Yet more sad news as it is being reported that
Paul Mitchell of The 70s group
The Floaters
has died yesterday (20 Dec 2021). He was the brother of James Mitchell of
The Detroit Emeralds, who has rekindled the group and they have just released a new single
"Face 2 Face" only a few weeks ago.
The Floaters were a group from Detroit founded by Annie Mitchell (James and
Paul's mother) and Larry Cunningham. James Mitchell was their producer and
agent. The group's line-up was Paul Mitchell (James' brother), Larry
Cunningham, Charles Clark and Ralph Mitchell (not related to the other
Mitchells). Jonathan 'Mighty Midget' Murray joined them in 1978 (included in
photo below).
Paul Mitchell is on left
Most will know their worldwide smash hit in 1977 "Float On" written by James Mitchell, Marvin Willis and Arnold Ingram which was
originally intended to be the debut album title. They had two further
R&B chart entries with the follow up, an 'over-egged' cover of Dusty
Springfield's biggest hit "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me", and just missed the Hot 100 with "I Just Want To Be With You" (#104) in 1978. However, they recorded four albums between 1977-81, the
last one as Floaters and Shu-Ga in 1981.
One of their best singles was the next one consisting of two very nice
ballads "The Time Is Now" and "Let's Try Love (One More Time)" both featured on their second album "Magic" but it somehow failed to register. Unfortunately for the group, at the time of the album's release, ABC
were in the process of being sold to MCA so it probably lacked the
sufficient promotion it deserved. The album's title track is another 'epic',
9:49 mins on album and almost 12 mins on 12", and is similar in construct to
"Float On", although it did get a 7" edit in UK only. Another recommended cut is "For Your Love" which came out twice on Fee.
Larry Cunningham and Ralph Mitchell left the group before the last album and were replaced by
local female vocalist Shu-Ga. They reunited in 1990 but Charles Clark left to become a gospel singer and Paul Mitchell to produce.
An original member who left prior to their 1977 success, Robert Palmer (no
not that one - 'Some Guys Have All The Luck'!), re-joined Cunningham and
Ralph Mitchell and continued to perform live and recorded an EP "The Way We
Were". Founding member Larry Cunningham died on 10 Jan 2019 aged 67 after a
long illness.
The EP included a nice version of "Loveland" credited to Charles Wright and Don Trotter (Charles Wright And The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band) in 1969. However, I'm sure I've read in comments on YouTube that in fact legendary
drummer, and band member, James Gadson claims that he wrote the song and as
a 'protest' recorded his own version under the title "Got To Find My Baby" in 1972. On this recording, writing credits are shared with
one Ciola Wills aka Viola Mae Wilkerson aka Viola Wills who was discovered by
Barry White and recorded several singles on his Bronco label in the mid 60s,
as well as performing backing vocals on many others, before 'going disco' in
the 70s.
Spanky Wilson
recorded her faster version of it on "Let It Be" in 1970 not to be confused
with a song of the same title on her previous album "Doin' It" which is a
different, but superb, song, also released as a single. Don Trotter And
The Eighth Wonder also recorded it in 1969 as a B side on Josie (I'm not able to find a sound file for it so if
you would like to share it I will post it on my YouTube channel).
There's no playlist this time as the only tracks available on Spotify are
all on the first album and a link is provided below. Links are also provided
for most of the singles and album tracks, any help with missing tracks
greatly appreciated.
UPDATE Many thanks to Paul Regan and DJ Kool Keith for sending the missing
tracks as that now completes their full discography. I'll upload to my
YouTube channel and link to them. The only remaining one is the B side to
their 1980 single on Fee "Glass House" as the current sound file on YouTube
is very lo-fi so if anyone could help with that it would be
appreciated.
Also thanks to the Mitchell family and their representatives for graciously
assisting in this tribute at this very difficult time and sincere
condolences to all family and friends.
Albums
Float On (11:49)
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (4:53)
Got To Find A Way (3:47)
I Bet You Get The One You Love (3:04)
Everything Happens For A Reason (3:58)
Take One Step At A Time (4:05)
No Stronger Love (5:09)
I Am So Glad I Took My Time (5:20)
Anything Keeps You Satisfied (4:23)
1979 - Float Into The Future [MCA #MCA 3093]
The Floaters & Shu-Ga
1981 - Get Ready For The Floaters & Shu-Ga [Fee #WW711]
Back Home (4:29)
Show Me (5:32)
Singles
Fee
ABC
MCA
Floaters & Shu-Ga
FEE
