Eddie Floyd

Biography

Eddie Floyd, born June 25, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama, is a seminal figure in American soul and R&B, best known for his enduring association with Stax Records and the classic hit "Knock on Wood." Raised between Alabama and Detroit, Floyd's early exposure to both Southern gospel and Detroit's burgeoning R&B scene shaped his unique musical sensibility. His formative years included a transformative stint at the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children, where he received his first formal music training and sang in the choir, experiences that would deeply influence his later artistry.

Floyd's professional career began in Detroit in the 1950s, where he co-founded The Falcons, one of the first soul groups, alongside future stars like Wilson Pickett and Mack Rice. The Falcons achieved national success with hits such as "You're So Fine" and "I Found a Love." After moving to Memphis, Floyd became a key songwriter and solo artist at Stax Records, collaborating with Steve Cropper and Booker T. & the MG's to create a string of hits that defined the Southern soul sound of the 1960s and 1970s. Beyond his own recordings, Floyd penned songs for other major artists and continued to perform with ensembles like the Blues Brothers Band and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and influential soul man.

Fun Facts

• Eddie Floyd co-founded The Falcons, a group considered by many to be the first soul group, and their song "You're So Fine" was a Top 20 pop hit in 1959.
• His song "Knock on Wood" has been covered by over 100 artists, including David Bowie and Amii Stewart, and is regarded as a soul music standard.
• Floyd spent three years in a reform school as a teenager, an experience he credits with helping him focus on his future and music.
• He was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (2003), the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame (2016), and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame (2018).

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mr. Wilbur - Music teacher at Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children who provided Floyd with his first formal music training. (Choir performances, music theory instruction) [Early 1950s]
• Robert West - Uncle and Detroit music impresario who introduced Floyd to the Detroit music scene and owned Lu Pine Records. (Guidance in early career, access to recording opportunities) [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Steve Cropper - Songwriting partner at Stax Records; co-wrote major hits including "Knock on Wood." ("Knock on Wood", other Stax singles) [1960s–1970s]
• Booker T. & the MG's - Stax house band who backed Floyd on many recordings. (Studio albums and singles at Stax) [1960s–1970s]
• Wilson Pickett - Bandmate in The Falcons and lifelong collaborator; shared songwriting and performance history. (The Falcons' recordings, songwriting sessions) [Late 1950s–1970s]
• Mack Rice - Bandmate in The Falcons and fellow songwriter. (The Falcons' recordings) [Late 1950s–1960s]
• The Blues Brothers Band - Touring and performing as a featured singer. (Live performances) [Post-1970s]
• Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings - Touring and recording as a featured singer. (Live performances, recordings) [1990s–2000s]

Artists Influenced

• David Bowie - Covered "Knock on Wood," bringing Floyd's work to a rock audience. ("Knock on Wood" (live cover, 1974)) [1970s]
• Amii Stewart - Achieved a disco hit with a cover of "Knock on Wood," highlighting Floyd's songwriting influence. ("Knock on Wood" (1979)) [1979]
• Countless soul and R&B artists - Floyd's songwriting and vocal style have been cited as influential by later generations of soul musicians. (Covers and stylistic emulation) [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Knock on Wood (Knock On Wood)
2. Knock On Wood (Rare Stamps)
3. 634-5789 (Blues Brothers 2000)
4. I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) (Rare Stamps)
5. Big Bird - Mono (Rare Stamps)
6. Knock on Wood
7. Knock On Wood (Eddie Floyd At His Best)
8. Good Love, Bad Love
9. Big Bird (Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968)
10. Knock on Wood

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia