Known for the classics “Knock on Wood,” “634-5789,” “Raise Your Hand,” “Big Bird,” and “I’ve Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do),” among others, Eddie Floyd’s career as a soul legend spans over sixty years. His professional singing career began in Detroit in the 1950s as a founding member of the Falcons, considered “The First Soul Group.” A solo artist and songwriter for Memphis’s famed Stax Records from 1966 until 1975, Floyd has subsequently been the singer for the Blues Brothers Band and for Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, while continuing to perform and record solo.
In Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood, Floyd recounts how a three-year stint in an Alabama reform school shaped his young life; recalls the early years of R&B in Detroit alongside future Motown and Stax legends; discusses the songwriting sessions with Steve Cropper and Booker T. Jones that produced his biggest hits; addresses his complicated life-long relationship with the often-unpredictable Wilson Pickett; shares his memories of friend Otis Redding; reveals his unlikely involvement in the rise of southern rock darlings Lynyrd Skynyrd; and offers an insider perspective on the tragic downfall of Stax Records. With input from Bruce Springsteen, Bill Wyman, Paul Young, William Bell, Steve Cropper, and others, Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood captures Eddie’s tireless work ethic and warm personality for an engrossing first-hand account of one of the last true soul survivors.
Reviews for Knock Knock Knock On Wood
“Superb autobiography… Gripping read.” – MOJO (5-star review)
“A compelling storyteller, Floyd invites readers into his life to experience the ups and downs alongside him in his entertaining Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood: My Life in Soul.” —NO DEPRESSION
“Of Stax’s golden era stars Floyd is indeed one of the few who is not only still alive but vibrant — both as a performer and, as he proves in his new memoir, Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood: My Life in Soul, a storyteller.” —MEMPHIS COMMERCIAL APPEAL
“Eddie Floyd gives us… a glimpse of what it’s been like living a long life as an acclaimed songwriter and performer of one of America’s greatest art forms – soul. If you’re a fan of soul, this book is a must.” —ICON FETCH
“Floyd’s positivity and storytelling abilities make this an entertaining read, and well worth it for fans of soul music.” —INK 19
“Eddie Floyd’s attitude is contagious. After speaking with him for over an hour, what stuck with me most was the laughter. That humor can also be found in his new autobiography, Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood: My Life in Soul , penned by Floyd and author Tony Fletcher. “ —MEMPHIS FLYER (cover story)
“His sphere of influence remains wide. One can hear hints of his phrasing in the work of Paul Rodgers or specific moments of early Led Zeppelin recordings. Bruce Springsteen, who offers some of his reflections on the soul legend for the book, once had no fewer than three Floyd compositions in his setlist.” —POPMATTERS
“His “voice” clearly comes through & his musical recollections — sharp with colorful anecdotes.” —AMERICANA HIGHWAY
“The singer was there when history was being made at Stax Records, and he was part of it. This soul-splendent book tells it all. Read and repeat.” —THE MORTON REPORT
“His autobiography sounds like his own voice. What emerges is a soul man with a strong work ethic and a dedication to his craft in pursuit of his dream of signing his way out of poverty.” —MILWAUKEE SHEPHERD EXPRES
“Fans of soul music, R&B or the American musical experience in general are encouraged to give Floyd’s book a read.” —MUSOSCRIBE
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