Jeff Floyd
Jeff Floyd is a Southern soul singer born on October 29, 1965, in Jacksonville, Florida, where he continues to reside.
Jeff Floyd grew up as the second youngest of eight children born to Barbara Elmore and Neil Floyd, who were never married. His mother passed away when he was nine, after which his maternal grandparents, Frank and Emmeline Elmore, raised the family despite financial hardships, with Frank working extra shifts at a paper mill. Floyd began singing in his church choir and became a multi-instrumentalist, particularly on bass, while playing in neighborhood bands.
In his teens, Floyd performed with family and local groups like Genesis, Fire, Transit Band, Grip Band, and Pure Poison, often changing names due to lineup shifts. He transitioned from backup to lead vocalist with the Jax Transit Authority, recording the funky single "Life Is a Miracle" in 1978 on Eagle Music. This experience drew him to frontman status, as audiences responded enthusiastically to his voice over his bass playing.
Floyd formed the Sweat Band in the early 1980s, releasing 45s like "Best of Friends" (1984) and "Fellows Be Kind" (1986) on his Big J Records. His debut LP, Changing Time, came in 1992 on Murphy Floyd Records, co-produced with brother Michael. After a stint with the bankrupt Ichiban label, he joined Wilbe Records in 1999, releasing Powerhouse (2001) featuring his signature hit "I Found Love (On a Lonely Highway)," inspired by a Daytona Beach trip.
Subsequent Wilbe albums include Keepin' It Real (2008) with hits like "Lock My Door," co-written with William Bell, whose band Floyd toured with in Europe. Recent output features the 2023 single "Living My Life" with Roi “Chip” Anthony and an EP Keep Trying. His passionate, vulnerable songs echo Bobby Womack and Teddy Pendergrass, rooted in "Dirty South" soul.
Powerhouse
Written-By – Jeff Floyd 7:33
2 Funny Love
Written-By – Jeff Floyd 4:16
3 You're My Magic Girl
Written-By – Jeff Floyd, William Bell 3:37
4 Let's Git It On
Written-By – Jeff Floyd, William Bell 5:40
5 I'm Giving You My Private Number
Written-By – Jeff Floyd, William Bell 5:04
6 I'm Giving Up (All The Other Girls)
Written-By – Jeff Floyd, William Bell 4:55
7 Nobody Wants You
Written-By – Jeff Floyd 3:57
8 Try A Little Tenderness
Written-By – Harry Woods, Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly 4:45
9 Face Down
Written-By – Jeff Floyd 3:59
10 All I Need
Written-By – Jeff Floyd, Phil Robinson 5:34
11 Party All Night
Written-By – Jeff Floyd 3:37
Label: Wilbe Records Inc. – Wil2002-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Jeff Floyd's 2000 album, Power House, is a well-regarded Southern Soul/R&B record, highly popular for its blend of old-school soul vocals with a contemporary sound. It was produced and co-written by legendary Stax soul singer William Bell.
Reviews from listeners and music enthusiasts generally praise the album for its authentic, heartfelt delivery and strong songwriting:
The album's lead track "I Found Love (On a Lonely Highway)" became a significant regional "chitlin' circuit" hit and is frequently played on Southern Soul radio stations, achieving the status of a classic in the genre.
Floyd's voice is often compared to classic soul singers like Bobby Womack or David Ruffin of The Temptations. Fans appreciate his honest, enjoyable voice and the use of "funky live instrumentals".
William Bell's production is credited with effectively combining traditional R&B elements with a modern feel. Some reviewers note it has a low-budget, straight-from-the-heart feel, which is seen as a positive, authentic quality.
Many fans report the album has no "filler" tracks and is highly danceable and enjoyable for repeated listening. The album is described as "really good R&B for the 2000's".
The album is considered Jeff Floyd's breakthrough disc. For purchasing options, it is available on platforms like Amazon and Discogs.