L.T.D - Will Love Grow 1980

This is a revamped version of my previous post 3 years ago (better soundquality Njoy)
From L.T.D's 1980 album "Shine On" The last album from L.T.D where Billy and Jeffrey Osbone were a member of L.T.D

Since the group's first national hit "Love Ballad," Jeffrey Osborne had been the featured vocalist for LTD.
However, this recording would be his last one with the group before pursuing a solo career.
This album spawned two upstanding singles -- "Where Did We Go Wrong" and "Shine On" -- the former being a rhythmic ballad enhanced by some stylish background vocals, leaving Jeffrey Osborne substantial space to demonstrate his commanding vocal ability.
In spite of having all the right ingredients to attain that number one status, the single peaked at number seven after 20 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts.
It would be the group's last single to crack the Top Ten.
"Shine On" is arranged with noticeable crossover appeal augmented by Osborne's crooning vocals; the single peaked at 19 before fizzling out after 18 weeks.

L.T.D (which stands for Love, Togetherness, and Devotion), was formed in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1968, when Arthur "Lorenzo" Carnegie (alto and tenor saxes, flute, guitar), Jake Riley (trombone) Carle Wayne Vickers (trumpet, flute, soprano sax) and Abraham "Onion" Miller (tenor sax, vocals), who had been working as members of the 15 piece "Fantastic Soul Men Orchestra" backing the ever popular duo of Sam & Dave, along with Jimmy "J.D." Davis (keyboards, vocals), formed their own band named Love Men Ltd. Then they drove to New York City, in a car that they purchased together (a 1956 Chevy), and lived in Spanish Harlem on 149th and Broadway, where Toby Wynn (baritone sax) joined them. While performing on a gig in Providence, Rhode Island, Jeffrey Osborne (drums, lead vocals) was recruited by them.

After two years in New York, they drove two cars and a trailer to Los Angeles, California, where Jeffrey's brother, Billy Osborne (organ, drums, keyboards, co-lead vocals), Celeste Cole (vocals), Henry E. Davis (bass, vocals) and Robert Santiel (congas, percussion) joined them. 1974 found them signing with A&M Records as L.T.D (Love Togetherness & Devotion). In 1976, Johnny McGhee (guitar) joined the band. Jeffrey was moved out front as the lead vocalist, and Alvino Bennett replaced him on drums in 1978.

The group then went on to produce songs such as "Love Ballad", "(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again", "Concentrate On You", "Holding On (When Love Is Gone)", and many others. Soon after the band's 1980 album Shine On, Jeffrey and Billy Osborne departed to start solo careers. Andre Ray and Leslie Wilson (Formerly of New Birth) were then chosen as lead vocalists their next album Love Magic which produced two more hits, "April Love", and "Kicking Back". Leslie Wilson left to continue his solo career and L.T.D stayed busy in the music industry by recording for small independent record labels, and doing their own personal music projects.

In 1999, a L.T.D copycat band lost a federal court battle with the current five original members of L.T.D retaining the rights, and ownership of the name L.T.D The five original members, Henry E. Davis (bass, keys, guitar, flute, lead & bg vocals), Jimmy "JD" Davis (keyboards, lead & bg vocals), Arthur "Lorenzo" Carnegie (saxes, flute, guitar), Carle Wayne Vickers (trumpet, flute, soprano sax), Johnny McGhee (guitar, vocals), along with new members, Andre Ray (keys, lead & bg vocals), Richard Moorings (keys, lead & bg vocals, trombone), and Tefere Hazy (drums, vocals) have been touring all over the U.S. since 1999. Jake Riley (original trombonist), died in 2000, and James "JD" Davis (keyboards, vocals), died on May 22, 2008.

[davidevans]

The best soul singer of 1970s. Want proof? He is still touring and selling out venues in 2024. His music never gets old. Beautiful cross over talent.

[davidevans]

Thank you Jeffrey Osborne for giving this world so much music, love and soul.

[chadkelham]

Vanilla made me a believer in this song; it’s now one of my personal favorites from LTD

[michaelthomas]

After being an LTD fan for years...I hadn't heard this song until 2020. What a wonderful song, especially in these times...makes you cling to the one you Love, tightly...simply beautifully sung by Jeffrey, and the background vocals are stellar. Can't believe I missed this one, thanks to my beautiful wife for introducing it to me...and making it real for me.

[MustafaJackson]

My love for this L.T.D. song grows and grows.

[bashirmuhammad]

There's no more music.Ahhh.I miss my youth.We had such grand times.

[richardmartinez]

BEST BALLAD BY FAR.  IT TOOK ME 10 YEARS TO FIND IT, I DID NOT KNOW THE

[tyroneswife]

This song makes me think of a crisp fall evening, just before the sun goes down, and you can smell the smoke of chimneys in the air. Very relaxing song. Makes you want to cuddle up with the one you love...

[dailmcdavid]

Just my opinion his voice was L.T.D they made such beautiful ballads ❤ this group

[tariq]

how good is life, when the love of your life is actually named April! every word of this song has meaning, and i am open to receive you my April Love. Although we didn't meet in april, you are that special love in my life-good only for me. Thank you Lord for this woman. Finally, i've found that one....i only ask that you place all the love she needs inside of me, and let me be the one to feed love to her. black love is truly a beautiful thang! my baby ROCK'S, love is love...Sunshine! xoxox

[mikemccants]

I was in the 10th grade when this was released and always had this song on playing thru my Walkman on the subway. Yeah a walkman 😅

[robertMiller-mhmz]

I love and miss this old school music especially L.T.D

[tyronewhyte]

I've been searching for this song so long!! Jeffrey was truly L.T.D.

[ronaldthomas]

One of my all time favorites especially when I was in my early 20s

[adjforreal]

At 3:25 Jeffrey's voice is angelic and at 4:01 simply divine! Yes, love will grow and grow and grow!

[dailmcdavid]

BEST BALLAD FROM THIS ALBUM IN MY EYES ITS EMOTIONAL

[malevocalist]

I think Jeffrey Osborne can make any ballad sound good, he just has that type of voice.

[buzzdavis]

Superb L.T.D. slow jam. For my money, put this right in there with some of their best ballads. Old Skool Rules.

[mastertung]

excellent thanks archiege you are very generous, and kind, lovely post lovely tune

[estlhm]

Music that if you really listen had so much to say of matters from the heart