Mod-A-Day: Eddie Floyd

Eddie Floyd was one of the most prolific singer/writers in Stax's stable of soul stars in the mid-to-late '60s. He started out in the late 50s in a Detroit soul group that briefly featured Wilson Pickett, and then moved on to writing for Stax's better established singers -- such as Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Booker T, and Pickett himself.

In 1966 Stax took a chance and released a Floyd recording of a song he'd written for Otis Redding called "Knock on Wood". It turned out to be Floyd's biggest hit and established him as a leading soul man in his own right. He recorded a number of other northern soul hits such as "But It's Alright" and "Big Bird", which was covered years later by The Jam. He went on to record on Secret Affair's I-Spy label in the late 70s, and then fronted The Blues Brothers Band on a number of tours. And, he's still going strong as evidenced by the video below.

Eddie Floyd -- big Bird

Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd (Jools Holland 2007 NYE)