Love the One You're With (1971) 8/17/20

When he was among friends, singer/songwriter/keyboardist Billy Preston was fond of using a certain catchphrase.

One day, he said it to Stephen Stills, and Stephen immediately thought he could turn it into a song. He asked for Billy's permission, Billy gave it, and the result was today's “Great Song of the '70s!”

Naturally, Steven asked David Crosby and Graham Nash to sing the harmonies...making it an unofficial Crosby, Stills & Nash record that also included the talents of Rita Coolidge and John Sebastian.

So what was Billy's catchphrase? “If you can't be with the one you love, 'Love the One You're With!'”

In 1971, the song (from Stephen's self-titled solo album) reached #15 on Billboard's Hot 100, and #6 on Canada's Top 40!

Later in '71, The Isley Brothers covered it and took it to #3 on the R&B Chart. The song was also covered by a number of other artists, including Luther Vandross—but, oddly enough,

never by Billy Preston!

“Love the One You're With:” A “Great Song of the '70s,” and a true classic!

Stephen Stills:

Isley Bothers: