A primary smash hit single can present the leading edge to slice by the competitors and get an artist seen, however that sword usually has two edges. Alabama soul man Eddie Floyd labored laborious for greater than a decade on a profession that developed as a member of the Falcons, then as a soloist, earlier than making his well-known breakthrough on Stax Information with the indelible 1966 anthem “Knock On Wood.”
Such consideration introduced many rewards, but additionally new challenges. Eddie’s superb follow-up single “Raise Your Hand” did rise, into the US R&B High 20 a minimum of, however in reality it was two years after that thunder-and-lightning signature earlier than he absolutely linked once more together with his soul fan base. “Love Is A Doggone Thing” simply nudged the R&B High 30, ditto “On A Saturday Night.” However the summer time of 1968 introduced a lot better information.
Floyd wrote the breezy, feelgood “I’ve Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)” with Alvertis Isbell (a co-writer on “Raise Your Hand”) and the ever-present Booker T. Jones. From the get-go, this sun-kissed soul gem, launched as Stax 0002, was heading in the right direction, listed amongst Billboard’s Regional Breakouts, and within the journal’s “Makin’ Smoke” editorial. “Good blues sound from Floyd,” says its evaluation, “on exceptional rock ballad material with a top Steve Cropper production.”
The timing was additionally good by way of Stax’s newly-declared worldwide ambitions. With the corporate the tip of its partnership with Atlantic Information, and now merged with Gulf-Western Industries, Stax president Jim Stewart and government VP Al Bell introduced plans for a brand new distribution community past the US, and the growth of artist rosters on all of its labels, additionally together with Volt, Hip, and Enterprise.
Within the chart week of July 13, 1968, “I’ve Never Found A Girl” debuted confidently on Finest Promoting Rhythm & Blues Singles at No.32. In late August, it peaked at No.2, held off the highest solely by the Dells’ “Stay In My Corner” after which Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrrell’s “You’re All I Need To Get By,” as Floyd’s single raced in direction of the High 40 on the Sizzling 100. Sadly it quickly slowed, topping on the market at No.40, however Eddie had new momentum.
Later within the 12 months, his cowl of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me” grew to become one other High 5 soul success and, with a No.17 US pop peak, gave him an even bigger crossover hit than even “Knock On Wood” had – in reality, the most important of of an extended and distinguished profession.
Purchase “I’ve Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)” on Stax’s vinyl compilation Soul Explosion.
