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 song was written and recorded.

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 of the Lovin’ Spoonful.

Of course, Billy’s catchphrase was: “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.
You can hear both versions by clicking the links below.

And by the way. Over the years the song was also covered by a number of other artists…none of whom…were Billy Preston!

““Love the One You’re With:” a Great Song of 197`1–twice!

Stephen:

Isley Brothers:

— Mike Cook