A lightning storm in Memphis birthed a soul classic
In short: In 1966, a fierce storm over the Lorraine Motel provided the atmospheric spark for one of soul music's most enduring anthems. From a rejected pitch to a disco powerhouse, the song's journey reveals how a simple chord progression, played in reverse, could capture a feeling of frightening love.
Written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper, "Knock on Wood" was born during a night of heavy weather in Memphis, Tennessee. Cropper noted that the imagery of frightening, electric love was directly inspired by the lightning and thunder occurring outside the Lorraine Motel while they were composing. Interestingly, the song's musical DNA is linked to the 1965 Wilson Pickett hit "In the Midnight Hour"; Cropper utilized the same chord progression but played it in reverse. The song's path to the airwaves was not immediate. Floyd originally intended for Otis Redding to record the track, but Stax label manager Jim Stewart declined the idea. Instead, Floyd recorded the single on July 13, 1966, at the Stax house studio. The session featured the house band Booker T. & the M.G.'s, along with Isaac Hayes and Wayne Jackson. While Floyd's original version peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became a significant success on the Soul Singles chart, eventually earning a Gold certification in 1995. The song's legacy is defined by its versatility across genres. In 1979, Amii Stewart's disco reimagining became a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the US charts and earning a Grammy nomination. It transitioned from a soul staple to a cultural anthem for the gay community and a recurring fixture in cinema, appearing in films like The Big Lebowski and Mr. Magoo. Even decades later, the track remains a vehicle for diverse interpretations, from Buddy Guy's marathon live performances to the Blues Brothers' high-tempo renditions.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd song)
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