Introduction
Knock on Wood: A Disco Rendition of a Soul Classic
While the energetic disco beat of Amii Stewart’s “Knock on Wood” might seem instantly infectious, the song’s origins lie in a different musical era. The track was originally a 1966 soul hit by Eddie Floyd, a legendary Stax Records artist.
Floyd’s “Knock on Wood” was a gospel-infused soul song, filled with call-and-response vocals and a pleading, urgent feel. The lyrics spoke of hoping for good fortune and warding off bad luck, with the now-famous line “Knock on wood” acting as a superstitious charm. The song became a staple of Stax’s Southern soul sound and a signature tune for Floyd.
Amii Stewart’s version, released in 1979, took the song in a whole new direction. Capitalizing on the burgeoning disco scene, Stewart’s team transformed “Knock on Wood” into a pulsating dancefloor anthem. Gone were the soulful flourishes, replaced by a driving four-on-the-floor beat, shimmering synthesizers, and Stewart’s powerhouse vocals.
This disco makeover proved hugely successful. Stewart’s “Knock on Wood” topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1979, becoming a signature song for the artist and a defining track of the disco era. It showcased the genre’s ability to take familiar melodies and infuse them with infectious energy, creating a sound that could fill dancefloors worldwide.
So, when you hear Amii Stewart’s “Knock on Wood,” remember that it’s not just a disco anthem, but a reimagining of a soulful classic. It’s a testament to the transformative power of music and how a song can find new life and new audiences across different genres and eras.