"Love the One You 're With '' is a song by folk rocker Stephen Stills. It was released as the lead single from his debut self - titled studio album in November 1970. The song, inspired by a remark Stills heard from musician Billy Preston, became his biggest hit single, peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1971. David Crosby and Graham Nash, Stills ' fellow members of Crosby, Stills & Nash, provide background vocals on the song. The song was also covered by a number of artists, including The Isley Brothers, Bucks Fizz, and Luther Vandross.
who wrote love the one you're with
Stephen Stills