L.T.D., short for “Love, Togetherness & Devotion,” brought smooth vocals, funky rhythms, and emotional ballads to the forefront of R&B in the 1970s. Known for hits like “Love Ballad” and “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again,” the group combined tight musicianship with heartfelt lyrics. Their music helped define a golden era of soul and funk that still resonates today.
Though lineup changes and industry shifts slowed their momentum, L.T.D. has continued to perform into the 21st century, staying true to the spirit of their name.
| Full Name | L.T.D. (Love, Togetherness & Devotion) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Greensboro, North Carolina, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Funk, Soul |
| Years Active | 1968–1983, 1999–present |
| Labels | A&M Records |
| Most Popular Song | “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again” – #1 R&B, #4 Hot 100 |
| Other Chart Hits |
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| Notable Members | Jeffrey Osborne, Billy Osborne, Johnny McGhee, Carle Vickers, Arthur Carnegie |
| Recent Album | *Bringing It Home* (2007) |
| Legacy | Known for blending smooth soul ballads with high-energy funk; sampled and covered by numerous R&B artists. |
From North Carolina to California
L.T.D.’s roots stretch back to 1968 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Keyboardist Jimmie “J.D.” Davis and saxophonist Abraham “Onion” Miller were among the founding members. Early on, they played as part of the backing band for legendary soul duo Sam & Dave, gaining experience on the road.
After moving to New York City, Davis and Miller expanded their lineup. They added guitarist Johnny McGhee, saxophonists Carle Wayne Vickers and Arthur “Lorenzo” Carnegie, trombonist Jake Riley Jr., and saxophonist Toby Wynn. Their reputation grew through gigs around the region, including one in Rhode Island where they discovered drummer and vocalist Jeffrey Osborne.
Soon after, the band made a major decision: they relocated to Los Angeles. There, Jeffrey’s brother Billy Osborne joined on keyboards, along with vocalist Celeste Cole, bassist Henry E. Davis, and percussionist Robert Santiel. With a fuller, more dynamic lineup, they officially became L.T.D.—Love, Togetherness & Devotion.
Breaking Out with A&M Records
In the early 1970s, L.T.D. signed with A&M Records. Their self-titled debut album, Love, Togetherness & Devotion, came out in 1974 and peaked at #54 on the R&B albums chart. Later that same year, they released Gittin’ Down, which fared slightly better, reaching #40.
These albums laid the groundwork for their signature sound: a mix of silky ballads, energetic funk, and standout horn arrangements.
The Rise: “Love Ballad” and National Recognition
L.T.D. hit their stride with their third album, Love to the World (1976). The lead single, “Love Ballad,” written by Skip Scarborough, became a smash hit. It reached:
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#1 on the Billboard R&B chart
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#20 on the Billboard Hot 100
The song established Jeffrey Osborne as one of the most powerful vocalists in R&B. The album reached #7 on the R&B chart and #52 on the Billboard 200. Though the follow-up single, “Love to the World,” didn’t chart as high, the group’s momentum was building.
Peak Success: Something to Love
In 1977, L.T.D. released their fourth album, Something to Love, and it marked their commercial peak. The hit single “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again” became their highest-charting track:
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#1 on the Billboard R&B chart
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#4 on the Hot 100
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#19 on the Dance chart
This track blended joyful lyrics with a groove-heavy instrumental. The album went gold and topped the R&B albums chart. It also climbed to #21 on the Billboard 200, giving the group national mainstream exposure.
Togetherness and More R&B Hits
The band’s fifth album, Togetherness (1978), kept their momentum going. It featured:
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“Holdin’ On (When Love Is Gone)” – #1 R&B, #49 Hot 100
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“Never Get Enough of Your Love” – #8 R&B, #56 Hot 100
Togetherness reached #3 on the R&B albums chart and #18 on the Billboard 200, their best performance on the albums chart to date.
Transition and Departure of the Osbornes
In 1979, L.T.D. released Devotion, featuring the R&B hits “Share My Love” and “Stranger.” However, changes were underway.
After the release of 1980’s Shine On, both Jeffrey and Billy Osborne left to pursue solo careers. Jeffrey, in particular, would go on to achieve major success as a solo artist with hits like “On the Wings of Love” and “Stay with Me Tonight.”
Their departure left a major gap in L.T.D.’s identity. New members Leslie Wilson and Andre Ray took over vocals, but the group’s commercial appeal declined.
Final Albums and Hiatus
The group released Love Magic in 1981 and For You in 1983. Despite their efforts, neither album produced significant hits. The group disbanded shortly after.
Legal Disputes and Reformation
In the late 1990s, some of the original members faced a legal battle against a rival group using the L.T.D. name. They won the rights and soon regrouped under the original banner.
In 2007, L.T.D. released a new album, Bringing It Home, featuring a mix of original members and fresh faces. Though it didn’t chart, the album was well-received by longtime fans.
L.T.D. Today
As of the 2000s and beyond, L.T.D. continues to perform, especially in Europe and at R&B revival concerts. The current lineup includes original members Arthur Carnegie, Carle Vickers, and Johnny McGhee. They are joined by newer musicians, including Aya Iwata, Tefere Hazy, Tresure (Mark Vincent Brown), Steve Toussaint, and Herbert Lee Woods.
Original members Jake Riley and Jimmie Davis passed away in 2000 and 2008, respectively, but their contributions remain vital to the group’s foundation.
L.T.D.’s influence lives on. Their songs are sampled by hip-hop and R&B artists, played in clubs, and included on classic soul playlists. Their blend of heartfelt lyrics, dynamic instrumentation, and smooth vocals continues to connect with new audiences.