Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – Aug 24, 2025
The early 70s were a time of deep social change and emotional introspection in American popular music. The civil rights movement had opened doors for Black artists, and the industry was seeing a growing demand for songs that reflected both personal and societal realities. At the same time, there was a flourishing of soft soul and easy listening tracks that dealt with themes of love, loss, and identity—genres that offered a more subdued alternative to the psychedelic rock and protest music of the late 60s.
In 1971 a soul group out of Los Angeles released a song that reflected this. And it went to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Formed in the late 60s, this racially integrated sextet consisted of members with roots in both gospel and doo-wop. Their lineup included brothers Adrian & Claude Jefferson, Godoy Colbert, Josephine Brown, Cheryl Conley, and Jennifer Gates. Their sound was marked by lush vocal arrangements and a polished, pop-soul style that fit well into the evolving musical landscape of the time.
Their song tells the poignant story of a woman who confronts her partner, revealing that she has found a new love and is leaving the relationship. The song’s narrative perspective—where the man realizes too late what he’s lost—added a level of emotional depth that resonated with many listeners. Its gentle yet sorrowful tone made it accessible both to pop and soul audiences, helping the track achieve crossover appeal.
Despite the success of this debut single, The Free Movement was unable to maintain their momentum. Their follow-up songs did not achieve similar success, and the group eventually faded from the spotlight. Still, “I’ve Found Someone of My Own” remains a classic of the 70s soul-pop scene and a lasting reminder of the era’s emotional landscape … and it’s this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.
YouTube listing of the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6p9ycCayi0
This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.
