EDDIE FLOYD - PROVE IT TO ME

Here it is, 1977, and we find Memphis soul veteran Eddie Floyd practically inventing the rock-soul sound of Prince, one full year before the Purple One's debut!

While this song was relegated to b-side status, it's great to hear Eddie Floyd show off the power of his rich voice on top of an excellent, funky arrangement (courtesy of the legendary New Orleans raconteur Wardell Quezergue).

Eddie Floyd was new to Malaco Records at this point, as Stax had shut its doors for good two years prior, and after a dcade of struggle-hit song-struggle, Malaco had finally gained a strong footing financially thanks to the worldwide success of Dorothy Moore's amazing "Misty Blue". Turned out that Malaco became a sanctuary of sorts to southern soul, blues and gospel artists who were able to retain their raw edges in a recording world that had rapidly changed and lost a whole lot of soul as a whole.

from 1977...

EDDIE FLOYD - PROVE IT TO ME