"Grazing in the Grass" is an instrumental composed by Philemon Hou and first recorded by the South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela. Released in the United States as a single in 1968, it followed United States trumpeter Herb Alpert's vocal performance of "This Guy's in Love with You" to the top spot on the Hot 100 chart, ranking it as the 18th biggest hit of the year. The song also reached No. 15 Adult Contemporary. Masekela included the song in his albums Grazing in the Grass: The Best of Hugh Masekela (2001), Still Grazing (2004), and Live at the Market Theatre (2006).
Masekela's recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018.
A vocal version by American vocal group The Friends of Distinction, with lyrics by band member Harry Elston, was a US chart hit in 1969. "Grazing in the Grass" has been recorded by many other musicians.
Hugh Masekela recording The music was inspired by an earlier novelty recording, "Mr. Bull No. 4", by Freddie Gumbi, "Grazing grooves", Song Curio, January 23, 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2021 which Masekela had heard in Zambia, that started with a cowbell. When Masekela was recording his debut album, the running order was short by three minutes and his record company suggested he add the tune. Philemon Hou, an actor and singer who was present in the studio, came up with a new melody while the backing track was already being recorded. The session was held at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood.
Personnel Hugh Masekelatrumpet Bruce Langhorneguitar Al Abreualto sax William Hendersonpiano Henry Franklinbass Chuck Carterdrums, cowbell
Charts Chart (1968)PeakpositionUS Billboard Hot 1001
The Friends of Distinction version
The Friends of Distinction recorded a vocal remake of the tune in 1969 on RCA Victor, which was also a Top Ten pop and R&B hit, reaching No. 3 on the former and No. 5 on the latter. One of the group's members, Harry Elston, wrote lyrics for their version and sang lead vocals.
Personnel The Friends of Distinctionvocals Max Bennettelectric bass Jim Gordondrums Al Casey and Arthur Wrightguitars Gene Ciprianopiccolo flute John Audino, Anthony Terran, Bud Childers, Dalton Smithtrumpets King Errissoncongas Douglas Daviscello Jim Horntenor saxophone Garry Nuttycombeviola Harry Bluestone, Jimmy Getzoffviolins Jack Arnoldpercussion Larry Knechtelpiano
Legacy The Friends of Distinction performed the song on The Ed Sullivan Show on December 27, 1970, and appeared in a cameo section of Season 17, Episode 8 of the adult animated sitcom Family Guy."Family Guy Grazin' In The Grass", via YouTube. Their version also used in a 2023 TV commercial for Airbnb. A cover by Raven-Symoné is featured in the end credits of the animated film The Lion King 1½.
Chart performance
Weekly charts Chart (1969)PeakpositionCanada RPM Top Singles5U.S. Billboard Hot 1003U.S. Billboard Hot Soul/R&B Singles5U.S. Cash Box Top 1006
Year-end charts Chart (1969)RankCanada62U.S. Billboard Hot 10017U.S. R&B (Billboard)10U.S. Cash Box Top 10059
References
External links Lyrics of this song (2016)