Eugene Pitt and The Jyve Fyve – The Rare 1971 Recording of “Come Down In Time”

 Eugene Pitt and The Jyve Fyve – The Rare 1971 Recording of “Come Down In Time” and Its Connection to Elton John

In 1971, the American vocal group Eugene Pitt and The Jyve Fyve released a rare crossover soul single on the Avco Embassy label titled “Come Down In Time.” The record appeared on AVE-4568 and has since become a sought-after 45 among collectors. The original Avco label features a photograph of Eugene Pitt at the center, and the release is known for its rarity among New York–based 1970s soul issues. Produced, arranged, and conducted by Billy Arnell, the recording presents a smooth and distinctive interpretation of the song.

The Jyve Fyve, also historically known as The Jive Five, was an established American vocal group led by Eugene Pitt. During the early 1970s, the group adopted the spelling “Jyve Fyve” while signed to Avco Embassy Records. Their lineup during this period included Eugene Pitt, Casey Spencer, Richard Fisher, and Webster Harris. Discography sources confirm that the group recorded “Come Down In Time,” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin for Elton John’s 1970 album Tumbleweed Connection. The Avco single paired the track with the B-side “Love Is Pain,” and is documented in soul and R&B collector archives under Avco 4568.

A contemporary industry confirmation appears in the April 3, 1971 issue of Record World. The magazine reported that Eugene Pitt and The Jyve Fyve had signed with Avco Embassy Records and noted that the group would soon release the single “Come Down in Time,” explicitly crediting Elton John as the songwriter. The report also mentions that the group was managed by Otis Pollard, providing a clear historical connection between the release and Elton John’s catalog.

Although the single did not chart, it has become a hidden gem valued by collectors of 1970s soul, crossover, and doo-wop–influenced R&B. Its arrangement offers a soulful reinterpretation distinct from the version featured on Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection, highlighting Eugene Pitt’s expressive vocal style and the group’s smooth harmonic structure.

Avco Embassy Records and Its Connection to Elton John (1970–1972)

During the early 1970s, Avco Embassy Records expanded its catalog by signing emerging pop, soul, and crossover acts. Although Elton John was not signed to Avco, the label became indirectly connected to his catalog through a notable release in 1971. That connection came through Eugene Pitt and The Jyve Fyve, who recorded a soul interpretation of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s composition “Come Down in Time,” originally released on the 1970 album Tumbleweed Connection.

The Avco version presented a smoother, orchestrated soul arrangement produced by Billy Arnell. The single was issued as Avco 4568 with the B-side “Love Is Pain.” This recording demonstrates how Elton John’s early 1970s material reached beyond rock and pop markets, influencing R&B and vocal harmony groups. The Jyve Fyve’s rendition brought Elton John’s songwriting into the New York soul scene, giving the composition a new stylistic identity.

The connection between Avco Embassy and Elton John was publicly documented in the April 3, 1971 issue of Record World, which reported the group’s signing to Avco Embassy and specifically mentioned that their next release would be “Come Down in Time,” written by Elton John. This confirms the direct licensing of Elton John’s work to Avco for this single. Although Elton John did not personally record for Avco Embassy, the inclusion of his composition in their release schedule shows the early reach of his songwriting into diverse American genres.

Magazine source:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FSWZYRQsB/