Eastward (song)

"Eastward" is a song by The Lettermen written by Bill Hughes. It was released as a single from The Lettermen album, "Now and Forever," in 1994 by Capitol Records. The song was produced by The Lettermen, arranged and conducted by Vince Morton. It peaked at #16 on the Adult Contemporary Billboard chart. 
Background.
Eastward was written by Billie Hughes, originally recorded by Hughes' band, Lazarus. It was produced by Peter Yarrow and Phil Ramone. for their 1971 self-titled debut album on Bearsville Records. It is an acoustic ballad with vocal harmonies.
In 1968, Bob Engemann of The Lettermen heard the Abilene Christian College group the ACCents while they were on a tour of the Southeast United States. All four members of the ACCents, including Bill Hughes, a sophomore, were singers and played instruments. Engemann asked for a tape, which they said they would finish the next semester.
While at ACC, Hughes formed his own band, Shiloh. They met Peter Yarrow after a Peter, Paul & Mary concert at a local venue and were signed to Bearsville Records as the band Lazarus, where they released their first album, Lazarus with the song Eastward. 
The Lettermen covered Eastward, releasing it as a single in 1974. Radio and Records charted activity with commentary.
Critical reception.
Neal Vitale, The Tech wrote: "Lazarus comes off as one of the freshest, most pleasant albums released in quite awhile. Such cuts as the truly beautiful... 'Eastward.'" 