L.T.D. (which stood for Love, Togetherness and Devotion) was formed in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1968 by keyboardist Jimmie "J.D." Davis and saxophonist Abraham "Onion" Miller. Both were former backing musicians for soul duo Sam and Dave. The band was originally named Love Men, Ltd. Upon relocating to New York, the twosome recruited guitarist Johnny McGhee, horn player Carle Vickers, saxophonists Arthur "Lorenzo" Carnegie, Toby Wynn and trombonist Jake Riley, Jr. Vocalist/drummer Jeffrey Osborne also signed on before the group settled in Los Angeles, California, where Osborne's brother, keyboardist Billy Osborne joined the line-up as well. L.T.D. signed with the A&M label to issue their 1974 debut album, Love, Togetherness and Devotion. On their third LP, 1976's Love to the World, the group scored their first Top 20 pop hit, "Love Ballad." The follow-up, 1977's Something to Love, included the Top Five smash "(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again," and four years later L.T.D. returned to the Top 40 once again with "Shine On." However, Osborne then exited to pursue a solo career, and despite the additions of vocalists Leslie Wilson and Andre Ray, the band's commercial fortunes dimmed. In the wake of 1981's Love Magic, L.T.D. disbanded.
Original Trombone player Jake Riley died in 2000.
Original LTD Keyboard player and founding member James " Jimmie " Davis, died on May 1, 2008 of unknown causes. He was 66 years of age.
