On this day in music history: January 2, 1971 - “Groove Me” by King Floyd hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 4 weeks, also peaking at #6 on the Hot 100 on January 30, 1971. Written by King Floyd, it is the biggest hit for the R&B singer and songwriter from New Orleans, LA. Floyd will begin his singing career in his teens, performing in local venues in his hometown, when it is interrupted by a stint in the army. Following his military service, he’ll move to California with the hopes of restarting his singing career. Meeting a producer named Harold Battiste, he will record his debut album “A Man In Love” for Mercury Records subsidiary Pulsar Records in 1968. The album includes songs written by an up and coming singer and musician named Malcolm “Mac” Rebennack (aka “Dr. John”). The album will fail to make any impact, and Floyd will go back home and get a job working for the post office. In mid 1970, producer Wardell Quezerque will be in New Orleans scouting talent for his company Malaco Productions. Quezerque will invite Floyd along with another local NOLA singer named Jean Knight to go to Malaco’s recording studio in Jackson, MS to cut some sides. On May 17, 1970, Floyd will cut his self-penned song “Groove Me” and Knight will record “Mr. Big Stuff”. At first, Quezerque will not be able to attract any label interest in either song. He will instead release “Groove Me” himself on his own Chimneyville record label. Once it begins getting radio play in the south, Atlantic Records will pick up the single for national distribution. Quickly becoming an R&B smash, it will make an equally fast crossover to the pop singles chart in late 1970. “Groove Me” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 02:16:07 +0000
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