Vocal star Anita Baker, who rose to fame in the ‘80s, once mentioned a little-known singer as an influence. And when you hear the voice, you can hear the connection. The vocal group, Friends of Distinction, was formed in Los Angeles in 1966 by Harry Elston and Floyd Butler. Added to the group were two female singers, Barbara Jean Love, later replaced by Charlene Gibson, and 18-year-old L.A. native, Jessica Cleaves.
Jessica Cleaves didn't sing lead on any of the major Friends of Distinction hits, but if you do a little digging, you'll hear the silky, distinctive contralto voice. “I Really Hope You Do” was the flip side of their big hit, “Grazing in the Grass.” Another notable Jessica Cleaves performance can be heard on an album track called “Lady Mae.”
Jessica Cleaves was born December 10, 1948. She stayed with Friends of Distinction until 1972. That was the year that she joined an up-and-coming band called Earth, Wind & Fire.
Jessica stayed with Earth, Wind & Fire long enough to cut a couple of albums with the group. Moving on, she joined up with George Clinton in Detroit and performed on a number of Parliament Funkadelic albums.
Jessica Cleaves is one of many artists whose legacy is felt through her inspiration. A singer's singer who never became a major star. She died in 2014.
Listen, above.
Recommended tracks
“I Really Hope You Do” - Friends of Distinction
“Lady Mae” - Friends of Distinction
“I'd Rather Have You” – Earth, Wind & Fire
“Keep Your Head to the Sky” – Earth, Wind & Fire
“I Envy the Sunshine” - George Clinton featuring Jessica Cleaves
