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The Floaters
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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.
Key Information
Career
[edit]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.[1][2] Most of the Floaters were from Northeast Detroit, bordering Hamtramck 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.[3] 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,[1] and No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart (for a single week in August that year).[4]
Follow-ups such as "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (No. 28 Billboard R&B chart) were not as successful.[1] 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[3] and Cheech & Chong did a take-off of the song called "Bloat On". The rap group Stetsasonic also did a cover of the song on In Full Gear (1988). The characters from Sesame Street, David (Northern Calloway), Bob (Bob McGrath), Gordon (Roscoe Orman) and Luis (Emilio Delgado) did a style parody of the song called "Gimmie Five". British parody group The Barron Knights included a parody of "Float On" in their 1977 hit "Live in Trouble".
This song was also sampled by Canadian hip-hop recording duo Dream Warriors, in their song of the same name.
Larry Cunningham (born on June 23, 1951) died on January 10, 2019, at the age of 67.[5][6][7] Paul Mitchell (born on May 27, 1949) died on December 20, 2021, He was 72.[8]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Year | Album | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Record label | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [9] |
US R&B [9] |
AUS [10] |
CAN [11] |
NL [12] |
NZ [13] |
UK [14] | ||||||||
| 1977 | Floaters | 10 | 1 | 28 | 49 | 15 | 36 | 17 | ABC | |||||
| 1978 | Magic | 131 | 27 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| 1979 | Float into the Future | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | MCA | |||||
| 1981 | Get Ready for the Floaters & Shu-Ga | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fee / WP | |||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||||||||||
Compilation albums
[edit]- Float On: The Best of the Floaters (1998, Half Moon)
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [9] |
US R&B [9] |
AUS [10] |
CAN [11] |
IRE [16] |
NLD [12] |
NZ [13] |
UK [14] | |||||||
| 1976 | "I Am So Glad I Took My Time" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Floaters | ||||
| 1977 | "Float On" | 2 | 1 | 16 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" | — | 28 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| 1978 | "I Just Want to Be with You" | — | 36 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Magic | ||||
| "The Time Is Now" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| 1979 | "Levitation" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Float into the Future | ||||
| 1981 | "For Your Love" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Get Ready for the Floaters & Shu-Ga | ||||
| "Get Ready" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||||||||||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (1993). The Guinness Who's Who of Soul Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 88. ISBN 0-85112-733-9.
- ^ Wynn, Ron. "Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ a b Hogan, Ed. "Float On - Floaters: Song Review". AllMusic.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 206. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "The Floaters Singer Larry Cunningham Dies". Celebrityaccess.com. January 11, 2019. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
- ^ "Obituary Larry Cunningham". Dignitymemorial.com. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- ^ "'Float On' singer Larry Cunningham of The Floaters dies". Soul Tracks. January 10, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ Chris Rizik, "R.I.P. Paul Mitchell, co-founder of 'Float On" group The Floaters", Soul Tracks, December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "US Charts > The Floaters". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 16, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ a b David Kent (1993). Australian Charts Book 1970—1992. Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ a b "CAN Charts > The Floaters". RPM. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ a b "NL Charts > The Floaters". Dutch Charts. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ a b "NZ Charts > The Floaters". Official New Zealand Music Chart. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ a b "UK Charts > The Floaters". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ a b "American certifications – The Floaters". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- ^ "IRE Charts Search > Floaters". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ "The Floaters: Float On". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
External links
[edit]- The Floaters discography at Discogs
- The Floaters at IMDb
The Floaters
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and breakthrough
The Floaters were formed in 1976 in Detroit, Michigan, by songwriter and producer James Mitchell Jr., a former lead singer of the Detroit Emeralds, with the original performing quartet consisting of his brother Paul Mitchell, Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, and Ralph Mitchell.[3][4][1] The group originated from the Sojourner Truth housing projects, where the members had grown up and begun performing in local nightclubs as aspiring R&B vocalists.[4] Co-founders Mitchell and Cunningham, both Detroit natives, drew on their shared experiences in the city's vibrant music scene to establish the quartet's harmonious style.[4] An early member, Robert Palmer, was replaced by Ralph Mitchell before the group's signing to ABC Records.[5] After honing their act in Detroit clubs, The Floaters were discovered by ABC Records executive Otis Smith and signed to the label in 1976.[5] They recorded their self-titled debut album under producer Woody Wilson, focusing on smooth R&B ballads that incorporated personal and astrological themes reflective of 1970s trends.[6] The group's chemistry, built from years of local performances, allowed them to blend spoken-word verses with melodic hooks, setting the stage for their rapid rise.[4] Their breakthrough came with the lead single "Float On," released in June 1977 and penned by Mitchell, Arnold Ingram, and Marvin Willis; Mitchell drew inspiration for the song from a dream, capturing it on a tape recorder before refining it with the group.[1] Featuring guitar arrangements by Dennis Coffey and an innovative structure that introduced each member by name and zodiac sign, the track became an international sensation.[1] It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, held No. 1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart for six weeks, and topped the UK Singles Chart, while also reaching No. 1 in New Zealand and charting in the top 10 in Canada and Ireland.[1][4] The song's success propelled the debut album to gold status and established The Floaters as a one-hit wonder in pop culture, emphasizing themes of romance and cosmic connection.[4]Peak years and decline
Following the breakthrough success of their debut single "Float On" in 1977, which topped the Billboard R&B chart for six weeks and reached number two on the Hot 100, The Floaters entered their peak commercial period. The self-titled debut album, released on ABC Records, capitalized on this momentum, peaking at number one on the R&B albums chart and number ten on the Billboard 200, while also achieving international acclaim with "Float On" hitting number one in the UK and New Zealand. This era saw the group touring extensively across the US and performing on major television shows, solidifying their status as a prominent act in the quiet storm and soul scenes.[2] In 1978, the group released their sophomore album Magic on ABC Records, which featured the single "I Just Want to Be with You," peaking at number 36 on the R&B chart. Although it did not match the debut's sales or crossover appeal, the album maintained moderate visibility in R&B circles and included tracks blending smooth harmonies with funk elements, extending their popularity in urban markets.[7] The Floaters continued to build on their live reputation during this time, with performances highlighting their signature zodiac-inspired introductions that had become a fan favorite from "Float On."[2] By 1979, signs of decline emerged as the group switched to MCA Records for Float Into the Future, whose lead single "Levitation" achieved only minor chart traction, failing to enter the Hot 100 and peaking outside the top 20 on R&B. Subsequent releases, including the 1980 single "For Your Love" and the 1981 album Get Ready for the Floaters & Shu-Ga on the independent Fee Detroit label, saw diminishing returns with no significant chart presence.[3] Label instability and the inability to replicate early hits contributed to waning interest, culminating in the group's disbandment in 1982 after limited activity.[2]Reformation and later activities
Following the disbandment of the group in 1982, The Floaters reunited in 1990 amid resolved legal disputes over their music rights.[2][5] They resumed performing initially at smaller community venues in Detroit, Michigan, gradually expanding to multi-group soul revues and tours worldwide, often backed by their longstanding Floaters Orchestra.[5][8] In 2005, the reformed lineup released a limited-edition EP titled The Way We Were, featuring a cover of Charles Wright's "Loveland" alongside selections from their classic repertoire.[2][5] The group maintained a steady schedule of live performances throughout the 1990s and 2000s, emphasizing their signature harmonious style and hits like "Float On." Notable appearances included the 2nd Annual R&B/Funk Music Festival at Arcadia Commons in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 2013, where they shared the bill with acts like The Dramatics.[9] In 2016, they delivered a concert cabaret at Piece of the Rock in Flint, Michigan, highlighting tracks such as "Float On" and a rendition of "You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me."[10] Lineup changes occurred during this period; original member Charles Clark departed in the 1990s to pursue a gospel music career but has remained associated with the group, while Paul Mitchell transitioned into producing in Detroit.[5][8] Early member Robert Palmer rejoined for touring in the 1990s.[5] The group persisted through personal losses, including the death of co-founder Larry Cunningham from an extended illness on January 10, 2019, at age 67, and Paul Mitchell's passing on December 20, 2021.[11][8] Following these events, surviving original members Charles Clark and Ralph Mitchell, along with Robert Palmer, have continued to preserve the group's legacy into the 2020s with sporadic performances centered on their enduring soul sound as of 2024.[12]Band members
Original lineup
The Floaters were founded in 1976 as a quartet consisting of lead vocalist Larry Cunningham (tenor, Cancer, born June 23, 1951, in Detroit), Charles Clark (lead tenor, Libra), Paul Mitchell (baritone, Leo), and Robert Palmer (tenor). All four grew up in Detroit's Sojourner Truth housing project on the city's Eastside, which fostered their early musical bonds through local nightclub performances.[3][2][5] The group was assembled by James Mitchell, a former lead singer of The Detroit Emeralds and brother to Paul Mitchell, who served as the primary songwriter and producer but did not perform as a member of the quartet. Charles Clark, born in Detroit, took on lead vocal duties and was instrumental in shaping the group's smooth, harmonious sound, while Larry Cunningham contributed his tenor range and helped co-found the act alongside James Mitchell. Paul Mitchell brought baritone depth and production input. This founding lineup gained initial local attention, but Robert Palmer departed shortly before the recording of their debut single "Float On," replaced by Ralph Mitchell (tenor, Aquarius), who was unrelated to the others and provided bass/tenor vocals. The revised lineup—featuring the zodiac introductions in "Float On"—became the group's hallmark, blending soul and doo-wop influences.[3][2][5]Changes and later members
The lineup of Larry Cunningham (tenor), Charles Clark (tenor), Paul Mitchell (baritone), and Ralph Mitchell (tenor), with non-performing arranger James Mitchell, remained intact through their debut album The Floaters (1977) and second album Magic (1978).[13] In 1978, Jonathan "Mighty Midget" Murray joined as an additional vocalist, expanding the group during the recording of their third album Float Into the Future (1979).[2][13] Tensions arose by 1980, leading to the departure of Larry Cunningham and Ralph Mitchell amid disputes over creative control and the group's name, leaving Charles Clark and Paul Mitchell as the core duo.[5] To continue, they recruited female vocalist Shu-Ga (real name Sharon Gable) for their fourth and final studio album, Get Ready for the Floaters & Shu-Ga (1981), which shifted toward a mixed-gender ensemble sound with tracks like "For Your Love."[5][14] The group disbanded in 1982 after limited commercial success with the album.[2] The Floaters reformed in 1990 for smaller performances in Detroit-area venues, initially reuniting Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, Paul Mitchell, and Ralph Mitchell. However, Clark soon left to pursue a gospel music career, while Paul Mitchell transitioned to production work in Detroit. Original member Robert Palmer rejoined the touring ensemble alongside Cunningham and Ralph Mitchell, forming a consistent trio that performed regularly at soul revues and festivals through the 1990s and 2000s, including a 2005 limited-edition EP The Way We Were featuring covers like "Loveland."[5][2] The group continued sporadic activity into the 2010s, with appearances at events such as the 2nd Annual R&B/Funk Music Festival in Kalamazoo, Michigan (2013), and a cabaret show in Flint, Michigan (2016).[2] Larry Cunningham died from a heart attack on January 10, 2019, and Paul Mitchell passed away on December 20, 2021. As of 2025, surviving original members Charles Clark and Robert Palmer remain active; Clark continues solo performances and interviews, while Palmer performs with touring versions of the group, including a show in Chicago in July 2025. Ralph Mitchell has also been reported as performing in recent years.[5][2][15][16]Musical style and influences
Core elements
The Floaters' music is primarily classified within the R&B and soul genres, characterized by smooth, harmonious vocal arrangements that emphasize romantic introspection and melodic flow. Their debut single "Float On" (1977) exemplifies this approach, featuring an extended 11-minute track with infectious grooves, prominent bass lines, and a laid-back rhythm section that blends soulful balladry with subtle disco influences, creating a polished sound suited for both radio play and extended club performances. This core style drew from the Detroit soul tradition, incorporating layered harmonies typical of mid-1970s R&B groups, where vocal interplay among the quartet members provided emotional depth without aggressive instrumentation.[5][7] A distinctive element of their sound is the integration of personal and astrological narratives into lyrics, as seen in "Float On," where each member introduces himself with his zodiac sign—such as "Cancer and my name is Larry"—weaving themes of love, compatibility, and cosmic destiny into a spoken-word monologue that transitions seamlessly into sung choruses. This innovative structure not only personalized the music but also reflected the era's cultural fascination with astrology in romantic contexts, enhancing the song's relatable and conversational tone. The group's arrangements often favored minimalistic production, relying on echoing guitar effects inspired by session musician Dennis Coffey to add atmospheric texture, which contributed to the track's dreamy, floating quality.[1][17] Lyrically, The Floaters centered their work on themes of enduring love and relational harmony, avoiding overt sensuality in favor of aspirational, feel-good narratives that appealed to a broad audience. Tracks like "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," a cover of Dusty Springfield's hit, showcased their ability to reinterpret pop-soul standards with warm, velvety vocals, highlighting tight quartet harmonies as a foundational element. Overall, their core musical identity was rooted in accessible, uplifting soul that prioritized vocal expression and rhythmic subtlety over complex orchestration, establishing a signature Detroit-derived sound during R&B's transitional period toward disco.[2][5]Inspirations and evolution
The Floaters' musical style drew heavily from the vibrant Detroit soul scene of the 1970s, where the group originated in the Sojourner Truth housing projects. Influenced by the city's nightclub culture and the harmonious R&B traditions of acts like the Detroit Emeralds—former band for co-founder James Mitchell—their sound emphasized smooth vocal harmonies, infectious grooves, and romantic themes central to the era's soul music.[2][7] This foundation was evident in their debut single "Float On" (1977), which incorporated a distinctive Echoplex guitar effect inspired by the Dramatics' "In the Rain," blending instrumental funk with personal, spoken-word introductions featuring each member's name and astrological sign—a nod to the 1970s trend of zodiac-based courtship rituals.[1] The song's creation stemmed from an unconventional inspiration: Mitchell conceived its core idea in a dream, which he quickly recorded on a tape recorder, transforming it into a vehicle for the group's identity while capturing the laid-back, uplifting essence of West Coast soul influences filtering into Detroit's sound.[1] This innovative structure—combining a memorable bass line with zodiac monologues—set their style apart, achieving a #1 R&B hit and introducing a playful, narrative element to R&B that contrasted with the more straightforward ballads of contemporaries.[18] Over time, the group's evolution reflected both commercial pressures and internal dynamics. Their self-titled debut album (1977) solidified a soulful R&B core with tracks like a cover of Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," showcasing versatile harmonies but leaning on the novelty of "Float On" for success.[18] Follow-up releases, such as Magic (1978) and Float into the Future (1979), experimented with futuristic themes and extended grooves on MCA Records, yet saw diminishing chart performance, prompting earlier lineup shifts such as the addition of Jonathan "Mighty Midget" Murray in 1978.[2] By their fourth album, Get Ready for the Floaters and Shu Ga (1981)[14], released on the independent Fee Detroit label after their MCA period, the sound incorporated gospel-tinged elements and collaborations including singer Shu Ga following the departures of Larry Cunningham and Ralph Mitchell, but sales declined further.[18] After disbanding in 1982, the Floaters reformed in 1990 as the Floaters Orchestra, evolving toward a more orchestral, nostalgic approach with covers like Charles Wright's "Loveland" on their 2005 EP The Way We Were. This later phase prioritized live performances at R&B festivals, preserving their signature smooth soul while adapting to contemporary audiences through refined harmonies and tributes to Detroit's enduring musical legacy.[2][18]Discography
Studio albums
The Floaters released four studio albums between 1977 and 1981, primarily on ABC Records and MCA Records before concluding with an independent collaborative effort. Their debut album propelled them to commercial success, while subsequent releases saw diminishing chart performance amid shifts in musical trends and label changes.[2]| Title | Release date | Label | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Floaters | June 1977 | ABC Records | US: 10 US R&B: 1 UK: 17 |
| Magic | 1978 | ABC Records | US: 131 |
| Float Into the Future | 1979 | MCA Records | — |
| Get Ready for the Floaters & Shu-Ga (with Shu-Ga) | 1981 | Fee Detroit Records | — |
