A legendary soul singer-songwriter behind iconic hits like "Knock on Wood" and "634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)", known for his smooth, soulful voice and songwriting skills that helped shape the sound of Stax Records.
Eddie Floyd is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, best known for his iconic hit song "Knock on Wood", which has been covered by over 100 different artists. As a linchpin of the legendary Stax record label in the 1960s and 1970s, Floyd's soulful voice and songwriting skills have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Born on June 25, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama, Floyd grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he founded The Falcons, a vocal group that would later inspire future Detroit legends like The Temptations and The Four Tops. The Falcons enjoyed moderate success with songs like "You're So Fine" and "I Found a Love", featuring a young Wilson Pickett on lead vocals.
In 1965, Floyd signed with Stax Records as a songwriter, penning a hit song, "Comfort Me", recorded by Carla Thomas. His collaboration with Stax guitarist Steve Cropper led to writing hits for Wilson Pickett, including "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)" and "634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)". This partnership paved the way for Floyd's solo career, which took off with the release of "Knock on Wood" in 1966.
Floyd's solo career flourished with hits like "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)" and "Raise Your Hand", which were covered by Janis Joplin and Bruce Springsteen, respectively. His soulful voice and songwriting skills solidified his position as one of Stax's most consistent and versatile artists. Throughout his career, Floyd has worked with legendary musicians like Booker T. Jones, Al Jackson, and Steve Cropper, leaving a lasting impact on the R&B and soul genres.
Eddie Floyd's music has transcended generations, influencing a wide range of artists, from David Bowie to Count Basie. His song "Knock on Wood" has become a cultural phenomenon, with Amii Stewart's 1979 disco version topping the charts. Floyd's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
Eddie Floyd has been recognized for his contributions to music with numerous awards and nominations, including:
Floyd's music embodies the spirit of soul and R&B, emphasizing the importance of love, relationships, and perseverance. His songs often convey a sense of vulnerability and authenticity, resonating with listeners across generations.
84 Years Old
A soulful voice behind classic hits like "In the Midnight Hour" and "Land of 1000 Dances", this legendary singer-songwriter brought energetic and passionate performances to the forefront of 1960s soul and R&B music.
84 Years Old
Soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting defined the iconic sound of a legendary musician, whose tragic death at 26 cemented his legacy as a rock and roll pioneer.
94 Years Old
Pioneering soul and R&B vocalist, known for smooth, velvety voice and iconic hits like "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "You Send Me".
83 Years Old
The "Queen of Soul" was a legendary vocalist, songwriter, and pianist who revolutionized music with her powerful, soulful voice and classic hits like "Respect" and "Think".
87 Years Old
A legendary blues singer known for her powerful, soulful voice and classic hits like "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind".
95 Years Old
A legendary musician who pioneered soul music, blending gospel, blues, and jazz to create a unique sound, and is iconic for his smooth, soulful voice and hit songs like "What'd I Say" and "Georgia on My Mind".
Born in 1920
The "Godfather of Soul" was a legendary musician and performer who revolutionized funk and soul music with his unique sound and energetic stage presence. He is most known for his iconic hits like "I Got You" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag".
75 Years Old
A legendary musician and innovator who pioneered soul and R&B music, known for his iconic voice, masterful keyboard playing, and socially conscious songwriting.
