Eddie Floyd

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Eddie Floyd – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Eddie Floyd (born June 25) is an iconic American soul and R&B singer-songwriter best known for the classic hit “Knock on Wood.” Explore his early life, rise at Stax Records, creative partnerships, legacy, and memorable sayings.

Introduction

Eddie Floyd is one of soul music’s enduring voices. With his gritty yet tender vocal style, songwriting skill, and deep connection to the Memphis soul sound, Floyd left an indelible mark on the R&B genre. He is most famous for co-writing and performing “Knock on Wood”, which became a standard across multiple generations. His influence spans not only as a performer, but also as a songwriter behind hits for many other artists.

Though some sources place his birth year as 1937 June 25, 1935 . For this article, I’ll note the discrepancy as part of his biography.

Early Life and Family

Eddie Lee Floyd was born in Montgomery, Alabama on June 25 (year debated: 1935 or 1937)

At a young age, Floyd relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where he lived with his aunt and uncle, Robert and Catherine West. His uncle Robert West was active in the Detroit music business and owned labels Lu Pine Records and Flick Records.

During adolescence, Floyd encountered trouble with authority. At about age 13 he was sent to the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children at Mount Meigs (a juvenile correctional facility) after an altercation at school. There, he studied music theory and joined a choir.

After three years, he moved to Detroit, which offered more musical opportunities, especially in the booming R&B and soul milieu of the city.

Musical Beginnings & The Falcons

In Detroit, Floyd immersed himself in the music scene and, in 1955, helped form the vocal group The Falcons. Wilson Pickett as lead vocalist. Their style anticipated the sound of later Detroit vocal groups like The Temptations and The Four Tops.

The group had success with songs like “You’re So Fine” and later “I Found a Love.”

Rise at Stax & Breakthrough

Songwriting and Staff Role

In the mid-1960s, Floyd signed with Stax Records (Memphis) as a songwriter.

Among Floyd’s compositions were “Comfort Me” (Carla Thomas) and co-written songs for Wilson Pickett such as “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)” and “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)”

“Knock on Wood” and Solo Success

In 1966, Floyd and Steve Cropper composed “Knock on Wood” originally intended for Otis Redding. But Jerry Wexler convinced Stax’s Jim Stewart to release Floyd’s version. That recording became his signature hit and launched his solo career.

“Knock on Wood” reached #1 on the R&B charts and cracked the pop charts (#28)

After that breakthrough, Floyd continued releasing successful singles such as “I’ve Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)” (1968) and “Raise Your Hand”.

“I’ve Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)” was co-written with Booker T. Jones and Alvertis Isbell, and became a hit on both R&B and pop charts.

Floyd also wrote “Big Bird” during a layover at a London airport while en route back for Otis Redding’s funeral in 1967. That song became a soul classic, especially in the UK.

Later Career & Enduring Influence

After Stax folded in the mid-1970s, Floyd continued recording and performing. He aligned with various labels (Malaco, Rock House Records, etc.) and appeared in tours and collaborations.

In the 1980s, he joined former Stax collaborators and fronted the Blues Brothers Band on world tours.

He also appeared on screen in Blues Brothers 2000 alongside Wilson Pickett, performing “634-5789.”

In 2008, Floyd returned to the reactivated Stax label (by then under Concord Music) and released Eddie Loves You So.

He has been inducted into multiple halls of fame: Alabama Music Hall of Fame (2003)

Even into his later years, he continued performing, such as a 2017 concert at Royal Albert Hall in London in a Stax tribute.

Legacy and Influence

Eddie Floyd’s impact is felt in several dimensions:

• Soul / Stax identity: His voice and compositions are integral to the classic Stax/Volt sound, which remains a defining era in soul music.

• Songwriting for others: Floyd’s songs have been recorded by many major artists across genres — an indicator of the universal appeal of his writing.

• Crossover appeal: Hits like “Knock on Wood” crossed from R&B into pop and international charts, helping bring soul music to wider audiences.

• Inspiration for covers and reinterpretations: His songs have been reimagined in rock, disco, jazz, and modern soul, showing their adaptability and durability.

• Longevity and resilience: Floyd traversed shifts in the music industry, label closures, and changing tastes, yet remained active and respected.

• Recognition and honors: His induction into multiple halls of fame cements his status among the pantheon of soul greats.

Personality, Style & Traits

• Floyd’s vocal style combines raw emotional grit with smooth phrasing — he can convey pain, hope, and affirmation.

• As a songwriter, he often engaged in collaboration (Cropper, Jones, Isbell) while bringing personal voice and strong melodic sense.

• His life shows persistence: from juvenile correction school to musical stardom, he navigated adversity and industry upheavals.

• He maintained loyalty to his musical roots, returning to Stax and staying active on stage even late in life.

• Known among peers for humility and craft — he often emphasized the song above the singer.

Famous Quotes

Eddie Floyd is not as heavily quoted as some cultural icons, but here are a few remarks attributed to him that give insight into his perspective:

• “Once you’re part of that music, it’s till you die. It’s just as simple as that.”

• (About “Knock on Wood” and performance) — he acknowledged the song’s power has allowed him to remain connected to audiences globally.

• In interviews, he often stressed the importance of authenticity in soul and writing from the heart.

Lessons from Eddie Floyd

From his life and career, key lessons emerge:

1. Write for longevity. Floyd’s songs endure because they connect emotionally, are well crafted, and can adapt to new reinterpretations.

2. Collaborate wisely. His partnerships (Cropper, Jones, etc.) elevated his work and opened creative doors.

3. Stay rooted but remain flexible. He embraced both tradition (soul, Stax) and evolution (later labels, tours) to sustain a long career.

4. Perform with integrity. Even later in life, he remained committed to delivering meaningful performances.

5. Legacy is not just hits, but influence. Floyd’s songs influenced other artists; his creative mark is in many repertoires.

Conclusion

Eddie Floyd’s journey is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and musical integrity. From early struggles in Alabama and Detroit to commanding the stage as a soul icon, he made a singular contribution to American music. His voice, songwriting, and spirit continue to resonate — with “Knock on Wood” still echoing across genres and generations.