Genres Smooth R&B | Years active 1976-82 Genre Rhythm and blues | |
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Past members James MitchellPaul MitchellLarry CunninghamCharles ClarkRalph Mitchell Albums Float Into the Future, Get Ready for The Floaters & Shu-Ga, Magic Members Larry Cunningham, Ralph Mitchell, Paul Mitchell, Charles Clark, James Mitchell Similar Detroit Emeralds, Larry Cunningham, The Emotions, The Stylistics, The Chi‑Lites | ||
The floaters float on
The Floaters were an American R&B vocal group, from the Sojourner Truth housing projects in Detroit, Michigan, that formed in 1976. The group are best known for their 1977 song "Float On", which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, and No. 5 on the Irish Singles Chart.
Contents
- The floaters float on
- The floaters float on extended version abc records 1977
- Career
- Compilation albums
- Songs
- References
The floaters float on extended version abc records 1977
Career
The band was formed by the former Detroit Emeralds' singer James Mitchell, with his brother Paul Mitchell, Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, and the unrelated Ralph Mitchell. Most of The Floaters were from the Sojourner Truth housing project on Detroit's Eastside.
James Mitchell wrote the band's one major hit, "Float On", with Arnold Ingram and Marvin Willis. The lyrics spotlight each member of the band, who introduced themselves with their name, astrological sign, and ideal type of romantic partner. The song was produced by Woody Wilson. It became a worldwide hit in 1977 on ABC Records, reaching No. 1 on the US R&B chart, No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart (for a single week in August that year).
Follow-ups such as "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (No. 28 Billboard R&B chart) were not as successful. The group continued to record, releasing four studio albums over the next few years.
A new recording of the song "Float On" was recorded in 2001 for the album Still Standing by the group Full Force and Cheech and Chong did a take-off of the song called "Bloat On".
This song was also sampled by Canadian hip-hop recording duo Dream Warriors, in their song of the same name.
Compilation albums
Songs
Float On1977
I Am So Glad I Took My Time1977
No Stronger Love1977