On this day in music history: August 13, 1977 - "Float On" by The Floaters hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 6 weeks, also peaking at #2 on the Hot 100 on September 17th. Written by Arnold Ingram, James Mitchell, and Marvin Willis, it is the biggest hit for the Detroit, MI based R&B vocal quintet. Formed in 1976 by former Detroit Emeralds lead singer James Mitchell ("You Want It, You Got It", "Baby Let Me (Take You In My Arms)", the group consists of Mitchell and his brother Paul, Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, and Ralph Mitchell (not related to James and Paul). Friends since childhood, all of the members grew up together in the Sojourner Truth housing project on the Eastside of Detroit. The idea for "Float On" will come to James in a dream, and will finish writing it with Arnold Ingram and Marvin Willis. Recorded at Pac 3 Studios in Detroit, the track features several prominent local musicians including former Funk Brothers Dennis Coffey (guitar) and Jack Brokensha (vibes). The nearly twelve minute long track will be edited down to four minutes for single release, becoming not only a huge R&B hit but will also become a huge crossover smash on both sides of the Atlantic, hitting #1 on the UK singles chart. The song will also be parodied by comedians Cheech & Chong for their single "Bloat On" (#41 Pop) in 1978. "Float On" is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 21:04:54 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015