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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