Drum Sheet – Eddie Floyd – Knock On Wood

“Knock on Wood” by Eddie Floyd is a soul classic that came to life in 1966 at Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Written by Floyd and Steve Cropper—who was also the guitarist for Booker T. & the MG’s and a key figure at Stax—the song was conceived during a thunderstorm, which played a crucial role in shaping its signature feel.

Floyd and Cropper were in the Lorraine Motel, brainstorming ideas for a new track. As rain poured outside and thunder rumbled, Floyd suggested they write about superstition—specifically, the phrase “knock on wood” for good luck. Inspired, they quickly built the song around this theme, crafting lyrics about a man who fears losing his love and relies on luck to keep things going.

Musically, Knock on Wood features a driving groove that stands out in soul music of the era. Al Jackson Jr., the drummer for Booker T. & the MG’s, was behind the kit, delivering a tight, syncopated beat that gives the song its punchy, danceable energy. His playing is crisp yet dynamic, with a steady snare pattern that locks in with Duck Dunn’s bassline and the stabbing horn section. Jackson’s ability to create a groove that feels both raw and polished helped define the Stax sound—his hi-hat work and snare fills give the song a sense of urgency, propelling it forward.

When Floyd recorded Knock on Wood at Stax Studios, the energy was electric. The house band—Booker T. & the MG’s, along with the Mar-Keys horn section—brought the song to life with their tight, soulful playing. Floyd’s impassioned vocal delivery, combined with the sharp instrumental work, turned the track into a high-energy anthem.

Upon release, Knock on Wood became a massive hit, topping the R&B charts and crossing over to the pop charts. Floyd performed it in legendary venues, including the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where the audience responded with enthusiasm to its infectious rhythm. The song also became a staple in Stax Revue shows, showcasing its powerful drumming and energetic feel.

For drum fans, Knock on Wood is a masterclass in groove. Al Jackson Jr.’s drumming is deceptively simple but absolutely essential to the song’s success, proving that the right rhythm can make a track unforgettable.