David Oliver is a soul singer from Florida, United States, born in 1942 and active in the 1970s. He is best known for the single “MS” and for writing “Friends & Strangers”, which Ronnie Laws later covers in 1977.

Career

After serving in the Air Force, Oliver moves to Los Angeles in 1967 and joins the group Five Days & Three Nights. The group is offered a contract with Motown Records, but it falls through in negotiations and the band then splits up. In 1972, Oliver provides background vocals on Redbone’s Already Here album.

Mercury Records and solo work

Oliver signs to Mercury Records in 1977 and records four albums with Wayne Henderson of The Crusaders in production. In 1978, “MS” reaches number thirteen on the Soul Singles chart. He is also associated with the songwriting of “Friends & Strangers”, one of his best-known compositions.

Death

David Oliver dies in 1982.