Eddie Floyd: In His Own Words…
September 6th, 2008 byIn the current music industry environment that an R&B pioneer like Stax man Eddie Floyd can have a brand new album released is cause for celebration it itself: that his first record in six years happens to be on the (reactivated) label which first brought him to public prominence is a double joy!
In a recent phone chat, the Alabama-born soul brother who scored his biggest hit with the now perennial much-covered “Knock On Wood” in 1966 spoke about “Eddie Loves You So,” the recently-released Stax album produced by the Boston-based team of Michael Dinallo and Ducky Carlisle, best known for their work with The Radio Kings.
How the album came about: “I was contacted by the producers and I was surprised that they had done research on my songs. I had worked as a guest with the Radio Kings which is how I came to know them. I basically left it up to them in terms of material and they went back to my days as a member of The Falcons…”
Songs on the album: “Well, “Til My Back Ain’t Got No Bone” was done by William Bell at Stax – I never recorded it back then myself. The producers heard the version that was done by Esther Phillips and that was the one they used as the basis for my recording of it on the new LP. “I Will Always Have Faith In You” was a song that Carla Thomas did it at Stax – although actually Billy Eckstine did it first! I’ve been asked many times why I never recorded songs like that which I wrote and I’d say it just depends on timing. The producers liked the swing tempo of “You’re So Fine” which I did with The Falcons and that’s why they chose it… For me, it’s exciting to do songs like “Til My Back” and “You Don’t Know What You Mean To Me,” which I wrote for Sam & Dave…”
His career: “It feels really good that people still want to hear my music all over the world. About forty years ago I went to a place called Surinam (in South America) and the people wanted to hear “Got To Make A Comeback” which was the ‘B’ side of “Knock On Wood.” It had been No. 1 there back then. I went back last year and the reaction was fantastic. Same thing with “Consider Me” which I did again for the new album. I remember way back I was on a tour of the West Indies with King Curtis and on the second night, I put that song in my show and the people loved it. I’d have to say that I’m enjoying my career now more than ever. It’s truly been a blessing.”
David Nathan
A/k/a the British Ambassador Of Soul
Secretary, The Rhythm & Blues Foundation (www.rhythmblues.org)
Owner,
www.soulmusic.com,
www.soulmusicstore.com,
www.soulmusicglobal.com
