The Robert West Story
Separate Ways

The Falcons had broken up in early '63, no doubt so many quality singers in the group didn't help.

Eddie Floyd, Mack Rice and Joe Stubbs would all be given their chance by West as solo artists. Pickett moved on to Lloyd Price's Double L set up before landing the big one with Atlantic in New York City where he had huge success and 5 #1 R&B hits.

Floyd was first to gain a release with Lu Pine and "Will I be the one"/"Set my soul on fire". A few months later, "I'll be home"/"A deed to your heart" was issued on Lu Pine120. 

Neither record made much impact however and Floyd found himself heading for Washington to work with his friend Al Bell on the Safice label.

Their partnership bonded with Jim Stewart at Stax who sold them studio and musician time at his reputable Memphis facility.

Stewart had a lot of time for Eddie Floyd the songwriter and offered both himself and Bell employment once Safice folded.

Soon Eddie got his way as a solo artist and produced the stunning "Knock on wood" which stormed the R&B charts at #1.

Rice and Stubbs both recorded excellent double siders around the same time, with "Baby I'm coming home" and "What's my destiny" being pick of the bunch.  Sadly these records faded into obscurity.

Joe would soon join the Contours and at the end of the decade, 100 Proof Aged In Soul. He would forever be in the shadow of his brother Levi however.

Mack joined Blue Rock where he wrote and recorded the original version of "Mustang Sally". After a brief foray at Atco he joined up again with Eddie Floyd at Stax where he became a prolific songwriter.

Notes thanks to David Meikle
 

DESIGN AND GRAPHICS BY
LOWELL BOILEAU

 


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