was 86.
Elston formed the Friends in 1968 and they lined up as Elston, Floyd Butler, Jessica Cleaves and Barbara Love. Prior to that, Harry had been in a group called the Hi-Fis with Marilyn McCoo and LaMonte McLemore – that pair leaving to form the Fifth Dimension. So, Harry Elston set out to form a group that could offer the same optimistic, sunshine pop/soul sound… the Friends of Distinction. (below).
His group were managed by American football legend and sometimes actor Jim Brown who had them sign with RCA and they hit the ground running with their first single – a vocal version of Hugh Masekela’s breezy instrumental, ‘Grazin’ in the Grass’. The cut went top 5 on the soul and pop charts in 1969 and became the group’s signature song. The follow up was a moody ‘Goin’ In Circles’ – another chart rider
The Friends went onto release five albums and a slew of singles including the original of ‘Check It Out’ – later a hit for Tavares. As the hits dried up, the group disbanded in 1975. In 1990, though, Elston and Butler decided to regroup but before they hit the road, Butler died. A devastated Elston resolved to continue, recruiting Geno Henderson, Wendy Brune and Berlando Drake to join him. We believe that that was the line up that toured until recently.
