That's Harry Elston on smooth lead vocal. Those rapid-fire "I/he/she/we/they/you can dig it(s)" overlapping just take you completely by surprise and plaster a delighted and giddy grin on your face. Totally captivating near chart-topper, reaching #3, while Hugh Maskela's(pron. Massa-KAY-la) instrumental version hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 a year earlier in 1968, one of only 20 instrumentals to achieve this status. Another song by Friends of Distinction that I absolutely love is 'Love or Let Me Be Lonely'.
If you grew up in the 60's you looked forward to The Ed Sullivan Show every Sunday night! He always had great musical acts for us to see. He introduced the U.S. to the Beatles. The Rolling Stones appeared on his show. We were truly Blessed to be born then ~ The Ed Sullivan Show The Ed Sullivan Show is an American television variety show that ran on CBS from June 20, 1948, to March 28, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. Notable performances and guests Sullivan and the Beatles, February 1964 The Ed Sullivan Show is especially known to the World War II and baby boomer generations for introducing acts and airing breakthrough performances by popular 1950s and 1960s musicians such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, the Supremes, the Dave Clark Five, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Dusty Springfield, the Beach Boys, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones, the Mamas and the Papas, the Lovin' Spoonful, Herman's Hermits, the Doors, Dionne Warwick, Barbra Streisand, Petula Clark, and the Band. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ed_Sullivan_Show#External_links)
I most certainly can dig it. Have since I first heard it in 1969. Their 1970 hit -Love Or Let Me Be Lonely is really good also. I think it perfectly captures the sound of that time a pop/soul/rock mix with the great arrangement and vocals.
RIP Hugh Masekela (moss-a-KAY-la). He played trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn with a primitive and distinctive signature. He was a giant in world music and American pop music. He appeared (uncredited) on vinyl with The Byrds' "So You Want to be a Rock 'n' Roll Star". His original vinyl performance of "Grazin' in the Grass" was a smash hit in 1968, and years later he toured with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
In his native South Africa, the trumpet player Hugh Masekela is esteemed for his huge catalog of jazz recordings. In the rest of the world, he's best known for "Grazing In The Grass," a song he considered a throwaway, recorded to complete the album. Masekela had been recording since 1962, but in 1967 he moved to the Uni label. When he was working on his third album for Uni, The Promise Of A Future, the label pointed out that it was 3 minutes short of the contractually agreed length of 30 minutes. Masekela's producer, Stewart Levine, suggested they fill the gap by reworking a 7-inch single that Hugh had bought on a trip to Zambia earlier in the year, a novelty tune called "Mr. Bull #5" that started with a cowbell. They banged it out in less than an hour; Levine said it was "a bit of a spoof," but when Uni Records executive Russ Regan heard it, he declared it a "smash." He was right: the song shot to #1 in July 1968 and became one of the all-time summer anthems."Grazing In The Grass" got its title because of the song it's based on, "Mr. Bull #5." That song takes place in a cow pasture, opening with someone yelling at the cow. That's also where the cowbell came from. In 1969, a vocal version by The Friends Of Distinction charted at #3 in America. This version has lyrics about digging the mellow scene while grazing in the grass. The lyric was written by group leader Harry Elston, who was inspired by the many cows he saw from the tour bus when he was riding with Ray Charles' revue.
Can you dig it baby? Loved this tune when I was a youngster back in the day. Keep up the great reactions Lee. Glad you are expanding your mind... dig it? Take care all!
One of my favorite sunshine songs-play on my car cd player amongst other sunshine songs on bright sunny days. another one is Spanky & Our Gang's Lazy day and the fifth dimension's Up Up and away.
"I can dig, dig it, dig it, dig it. She can dig it, dig it, dig it. They can dig it, dig it, dig it... oh, let's dig it!" Man, the late 60s and early 70's were so out of sight and groovy, man!🙂💯👍
L33, this performance was awesome live. A real tongue twister for those who like to sing along. You do owe yourself a listen to the original instrumental version by Hugh Masakela (mass-a-kay-lah). It's even more bright and cheerful as a bonafide summer jam!
I watched them on Ed Sullivan when I was 17, this very show. Great memories. Thoughts and prayers ,Lee ,that things turn out well for you and your girlfriend! And happy birthday to your daughters!
R&B groups like this were all over the place back then. The 5th Dimension is another one to listen to. Happy Birthday to your girl. Good luck to your girlfriend and good on you for getting the lawyer. They can be difference between catching a break or being railroaded. I know from experience. Hope it works out and you all have a happy day with your girl.
So awesome to see you smile and grooving to the song mission accomplished it might not get the views but I think it was apropo for what is in store today to put you in a great mood celebrating your daughter's birthday and being Vindicated in court as well❤
@@realbser1956thank you as I knew it was gone be a curveball for the channel and not get the likes however Lee digging it was more than worth the pick!! ❤🎶👍
One of those tunes that is just a perfect little time capsule from that moment in time. I was born in 1970 and so I caught the fading echoes of this time.
Personally, I prefer the original Hugh Masekela instrumental. It's a little slower with a nice groove and it's just a super cool track to listen to. The Cowbell is a distinct part of the character of that song and the horns and piano riff throughout are excellent etc 🙂
Great song, great harmonies! Next, check out Treat Her Like A Lady by Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, released in 71. Very soulful with a cool bass line. ✌️
The girl in white you felt was scatting was singing. ‘Sock-it-to-me’, which was a popular phrase back then. It just means hit me with your best take. Tell me what’s happening.
You should do a reaction to Billy Joel's official Vevo video of "Tell Her About It". Aside from being a perfect callback to the early 1960s rock genre, it's done as a performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, complete with an Ed Sullivan impressionist and a cameo from the actual Rodney Dangerfield (an Ed Sullivan comedy regular). Check the lyrics for this song; there's no scat-singing. It's all real words and real sentences, just sung really, really fast.
One of the best soul-pop records ever ! Never tire of it.
That's Harry Elston on smooth lead vocal.
Those rapid-fire "I/he/she/we/they/you can dig it(s)" overlapping just take you completely by surprise and plaster a delighted and giddy grin on your face. Totally captivating near chart-topper, reaching #3, while Hugh Maskela's(pron. Massa-KAY-la) instrumental version hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 a year earlier in 1968, one of only 20 instrumentals to achieve this status.
Another song by Friends of Distinction that I absolutely love is 'Love or Let Me Be Lonely'.
Those vocals are Live!!!!!Best version
If you grew up in the 60's you looked forward to The Ed Sullivan Show every Sunday night! He always had great musical acts for us to see. He introduced the U.S. to the Beatles. The Rolling Stones appeared on his show. We were truly Blessed to be born then ~ The Ed Sullivan Show
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American television variety show that ran on CBS from June 20, 1948, to March 28, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan.
Notable performances and guests
Sullivan and the Beatles, February 1964
The Ed Sullivan Show is especially known to the World War II and baby boomer generations for introducing acts and airing breakthrough performances by popular 1950s and 1960s musicians such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, the Supremes, the Dave Clark Five, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Dusty Springfield, the Beach Boys, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones, the Mamas and the Papas, the Lovin' Spoonful, Herman's Hermits, the Doors, Dionne Warwick, Barbra Streisand, Petula Clark, and the Band. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ed_Sullivan_Show#External_links)
I most certainly can dig it. Have since I first heard it in 1969. Their 1970 hit -Love Or Let Me Be Lonely is really good also. I think it perfectly captures the sound of that time a pop/soul/rock mix with the great arrangement and vocals.
RIP Hugh Masekela (moss-a-KAY-la). He played trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn with a primitive and distinctive signature. He was a giant in world music and American pop music. He appeared (uncredited) on vinyl with The Byrds' "So You Want to be a Rock 'n' Roll Star". His original vinyl performance of "Grazin' in the Grass" was a smash hit in 1968, and years later he toured with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
In his native South Africa, the trumpet player Hugh Masekela is esteemed for his huge catalog of jazz recordings. In the rest of the world, he's best known for "Grazing In The Grass," a song he considered a throwaway, recorded to complete the album.
Masekela had been recording since 1962, but in 1967 he moved to the Uni label. When he was working on his third album for Uni, The Promise Of A Future, the label pointed out that it was 3 minutes short of the contractually agreed length of 30 minutes. Masekela's producer, Stewart Levine, suggested they fill the gap by reworking a 7-inch single that Hugh had bought on a trip to Zambia earlier in the year, a novelty tune called "Mr. Bull #5" that started with a cowbell. They banged it out in less than an hour; Levine said it was "a bit of a spoof," but when Uni Records executive Russ Regan heard it, he declared it a "smash." He was right: the song shot to #1 in July 1968 and became one of the all-time summer anthems."Grazing In The Grass" got its title because of the song it's based on, "Mr. Bull #5." That song takes place in a cow pasture, opening with someone yelling at the cow. That's also where the cowbell came from.
In 1969, a vocal version by The Friends Of Distinction charted at #3 in America. This version has lyrics about digging the mellow scene while grazing in the grass. The lyric was written by group leader Harry Elston, who was inspired by the many cows he saw from the tour bus when he was riding with Ray Charles' revue.
Can you dig it baby? Loved this tune when I was a youngster back in the day. Keep up the great reactions Lee. Glad you are expanding your mind... dig it? Take care all!
Old School was is awesome. How can you not smile. Feel good music.
One of my favorite sunshine songs-play on my car cd player amongst other sunshine songs on bright sunny days. another one is Spanky & Our Gang's Lazy day and the fifth dimension's Up Up and away.
"I can dig, dig it, dig it, dig it. She can dig it, dig it, dig it. They can dig it, dig it, dig it... oh, let's dig it!" Man, the late 60s and early 70's were so out of sight and groovy, man!🙂💯👍
Great comment, peace bro
It's cool how they took an instrumental and made it their own. The two are completely different from each other. But both very good
More cowbell!
So optimistic and fun.
It's always been my summer anthem ever since it came out!!
Oh the lingo back then - "Can you dig it?" "Out-of-sight!" and that choreography and singing in a round, classic!
Far Out!
Right on, brother!
Groovy!
Sock it to me
What’s your bag, man?
Got any bread?
Sock it to me!
Love or Let Me Be Lonely is sooo good. Studio version.
L33, this performance was awesome live. A real tongue twister for those who like to sing along. You do owe yourself a listen to the original instrumental version by Hugh Masakela (mass-a-kay-lah). It's even more bright and cheerful as a bonafide summer jam!
We were all grazin in the grass!
I watched them on Ed Sullivan when I was 17, this very show. Great memories.
Thoughts and prayers ,Lee ,that things turn out well for you and your girlfriend! And happy birthday to your daughters!
The sun beaming down between the leaves...❤🌞
R&B groups like this were all over the place back then. The 5th Dimension is another one to listen to.
Happy Birthday to your girl. Good luck to your girlfriend and good on you for getting the lawyer. They can be difference between catching a break or being railroaded. I know from experience.
Hope it works out and you all have a happy day with your girl.
Lee we all have ONE question for you after listening to this performance.....
CAN YOU DIG IT?? 🎉💯🎶♥️
Ed Sullivan was a given every Sunday night before going to church. What a time to grow up!!!
I remember seeing this on Ed Sullivan back in 1970 when l was 14. Yeah l'm old 😎
I CAN DIG IT
So awesome to see you smile and grooving to the song mission accomplished it might not get the views but I think it was apropo for what is in store today to put you in a great mood celebrating your daughter's birthday and being Vindicated in court as well❤
@@realbser1956thank you as I knew it was gone be a curveball for the channel and not get the likes however Lee digging it was more than worth the pick!! ❤🎶👍
@@realbser1956 agreed for sure, I also try to help grow his channel as well balancing out my picks.
One of those tunes that is just a perfect little time capsule from that moment in time. I was born in 1970 and so I caught the fading echoes of this time.
Jessica was singing: "Rock it to me Sock it to me Rock it to me Sock it to me Rock it to me Sock it to me Rock it to me Sock it to me!"
Wow I didn't realize that thanks so much🎉❤
Listening to your channel is giving me flashbacks, I’m 72 and saw many of these bands live 💙✌️😎
Love or Let Me Be Lonely is another great song by the Friends of Distinction that you should react to.
Love Or Let Me Be Lonely my favorite of their's.
I love this song. So good.
Hugh's version is a Must Liston!
Not Hugh Mosquito. LOL! This song takes me back.
Harry Eliston lead vocals❤
Personally, I prefer the original Hugh Masekela instrumental. It's a little slower with a nice groove and it's just a super cool track to listen to. The Cowbell is a distinct part of the character of that song and the horns and piano riff throughout are excellent etc 🙂
Great song, great harmonies! Next, check out Treat Her Like A Lady by Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, released in 71. Very soulful with a cool bass line. ✌️
I used to sing and dance this all the time as a teen, I know what it means now☺️☺️ Can you dig it was part of the vernacular, like groovy
Can you dig it bayyyybe?
Lol. Thats Hugh Massa-KEE-la. ❤ Btw...Live or let me be lonely was my favorite by them. ❤
The girl in white you felt was scatting was singing. ‘Sock-it-to-me’, which was a popular phrase back then. It just means hit me with your best take. Tell me what’s happening.
You should do a reaction to Billy Joel's official Vevo video of "Tell Her About It".
Aside from being a perfect callback to the early 1960s rock genre, it's done as a performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, complete with an Ed Sullivan impressionist and a cameo from the actual Rodney Dangerfield (an Ed Sullivan comedy regular).
Check the lyrics for this song; there's no scat-singing. It's all real words and real sentences, just sung really, really fast.
For something in this vein but a bit more intense, check out "For the Love of Money" by the O'Jays. A very creative tune, and very funky.
Hit Songs from that era were easier on the ears.
Dozens of great Fifth Dimension songs need to be covered. Marilyn McCoo is one of the greatest female vocalists of her era.
She's also Gorgeous and last I heard still toured with her husband Billy Davis Jr. a while back in 2023
Loved this back in the day. Think you'ld love some Sly and The Family Stone, try Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin
Well, can you dig it or not??
every time I hear this I thing of Sheep after Dogs are dead just enjoying them self
far-out
Try the instrumental version
America was a much happier place back then! People were happier back then too! This was definitely driving to the beach music!
Well, yes and no...