The Friends Of Distinction "Grazing In The Grass" on The Ed Sullivan Show

[@kpitt1204]

I love the fact that they look like they’re having fun! It makes me smile!

[@whaheydelee]

You'd be having fun too if you could get halfway through "I can dig it, you can dig it..." I wouldn't venture to even try the rest.

[@h.l.b.6122]

Any performer on the Sullivan show knows that if Ed asks you on, you have made it! You've grabbed the brass ring. Ed wanted live vocals, no lip syncing, so they sang to their instrument track. Sounded every bit as good as the recording.

[@anthonybrown6804]

They are having fun, Kpitt 😊

[@kpitt1204]

@@whaheydelee 🤣🤣🤣

[@TimEssDub]

And the song is fun to listen to

[@jtdundee]

52 years later this is still a timeless, great popular song. In 1969, who was enjoying music from 1917?

[@bemore1134]

Those of us who grew up with this music were so blessed, and took it SO much for granted. Fortunately the technology exists to allow it to live on forever.

[@jj9homer]

My blessed mother. She was singing "Yes, sir, that's my baby" and she was dancing the Charleston in the kitchen in the 1960s. She was born in 1913!

[@TheStratman007]

I was 14 and living in NY. MOTOWN, CCR, Neal Diamond, and so many great bands. I played music, but the professionals played at the public spots, especially at the Grange Fair in Westchester. A band called, "The Intreagues" did this wonderful song. They did Grass Roots stuff too. I can not fathom where the time went. Music like this takes me to where I want to be.

[@davidpanetta6400]

My mom was born in 1918 and she seemed to like this song. But to answer your question, not many people were listening to the radio in 1917.

[@MrLamontSanford]

ha...my mom..born in 1933...knew music from 1910 as well as stuff like this...me too...I know loads of music from the 1800's...and this^^ as long as its good, its good...and timeless.

[@elizabethd.2398]

Grazing in the grass is a gas, baby can you dig it! Ahh, the memories of the 60s & 70s. 🌱

[@freyjr5904]

YOU CANNOT LISTEN TO THIS AND BE SAD OR MAD. THIS IS SO JOYOUS, THEIR ENERGY IS INFECTIOUS. i wish the world can listen to this

[@jimtownsend7899]

I was about to comment the same thing. I got a smile on my face and a tear in the corner of each eye. Loving this!

[@MrNathan791]

I agree. This just brings me joy and keeps me smiling. We had so much fun when me my siblings back in the 70’s would try and sing along with them. I still along when ever I hear it on my local oldies station. And I still get winded. 😂

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed

[@michaelbruns449]

And see this.

[@vw1649]

I agree this song puts a smile on my face...

[@hemigod2]

A VERY VERY powerful song. It’s like it came from another universe.

[@johngamber5523]

😂

[@藤井盛男]

You had heard the sound of the 70's r&b, and apart from 60's Motown sounds, I think.

[@renefitzgerald333]

Pure talent the music, voices and dancing! So lucky to have grown up with such fantastic music👍

[@raulmartinez9655]

I could listen to this song ten times over & not get tired of it. I thank God I grew up in this era. We had great great music. Latin, soul & rock. The best.

[@keithdavis9633]

Real Music up Town Philly

[@stuartwise5709]

Same here! I can't count the number of times I have viewed this video

[@Flytyerman-ec6vq]

Real music from a "magic era"! I can dig it.

[@edwinwilkerson6051]

I was in hawaii 10 years old and heard this on KGMB AKU radio show

[@emilyh.8704]

We sure did! The very best!

[@ePotaito]

Why couldn’t I been born in this time, I would’ve had so much fun! The music, the styles, the art….a wonderous time because of us people’s❤

[@michaelbeda6295]

That could be a good wish, but I submit that while the Friends of Distinction represent among the best of everyone during those times, the country was being ripped apart- the politics of race, of war and anti-war, of the haves and have nots and just plain nastiness going on at every turn, and some of us were back in south east asia for our second or third time. A lot of blood was being shed there And here. My God... just goes to show that what goes around comes around, be at least we have cds of these and others and KZbin. All ain't lost... YET.

[@feliciaromero1646]

When I was 6 years old, I thought this was the best song I ever heard. I still think it’s pretty, darn cool!

[@josephbell5806]

This song is one of my all-time favorites from that era! Just so much joy and energy emanating from that song! LOVE IT!!!

[@RICHBLACKCOCK]

Felicia Romero. u and I aren`t far apart in age. I`d just turned 7 in 1970 and listened to friends of distinction quite a lot. Now I see things differently than I did then.

[@normaharrod5337]

It blew my mind the first time I heard it.

[@itsabovemenow1016]

@@normaharrod5337 haha! You made me remember the first time I heard it. I was 13. I froze in front of our big old console stereo and couldn’t believe any song could be so cheery and fun. I begged for a dollar so I could run right out to the neighborhood record store and buy it that day.

[@mommashellg]

I was 11 yrs old

[@youyong28]

This was an unbelievably talented group, very underrated.

[@gregoryingram7561]

When I researched them I was blown away to find out they were only together as a group for about 6 years, and in that short span they had major hits! What went wrong??

[@clementjohnson2666]

@@gregoryingram7561 I know what you mean . I wish that The Friends of Distinction , The 5th . Dimension , Sergio Mendes and the Brazil 66 , would get back together and put out some sho nuff jams yet again 🥹 . Truth be told ..... this should have been done about 30 years ago !!!!!

[@estedetringham7528]

​@@gregoryingram7561the Fifth Dimension. They actually shared members. (sigh. I miss those days...)

[@barefooboy17]

I can watch this performance a million times in a row and never get tired of it

[@cherrie4444]

I just did....., watched it a million times, in a row, i mean...😁

[@BukkaLevy]

I think I just did, too!

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

Oh Hell yes! I can dig it!👍✌️

[@vilmalugay3401]

Me too!

[@williammoore82]

I never get tired of it too!

[@skinnyman1434]

Miss you Jessica. Thanks for fearlessly sharing your joy with us.

[@blvkmirror8388]

This almost brought me to tears... i miss the days of old

[@rievans57]

Me 2!

[@georgecarlos8125]

Same here

[@carolgladfelder272]

@@rievans57 Me 3.

[@chrisclermont456]

Me 4

[@despicableme8762]

What's up with your MJ pic? 🤷🏽‍♀️😎

[@Poverello2001]

It sure looks like they were having a great time performing this song.

[@teewoods9846]

you took the words out of my mouth.

[@SupermanA2K]

That’s called drugs

[@davidrofulowitz7538]

It sure does. and nothing but pure voice...no autotune, etc. Great singing all around!

[@Camquarters]

@@SupermanA2K crazy some people don’t need drugs to be happy

[@SupermanA2K]

@@Camquarters grow up

[@maryrascon8686]

When music was the Best.❤❤❤❤❤

[@bennygreene1421]

Very smoothe. Just raw talent. And that necklace. I want to make one of those

[@bennygreene1421]

Still a classic!!

[@TomBeckett-e5w]

So happy to have grown up in the 60s and 70s . Best music ever with a meaning.

[@willothewispl]

Takes me back, to better times, long time ago, things seemed so much easier back then.

[@JoeL-zb1yd]

Those girls could swing and dance! Watch them move. That was my era and I'm proud of it as well as millions of other fans of that era.

[@sybilwarner9998]

The music speaks for itself so they don't have to perform in their underwear.

[@MrNathan791]

LOL. It should always be about the music and the performances. Nobody should try and shock the audience because you’re on stage with hardly anything on.

[@MaryMiller-nf7nm]

Good one!

[@starshiptrooper7670]

Makes me think of walking thru the park on a sunny day. Bell bottoms, sunglasses, wine and a little smoke. Yeah, I can dig it....

[@valerievelarde62]

Heyyyy! 😎💗

[@ricksmith2885]

out a sight !

[@truckjewelz]

Haaaaaa.....yeahh

[@dmsbos6903]

Yeah it’s like a double entendre, just the obvious, enjoying nature or maybe something hallucinogenic..

[@lelandwilliams1089]

Great memories to be cherished. Wonderful.

[@llwil2003]

My senior year of high school great memories!

[@stevenclark4]

They are having fun... They are a gas !!!

[@helenbestman5338]

I can definitely dig it! Yessssss

[@crimsonrush]

Happy people singing a happy song. This is why I love music. It makes me feel good. x

[@normaharrod5337]

The sun beaming down between the leaves 🍃 wooooooo!

[@Heretic_Hero]

And the bir-ir-ir-irds dartin' in and out of the trees 🕊

[@stanleyskrzypek5255]

The "GOLDEN AGE" of the Soul....simpler times...happier times...

[@trevorpark7768]

Just look how mature and sophisticated the audience looks. Tastefully dressed.

[@willdrucker4291]

Which is precisely what killed the program...60 middle aged White People in the frame...ONE YOUNG BLACK WOMAN...listening to a legendary Black Group...by April ‘71, CBS cancelled the show after 23 years on the air....the target audience was simply too old/too white

[@That_AMC_Guy]

@@BarracusObamus I have a sneaking suspicion that in regards to the Ed Sullivan Show, it became a "familiarity breeds contempt" situation. For many years, Ed Sullivan was a Sunday-Night staple. There was an old joke that went "Why is everything closed on Sunday? For Church and Ed Sullivan." 10 million Americans tuned in to Sullivan every Sunday night. But when you do that for nearly a quarter of a century, I dunno.... for whatever reason.... it wasn't as "hip" to appear on Sullivan. I suppose because by that point, there was a myriad of other, much more "with it" shows like Laugh In, The Smothers Brothers, The Hollywood Palace, Playboy After Dark.... so there was a heck of a lot more competition. Sullivan himself was never seen as being the voice of a generation; and while he was on the ball for most of his tenure, by 1969/1970, he was still having the same guests re-appear. Not sure if that was his choosing or the networks, though.

[@glennbishopbishthemagish]

@@willdrucker4291 Not true at all in my opinion. If you read the book Marlo Lewis the long time producer wrote. There was a change in management at CBS. The new young baby CBS management executives ended the show.

[@elisageorge2261]

They’re old!😂. Or look old. Where’s all the black people?!

[@elisageorge2261]

@@paulsmith2279 🙄

[@bennyadler5882]

Beautiful Barbara and enchanting Jessica tearing up that stage on Sunday night.

[@blazinblasian0906]

The great Jessica Cleaves! Channeling her inner Josephine Baker in this performance.Continue to rest in musical greatness🌺🙏🏼🌺

[@waltergray2924]

Omg !! I Born 1971 😂😂Love This Damn Music 🎵 😁😁❤️❤️❤️🫶🏽Can You Dig It Baby!! Real Bands And Music!! !

[@percy6632]

people who gave this song or will be giving this song a thumbs down just can't dig it!

[@patritablackston2064]

Not even with a shovel.!!

[@2115Randy]

Man they killed it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@randallg961]

Nobody today even has 1/10th this kind of talent.

[@cherrie4444]

Right on!

[@Hearshotkid_2113]

Alright, dude. Relax. This is an awesome performance, but don’t go and put every artist out there trying to make music down just because you got your nostalgia glasses on too tight.

[@musicandtravel7124]

Just because you cannot find it, does not mean it is not out there. Many artists that sign to a record deal may not release music to your and my liking, but I would hazard a guess that there are thousands of artists out there making the kind of music we like right this very minute. Just dig deeper than what is fed to the public.

[@ceejayjones2567]

@Terry Hawk just within the last decade artists like Babyface, Mary J Blige, En Vogue and Toni Braxton (just some examples) continue to put out music. Current artists like H.E.R., Nicole Bus, Robert Glasper, Jazmine Sullivan and The Internet put out quality music. Just because you prefer the older music doesn't mean the current music isn't good.

[@ceejayjones2567]

@Terry Hawk of the artists I listed, the cussing is minimal and the degradation of women is zero. Keep to your lies and fantasies though. I guess they help you sleep at night.

[@JoyceCoppa-le7hs]

Ed Sullivan show watched every Sunday

[@bradsense7431]

Okay, okay I will answer you already. Yes, I can dig it. I dig it now in 2024 just as I did in summer of 1969 at 11 years old.

[@americaisfallingapart]

Keep it going...your never to old I'm 73 😁

[@HomerKnewToo]

Family Guy didn't bring me here.. I was 18 when they performed on Magic Ed's show.. how I miss those days.

[@pst702]

The more I listen to 60's groups and solo singers, I realize how hip my mom was. I was born in the 60's and my parents had a massive record collection. Music was always present in my home growing up with my 2 sisters. My mom was super hip and had a lot of 60's music in her record library. Vinyl records.... she was more hip and stylish than my dad.. unfortunately she became a Covid victim in 2021.. I miss her dearly every day but I know she's with God now. This song by Friends of Distinction along with tons of Motown songs were part of what was heard in my home growing up. I remember as a small child watching some of the Ed Sullivan shows that had the pop singers of the 60's. I sometimes get misty-eyed watching this because it reminds me of my mom😢.

[@davidbeckman7925]

❤

[@newday2637]

Great classic

[@terryfoster7956]

I was just born as this song was coming out but its still one of my favorite songs. And the girl in white is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen

[@tonyh4513]

Beautiful ladies and classy men. Mannie times have changed. Great great song.

[@stevemd6488]

Jesus. When music was fun.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed AMEN. It sure was

[@frankanalla55]

So many good memories when this turned came out!

[@Thomas-mn6fj]

An all time classic! This song was way ahead of it's time!

[@shannahuffman4655]

What a awesome Song

[@cathywilson7585]

This is just such a feel good song. Music was so good back then

[@dorismorris8770]

So beautiful song and the dancing

[@rosalinalopez4431]

Whoo... whoo!! I'm digging this!🌾🌾🌾🌿🌿

[@randolphmccormack7245]

Never forget, "I can live without love....".

[@CaneFu]

Music doesn't get any better than this. 😀

[@eddyvideostar]

Dear Cane U: This is true: This and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.

[@lynnwilson2615]

Oh My Real music, lyrics Real singers Real entertainment!

[@clobbyhops]

51 years ago and it still sounds fantastic

[@claudiamcdonald1576]

Thanks for the live video... Love it!

[@anitamooreland-simms3606]

I got chills on my arms when the band played a part by themselves and the singers danced to it. The singers, the band, the whole thing was just phenomenal.

[@dapdaddy17]

Now that's a funky tune

[@lennyanders1639]

Wow, so many layers to this song, such great arrangers and producers that made songs for eternity unlike today's throw away garbage music.

[@stephenjones8928]

One of the coolest songs ever. 🎶 🎼🎺🎼🎤 🎼🥁 🎼🎸 🎼🎤🎼🎺 🎶

[@joyceterrell3969]

Barbara's boutique was called "The Love Affair ". Thanks for the Memory.

[@jayveebloggs9057]

ah i love those ladies..

[@carlosbright9615]

I am still listening to Grazing In The Grass on January 1, 2024. Hearing this song takes me back to 1970 when I was at Whitted Junior High School in Durham, North Carolina. I wish I had a Time Machine and I could go back to 1970. I didn't have a care in the world and I was young, attractive, and in good health. I am currently 68 years old soon to be 69 in June 2024 with aches and pains. Many of my Junior High and High School classmates are dead. I haven't seem most in over 50 years.😭

[@WilliamGallucci-k1r]

I'm 59 and I feel ya

[@Sacto43]

The kids today with their healthy bodies will not have this music or your memories. You saw a time of history that may never be repeated or topped. Best wishes!

[@estedetringham7528]

I'm right there with you, carlosbright9615 as every part of your comment applies to me as well. The music from our time keeps me going. The fact that Gen x, y, and z actually like our music says a lot about us, both the creators of our music, and the lovers of it. On a nice day, take whatever mode of portable music that you have, something to sit on, go outside, find a spot under some trees, put on "Grazing in the Grass," and watch as the sun is "beaming down..." Genius lyrics, by the way. I do this, and then listen to more of our music. Sometimes it makes me feel happy, sometimes sad, but somehow I always feel more energized. For a few minutes I don't feel almost 69. Our music is our time machine.

[@kenbanner1332]

Carlos call them go find them you will be glad you did . We get together here in Edmonton Alberta with lots of old class mates and football guys . You wont regret it !!!

[@gomogo2000]

I turned 60 this year...so I figured I'm officially old. BUT I have found the fountain of youth, which alot of people our age are also doing...a Carnivore Diet. Pains and aches...and lots of other symptoms fall away. It's sad that we can't go back to those wonderful days, but you can start to relive thise much healthier, happier, and attractive days again...😊 Dr. Chaffee on YT is a GREAT place to start. 👍

[@chakamasao]

Wow!!! love love it!!!! thanks!!!

[@mariabarranco3778]

You can’t help but smile when you hear this song!

[@martianshoes]

My freshman high school year. And hearing this and that beast of a drum break by the bridge..out of a 4x6” in dash car radio speaker. The world was still a big thing and my youth felt like a new shirt…

[@RoyFive]

Went from Masekela's instrumental straight to here. Love both.

[@johnsain]

They reminded me of the Fifth Dimension,...another great vocal group.

[@klutzykate123]

EXCELLENT ‼️

[@dannyrand1733]

Is it me, because I just can't take my eyes off the woman in the purple dress. She's like the energizer bunny; like she's grooving to a workout video, lol.

[@ms.capone3762]

Barbara Jean Love...she was a perfofmance powerhouse and had a smile that lit up the stage.

[@ronster369]

Impossible to not fall in love with her after seeing this video. This video leads off my SOUL playlist and deserves to be.

[@stefan621]

Barbara Jean Love Be badge & peace

[@Wokewomen2024]

She is adorable with stage prescence

[@AnthonyBrown-wo3bv]

No it's not you Brother She's jammin Party Animal

[@karintomanio2185]

Awesome song! Brings back the hot summers growing up in Las Vegas in the 60’s! Can you dig it baby! So real!

[@janinecox256]

These singers had style and good taste! They weren’t half naked to get their song across their voices did the work and their wardrobe was the window dressing!

[@eddyvideostar]

Dear Cox: I agree.

[@potdog1000]

loved it, couldn't sing it but loved it lol

[@dctrevett]

Tears of joy! "I can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it, we can dig it, they can dig it, you can dig it" - it took me 50 years to be able to sing it along with them. So much fun just trying!

[@garychambers5850]

Love them! They sound good, look good! Those women...WOW! So Beautiful! 🤗💞

[@dougmilesmedia]

Classic Top 40 pop song of the early 70's!

[@rsands9]

Late 60s as I recall!

[@kevingoins9858]

@@rsands9 Correct. Early summer of 1969

[@jlc7000]

The dance at the time was the four corners...but then again I was younger and that was what we were doing. ❤️

[@badwater]

Their clothes are beautiful! I've always loved this song! Amazing talent!

[@GaleKravetzRyan]

We really did dig it back then🥰 it was groovy. It was cool. It was flower power.🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@pamelacarr7596]

I listen to this song at least 3 times a week…I love it ❣️

[@terrydudley6860]

Ive forwarded this song to all of my friends and they've done the same...such a feel good song 🙂

[@rgrndu]

Lead singer has a great voice. This is a fun group to watch. They’re very energetic.

[@kevingoins9858]

Harry Elston is his name and he's a friend. I'll let him know of your sweet compliment.

[@MichaelJohnson-lv5rm]

Most underrated R&B group of the late 60s and early 70s, everything is so clear you can feel it.. Classic.

[@davidjohnson1654]

and besides.... it's real, so real... and yes, I can dig it and feel it!! This is my jam!!!

[@joelclark9944]

Everything is so clear that you can see it..... Everything is so near that you can feel it...

[@ant1198]

I wasn’t aware of them before that episode of Family Guy when Peter didn’t want to cut the grass. Lol😂 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@TomBeckett-e5w]

Anyone notice all the commercials are using the 60s an 70s songs. Great times great music.

[@karenstewart1265]

I am ready to get up and join in and dance with this group. We can all dig it. I love this group. The ladies can dance for days.❤😊💕🥰

[@janinecox256]

Love that deep purple dress with a gold chain belt on one of the singers!

[@pj-4642]

One of so many truly great and upbeat songs from that time. Still great decades later!

[@MrLamontSanford]

One of the great songs of all time...

[@Gambet7021]

Music that reflected the times then...lovely, natural and simply beautiful!

[@wordeye]

Rock it to me, sock it to me. I can dig it, baby! Reminds me of picnics with family in Central Park and Prospect Park, late '60's.

[@wildforthecats661]

Always really liked this song.

[@chuckgowin9286]

LOTS OF ENERGY!!!

[@AN-cy7xm]

Right back to high school. Lying on the beach, the sun's warmth, the smell of suntan lotion, this song on someone's transister radio, gentle sound of waves, girls walking by, kids playing along the shoreline, a plane in the air, pulling an advertisement for Crazy Eddie's electronic stores. Life was good on that day.

[@artgamechanger3841]

Yeah.

[@chevelle921]

I love how specific this is

[@hwytravler1962]

We had no idea how great we had it.

[@scottkonwinski2396]

I was almost 4 years old, wish I could go back! Damn!😔times seemed so much simpler

[@codemonkeys7]

What a wonderful classic song. So much energy and joy in their performance.

[@kings-bay-2902]

Music at its all time best !

[@thatjpwing]

I have always loved how much fun they were having with this performance!

[@GM-vf7px]

This group is Pure Magic and the Music and Talent flows so effortlessly like another favourite group of mine :"The 5th Dimension"Even with all the technological improvements the groups today somehow don't exudethe same level of God Given Talent!Bless all of these Groups as their music is sacred!

[@darrellbrown7239]

I love those days so much

[@thundercat88]

this group had some serious talent

[@kevingoins9858]

Jessica Cleaves singing the scat part, "rock-it-sock-it-to-me, sugar" - PRICELESS

[@traceyw9635]

She was doing it, then sigh after she scatted, I love it. Classic and great memories!!

[@matthewalicea8910]

She's so beautiful

[@ThaneSPKM]

She is just gorgeous. 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@patritablackston2064]

I can dig it he can dig it she can dig it we can dig it they can dig it you can dig it

[@kathyhayward2228]

Sure is. A favorite

[@hartleygoldenthal9880]

I can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it, we can dig it... It mat not be the most complicated lyrics in the world but the song is very deep.

[@raymondstern9046]

Bringing back major memories of ed Sullivan ability to have an legendary eye / ear for talent no matter age or in the 60's ethnicity

[@charleshampton4839]

Jessica Cleaves (RIP) was a member of Earth Wind & Fire on the Head to the Sky album. I love this song. It just makes you feel good brings me back to my childhood.