The Floaters were an American R&B group from Detroit, Michigan, known for their smooth ballads and soulful sound.
Their most famous song is “Float On,” released in 1977, which became a massive hit in the United States.
Float On
The most notable track, “Float On,” is still remembered for its distinctive introduction in which each member takes a turn describing the qualities they love in a partner. Despite other singles and album releases, The Floaters never achieved the same level of commercial success again, and their presence was limited to a relatively short time in the 1970s. However, “Float On” remains a beloved classic and a staple in R&B music.
“Float On” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also a success on the R&B charts, where it climbed to #1. Its success helped solidify them as a prominent group in the genre of R&B and soul music during the late 1970s.
Although the group did not have other major hits on the same level as “Float On,” the song remains a classic of the era, often remembered for its smooth, mellow vibe and its deep-rooted contribution to soul and R&B music of the 70s.
The Floaters
The group performs their top hit in this live video. They were an American R&B vocal group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in the 1970s. The group is best known for their 1977 hit song “Float On,” which became a huge success on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts. The band was composed of four members:
- James “Sly” Stewart
- Paul “Sonny” Harris
- Ken D. Riley
- Larry “L.B.” Cunningham
They were together for a relatively short period, primarily active from 1976 to the early 1980s. Their rise to fame came in the late 1970s, with their biggest hit “Float On” released in 1977. The group’s success was brief, as their subsequent albums did not achieve the same level of popularity. By the early 1980s, they had largely disbanded, and the group’s members pursued individual projects thereafter.
The Floaters Sound
Their sound was marked by lush arrangements, smooth harmonies, and romantic lyrics, a signature of their genre during the late ’70s. They formed their signature style with songs that often blended sweet melodies with lyrics centered around love, ideal romantic partners, and emotional expressions, resonating with a wide audience.
Their music, including their most famous track, was produced by Sylvester Stewart, commonly known as Sly Stone of the legendary band Sly & The Family Stone. Stewart’s involvement in production contributed to the smooth, funky, and soulful sound of the group. Sly Stone’s production expertise played a key role in creating the group’s distinctive sound that combined elements of soul, funk, and R&B, helping to shape their musical identity during the height of their career.
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The 1970s was a transformative decade for music, and many groups from that era left an indelible mark on the soundtracks of the time. These groups spanned various genres, and their influence is still felt today. Here are a few key points to consider about 70s music groups.
Musical Diversity: The ’70s witnessed the rise of diverse musical genres, and groups experimented with fusion sounds that blended rock, funk, soul, disco, and early electronic music. Pioneers like Earth, Wind & Fire and Parliament Funkadelic brought innovative sounds, while groups like Led Zeppelin and The Eagles shaped rock and roll.
Iconic Vocal Harmonies: The ’70s were known for groups with impressive vocal harmonies, like The Temptations, The Stylistics, and The Spinners. Many of these groups mastered smooth, emotive singing with catchy melodies, which shaped the future of soul and R&B.
Funk and Soul Movement: Influential groups like The Isley Brothers, The Commodores, and Sister Sledge defined funk and soul with energetic rhythms and catchy grooves that remain staples in today’s music. Their dance-worthy tunes played an important role in the growing popularity of black music in mainstream media.
Rise of Disco: Disco fever took over the latter part of the ’70s, with bands like The Bee Gees and Kool & The Gang dominating the charts. The dancefloors of that era echoed the influence of disco hits, setting the stage for a future of upbeat, party-driven music.
1977
R&B in 1977 was an exciting and transitional time, with the genre experiencing significant growth and diversification. During this year, classic sounds of soul and funk began to merge with the emerging sounds of disco, setting the stage for a new era of rhythm and blues. Here are some key elements of R&B music in 1977.
Traditional soul ballads still held strong, with R&B groups continuing the rich legacy of vocal harmonies. The Spinners, known for their smooth style, released hits such as “I’ll Be Around,” which was a hit in 1977. Similarly, The Stylistics remained relevant with their emotionally charged ballads and tight vocal arrangements.
Pivotal R&B Albums of 1977:
- The Commodores – Commodores (1977): With the release of their self-titled album, The Commodores showcased their smooth R&B sound infused with funky grooves. Hits like “Easy” solidified their crossover appeal and marked them as one of the best-selling and influential R&B acts of the era.
- Aretha Franklin – Sparkle (1977): Aretha Franklin’s Sparkle album was an important release during this time, representing the blend of soul and gospel traditions that she was known for, while also incorporating some disco touches.
- Peabo Bryson – Reaching for the Sky (1977): Peabo Bryson’s album included a variety of romantic ballads that showcased his smooth vocal style, while contributing to the continuing rise of male soul singers.
Emerging Stars in R&B:
The late ’70s saw the rise of several influential R&B stars. One significant emerging artist was Luther Vandross, who released his debut album “Never Too Much” in 1977. The album showcased Vandross’s unmistakable voice, marking the start of a long career in soul music.
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