KING FLOYD

Biography

King Floyd, born on February 13, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, emerged as a significant figure in classic soul and the Southern R&B scene. Raised in nearby Kenner, Floyd began singing on street corners as a teenager, forging early connections with local musicians like Earl King and Willie Tee. His first professional break came in 1961 at the Sho-Bar on Bourbon Street, aided by blues legend Mr. Google Eyes. After a stint in the Army, Floyd moved to New York City and then Los Angeles, where he worked with producer Harold Battiste and released his debut single 'Walkin' and Talkin'' in 1965, followed by the album 'A Man in Love' in 1967, co-written with Dr. John. Despite his early efforts, commercial success eluded him, and Floyd returned to New Orleans in 1969, taking a job at the post office.

Floyd's fortunes changed dramatically in 1970 when producer Wardell Quezergue recognized the potential of his song 'Groove Me.' Recorded in a single take at Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi, the track became a No. 1 R&B hit and reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, revitalizing both Floyd's career and the fortunes of Malaco Records. He followed up with hits like 'Baby Let Me Kiss You' and 'Woman Don't Go Away,' the latter earning a gold record. Floyd's music was characterized by a raw, Southern soul sound, marked by his expressive vocals and funky arrangements. Despite creative differences with Quezergue and the rise of disco, which marginalized his style, Floyd continued to record and perform sporadically, releasing his final album, 'Ol Skool Funk,' in 2000. He died on March 6, 2006, from complications of a stroke and diabetes.

King Floyd's legacy endures through his enduring hit 'Groove Me,' which has been sampled by artists such as the Wu-Tang Clan and referenced in popular culture. His influence is evident in the continued appreciation for New Orleans soul and the Southern R&B tradition, with his work serving as a bridge between classic soul and later generations of funk and hip-hop artists.

Fun Facts

• King Floyd recorded his signature hit 'Groove Me' in a single take after producer Wardell Quezergue recognized its potential.
• Both Stax and Atlantic Records initially turned down the opportunity to release 'Groove Me,' only for Atlantic to later distribute it after its success.
• Floyd worked at the post office in New Orleans just before his breakthrough hit, highlighting the unpredictability of his career.
• His song 'Don't Leave Me Lonely' was prominently sampled by the Wu-Tang Clan, introducing his music to a new generation of listeners.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mr. Google Eyes - Helped Floyd land his first paying gig at Sho-Bar and supported his early career in New Orleans. (Early performances at Sho-Bar)
• Don Covay - Encouraged Floyd's songwriting during his time in New York. (Songwriting encouragement) [1963-1964]
• J.J. Jackson - Supported Floyd's songwriting development in New York. (Songwriting encouragement) [1963-1964]

Key Collaborators

• Harold Battiste - Producer and arranger for Floyd's early Los Angeles recordings, including his debut album. (A Man in Love (1967)) [1965-1967]
• Dr. John - Co-writer on Floyd's debut album and fellow New Orleans musician in Los Angeles. (A Man in Love (1967)) [1965-1967]
• Wardell Quezergue - Producer and arranger who was instrumental in the creation and success of 'Groove Me.' (Groove Me (1970), King Floyd (1971)) [1970-1971]
• The Mighty Majors - Served as Floyd's backup band during touring. (Touring support) [Early 1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Wu-Tang Clan - Sampled Floyd's song 'Don't Leave Me Lonely' in their track 'For Heaven's Sake.' (For Heaven's Sake (Wu-Tang Forever, 1997))
• Shaggy - Floyd received a co-songwriter credit on Shaggy's hit 'Boombastic.' (Boombastic (1995))

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Groove Me (King Floyd)
2. Groove Me (Choice Cuts)
3. I Feel Like Dynamite (Well Done)
4. Baby Let Me Kiss You (King Floyd)
5. Hard to Handle (Choice Cuts)
6. I Really Love You (Well Done)
7. Groove Me (Late Night Etta James)
8. What Our Love Needs (King Floyd)
9. Woman Don't Go Astray (King Floyd)
10. I Feel Like Dynamite (Choice Cuts)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia