I am now 66 years of age. When I was 16 years old, I worked with Bernard St. Claire Lee ( man with headband in video), House of Pancakes, 443 East Manchester blvd, Inglewood, California. This was before Hughes Corporation became recognized. He was an opening cook and I was a bus boy. He would rehearse after work. I am pleased he got recognized for his talent. He was truly a nice man and I don't recall him ever saying anything bad about anyone else. He passed away a couple of years ago. He grew up in Santa Monica, Ca and was part American Indian. I remember him fondly. He gained recognition after " Rock the Boat" and did sound track for the late 1970s Black spoliation movies. I became an optometrist at age 26.We never met up after leaving the House of Panca
Thank you, John, for this wonderful video! ROCK THE BOAT has always been one of my favorite songs; it was the number-one record of the year (1974) on WABC.
Nice memories for me. Played bass on many international tours with the Hues in the late 70s. Freedom for the Stallion was a fav to play. Such a soulful and inspiring song! Thanks for putting the music into perspective. “Rock on with your bad self!”
I started my DJ career way back in 1973, so I remember when "Rock The Boat" came out and became an instant hit in the clubs. You, however, failed to mention the two other big 'Disco/Club' hits they had "I Caught Your Act" (one of my all time favorites) and "Telegram Of Love". I did enjoy all the background info in your video clip! Thank You.
This is really interesting, and I remember really liking "Freedom For the Stallion" although it wasn't played on the radio as often as "Rock the Boat" which had a very catchy dance beat, but which I also heard so much that I grew tired of it. I never realized it was the same band that had done both songs - I was a somewhat clueless teenager at the time. Thanks for this interesting story from a producer's viewpoint!
I was 13 growing up in Glasgow Scotland in 1974 when I first heard Rock the Boat late at night on Radio Luxembourg. The infectious melody and fantastic vocal harmonies blew me away. The sound was so new and modern- it was being called "Disco" the new sound from New York. I was hooked. My lifelong love of disco, R&B, Dance, Soul, Funk & Jazz began with that record that night back in 1974. George McCrae's Rock Your Baby, Johnny Bristol Hang On In There Baby, Gloria Gaynor, KC. & The Sunshine Band, Kung Fu Fighting the reissued Baby Love & What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, The Three Degrees, Diana Ross, Then Came You by Dionne Warwick the Intruders and Machine Gun, You Make Me Feel Brand New and Barry White all released around that same time period fuelled my love for this amazing music- the rich lush arrangements and terrific soulful vocals started a fire that has never gone out. Thanks John for providing the spark that lit that flame.
I think this show how important it is to lead the market instead of just chasing it. This man gave solid advice. It was based on his understanding of human nature. A 12 month vacation simply does not have the same appeal. A vacation is a diversion from the routine and a chance to break away; but it's only meant to be the icing on the cake. Rock the boat offers that "vacation" but human nature needs depth they can relate to. For example the song "If you are not in love by Monday" carries the listener on a journey that's relatable. Thanks for this invaluable piece of history.
Hi John this is thrilling and proud to say Kontiki at 49th Street Broadway NYC made Rock the Boat a hit and was played 2 or 3 times each night by DJ in 1973 and nice to hear Discos it is where it found it’s legs. They also had another big Disco hit “I Caught Your Act” Thanks for the memory.
Hi there. Thank you for enlightening me regarding Kontiki. Until now I have never known the name of the club that started it all. I am very grateful to all concerned! Blessings, John
It’s nice to hear Willie Hutch music I haven’t listened to him in quite some time and recall he had a big Disco hit around the same time as Rock the Boat which was Brothers Gonna Work It Out. Thank John for great listening and the memories.
Fleming was a JOY to work with, Eddie. When he first left the group, we did a demo for ABC Records with him as a solo artist. Fleming sang great (as always!), but the label didn't give us a deal. What a shame. I really wanted to do an solo album with him.
Wow all those legends played on Rock the Boat. No wonder it’s a banger. Great story John. But we’re all glad you were wrong about this great track. Part of my youth. Thanks for bringing it to life bro. 😊
Thanks John that was quite a story first got the single in 73 then the LP loved freedom for the stallion even got airplay on the family gospel radio station down in San Diego back in the day on gospel stations all around
Obvious that was right. I love "FREEDOM" when I was kid back 73 ; that song a beautiful harmony, the lyrics was very thought provoking and emotional. I mean this song really griped me,and should and could been huge for them. Big mistake on Thom's part, what an idiot. I had been searching for this song for; I didn't know the artist or the title of this song since I hadn't heard it for years. But now that I've found it I'll never let go. Thanks for sharing your story. Peace out.
One of the early disco hits. Before disco was Disco. Alicia Bridges' I Love The Nightlife underwent a similar disco remix - the radio single is percussionally different from the 12" and album version. The sounds of the songs John prefers are the sounds of the early 70's - Lighthouse, Chicago et al - jazzy, big orchestras... but as someone who was growing up in that time period, the 5th Dimensions were rapidly being replaced by the Bee Gees and the Gloria Gaynor-then-Donna-Summer sound. We kids knew what we thought was popular, and it wasn't Three Dog Night anymore.
I'm not sure if John Florez is still alive but I'm thankful for his contribution to Black music. I am a bit disappointed by some of what I hear in this video though. It doesn't seem that at any point anyone asked the 3 members of the Hues Corporation what sound they best felt suited them. Rock the Boat is nearly 50 years old and still bangs today. That's a legendary song. The other songs of theirs mentioned sound very much like TV commercial music or stripped down, harmony-weak Pop standards befitting of The Osmonds, not THC. Judging by their Disco colours, afros and energetic performances they wanted to dance not sing majority socially conscious music. The insistence that "Stallion" was a "real song" but "Boat" wasn't, is not only bewildering but also quite disrespectful. Which one reflects Black culture, traditions (and the group!) better? There's a formula, and that's to keep the music enjoyable while adding messages that can grab people. Jackson 5, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye et al understood this, although Motown didn't always give them enough room to promote "message music". Still, we have "Ball of Confusion", "What's Going On?", "Heaven Help Us All", "Doctor My Eyes" and many other tracks to appreciate black social consciousness (regardless of which ethnic group wrote the songs) whilst still being able to get on the dance floor. Respectfully, Caucasians must come alongside minority groups as equals and stop dictating what they want to see and hear from us, and what "suits us best" when we're expressing our individuality. We're not props or puppets. MJ continued his socially conscious artistry with Can You Feel It, Man in the Mirror, Earth Song etc. Yet, he stayed rooted in Black music traditions and kept us dancing too. You'd think by the time this video was made Florez would've mellowed in his position but he still seems kinda angry. THC were 3 great vocalists of differing ranges and styles. They were arguably an early incarnation of Shalamar.
The soul harmony in the chorus of "Family" is perfection. Speaking in retrospect, one of the "best" parts of disco was honestly the terribly punny, cheesy, "bad" lyrics. (Maybe "Thriller" is the apex example?) But it's definitely an either-you-like-it-or-you-don't thing.
I thought the same thing and made a comment! I started my DJ Career way back in 1973, the beginning of Disco, and when "Rock.." came out, they couldn't get enough of it. Then we got the 12" of "I Caught Your Act", (Which I still have probably 3 copies), it too, became an instant dance floor filler! "Telegram Of Love" also did pretty good, and yes, still have my 12" of that too! There will be those who call them a 'one hit wonder', like they do with Evelyn "Champagne" King, "Shame", who had many hits and a few other artists. I hate that term and people who put out (make up) these "Top of the Years" charts. Especially from the Disco Era when the ones who make the charts, weren't even around then, so they have no clue! I'm glad someone else mentioned "I Caught Your Act"! I'm going to pull it out, put it on the turntable, crank it up, and go back to the 'good old days'!!
I’ve always thought Freedom For the Stallion was the best song they ever did, and I liked Rock the Boat only to the extent that it kept the group on the charts, thereby keeping them relevant.
rock and soul is a major British hit, hit no. 3 in early '75. the group were already big in Europe, they were seen on six time s on tops of the pops and two on top pop in Holland hit number twenty three on the Dutch hit.
Freedom for the Stallion would have been a good re-release. The Stallion is my favorite and a very powerful song. It was until 6 months ago I was on CZcams and pulled up the video and then the lyrics that I realized how great the song is.
Hues Corporation recorded several songs by Allen Toussaint, and their sound seems like it could have been influenced by Mr. Toussaint. I'm wondering if he was somehow involved in the production of the Hues Corporation's music?
TV one you should open the story of hues corporation. that can open ears to young folks how to manage your own Money and establish your own music rights.
very interesting. Rock the boat never fitted with the restof the freedom album. Some of the songs on there are lyrical and story masterpieces that I still love now. I loved their concert around the time of the rock n soul album. thanks
John, how do you feel about “Rock the Boat” being used in Disney’s Jungle Cruise movie? Or in the TV commercial, at least. I assume it’s in the movie too.
Amazing! It's also in a new Applebees commercial. I don't receive royalties on "plays", just sales. Wally Holmes wrote it and published it, so he's doing just fine, thank you!
John Florez thank you for opening for the hues corporation, didn't you know they are in the film blacula with the late William Marshall as the night club singers but I love the song there he goes again,with the chorus I refrain to love look the other way when he comes by you. I each the entire film when I was a kid but the hues corporation were going to huge stars but the so g was composed by motown conductor and producer gene page. it's on CZcams just type the hues corporation there he goes again ,blacula,1972.although when ride the stallion and rock the boat and the British hit rock and soul. they were very big in Europe as they are right here mostly european record buyers and concert seekers love r and b groups especially five member or three member black groups at the time. I saw them on the 70's on vh-1. they exchange girl singers of the group. Ann headley is still singing nothing but gospel.music she a born again Christian. lee saint Claire died of diabetes, Fleming Williams got shot.
Social/political commentary in songs can be profound, but it doesn't make a hit song. People simply want to hear songs that are good and make them feel good. People have their own agendas and this is how they ruin great groups.
I am now 66 years of age. When I was 16 years old, I worked with Bernard
St. Claire Lee ( man with headband in video), House of Pancakes, 443
East Manchester blvd, Inglewood, California. This was before Hughes
Corporation became recognized. He was an opening cook and I was a bus
boy. He would rehearse after work. I am pleased he got recognized for
his talent. He was truly a nice man and I don't recall him ever saying
anything bad about anyone else. He passed away a couple of years ago.
He grew up in Santa Monica, Ca and was part American Indian. I remember
him fondly. He gained recognition after " Rock the Boat" and did sound
track for the late 1970s Black spoliation movies. I became an
optometrist at age 26.We never met up after leaving the House of Panca
I just listened again to Freedom For The Stallion. Blown away!!!
Thank you SO much. That means a lot to me. I'm proud of it for all who were connected to the project. A personal favorite.😊
@@JOHNFLOREZ51446 Thank you for taking the time to reply Mr Florez.
Thank you, John, for this wonderful video! ROCK THE BOAT has always been one of my favorite songs; it was the number-one record of the year (1974) on WABC.
Nice memories for me. Played bass on many international tours with the Hues in the late 70s. Freedom for the Stallion was a fav to play. Such a soulful and inspiring song! Thanks for putting the music into perspective. “Rock on with your bad self!”
Thanks, Jim. Delighted to hear from you!
My pleasure John!
Thanks for tell us this history. Im a teenager from Costa Rica and I love this band and this type of music 💕🎧
so cool to hear your perspective! I love Rock the Boat (one of the first songs I can remember ever knowing as child- I was born '71) thank you!
Thank you. Very much appreciated!
I started my DJ career way back in 1973, so I remember when "Rock The Boat" came out and became an instant hit in the clubs. You, however, failed to mention the two other big 'Disco/Club' hits they had "I Caught Your Act" (one of my all time favorites) and "Telegram Of Love". I did enjoy all the background info in your video clip! Thank You.
Very insightful!! Thanks for sharing this.
This is really interesting, and I remember really liking "Freedom For the Stallion" although it wasn't played on the radio as often as "Rock the Boat" which had a very catchy dance beat, but which I also heard so much that I grew tired of it. I never realized it was the same band that had done both songs - I was a somewhat clueless teenager at the time. Thanks for this interesting story from a producer's viewpoint!
Rock the Boat is a great song...never heard of the stallion song!
My favorite from them was " cant put my finger on it"
This guy sounds like sour grapes.
I was 13 growing up in Glasgow Scotland in 1974 when I first heard Rock the Boat late at night on Radio Luxembourg. The infectious melody and fantastic vocal harmonies blew me away. The sound was so new and modern- it was being called "Disco" the new sound from New York. I was hooked. My lifelong love of disco, R&B, Dance, Soul, Funk & Jazz began with that record that night back in 1974. George McCrae's Rock Your Baby, Johnny Bristol Hang On In There Baby, Gloria Gaynor, KC. & The Sunshine Band, Kung Fu Fighting the reissued Baby Love & What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, The Three Degrees, Diana Ross, Then Came You by Dionne Warwick the Intruders and Machine Gun, You Make Me Feel Brand New and Barry White all released around that same time period fuelled my love for this amazing music- the rich lush arrangements and terrific soulful vocals started a fire that has never gone out. Thanks John for providing the spark that lit that flame.
Thanks, Moutton. I am honored!
I think this show how important it is to lead the market instead of just chasing it.
This man gave solid advice. It was based on his understanding of human nature.
A 12 month vacation simply does not have the same appeal.
A vacation is a diversion from the routine and a chance to break away; but it's only meant to be the icing on the cake.
Rock the boat offers that "vacation" but human nature needs depth they can relate to.
For example the song "If you are not in love by Monday" carries the listener on a journey that's relatable.
Thanks for this invaluable piece of history.
Thank you, Jason. Inspired comments. Much appreciated!
Hi John this is thrilling and proud to say Kontiki at 49th Street Broadway NYC made Rock the Boat a hit and was played 2 or 3 times each night by DJ in 1973 and nice to hear Discos it is where it found it’s legs. They also had another big Disco hit “I Caught Your Act” Thanks for the memory.
Hi there. Thank you for enlightening me regarding Kontiki. Until now I have never known the name of the club that started it all. I am very grateful to all concerned! Blessings, John
Hi John thanks and hope you have other In Studio Disco Sessions since it’s been 50 years since Rock the Boat and Disco Lives vis a vis Dua Lipa.
It’s nice to hear Willie Hutch music I haven’t listened to him in quite some time and recall he had a big Disco hit around the same time as Rock the Boat which was Brothers Gonna Work It Out. Thank John for great listening and the memories.
That’s my uncle Fleming I love him even though I never got to meet him 😭❤️
Fleming was a JOY to work with, Eddie. When he first left the group, we did a demo for ABC Records with him as a solo artist. Fleming sang great (as always!), but the label didn't give us a deal. What a shame. I really wanted to do an solo album with him.
Wow all those legends played on Rock the Boat. No wonder it’s a banger. Great story John. But we’re all glad you were wrong about this great track. Part of my youth. Thanks for bringing it to life bro. 😊
Thanks, Ozzie. I'm glad I was wrong, too!
Thank you for sharing your honest opinions , its always interesting to hear tales of songs.
"Rock the Boat" - novelty or not - is a classic.
Thanks John that was quite a story first got the single in 73 then the LP loved freedom for the stallion even got airplay on the family gospel radio station down in San Diego back in the day on gospel stations all around
Good to know, Keith. Thanks for sharing with me!
Which station was that?
The Hues Corp. Could sing! I enjoyed " Rock the Boat" 🚢 and "Rock and Soul".
Obvious that was right. I love "FREEDOM" when I was kid back 73 ; that song a beautiful harmony, the lyrics was very thought provoking and emotional. I mean this song really griped me,and should and could been huge for them. Big mistake on Thom's part, what an idiot. I had been searching for this song for; I didn't know the artist or the title of this song since I hadn't heard it for years. But now that I've found it I'll never let go. Thanks for sharing your story. Peace out.
You're welcome. Glad you like it!
One of the early disco hits. Before disco was Disco. Alicia Bridges' I Love The Nightlife underwent a similar disco remix - the radio single is percussionally different from the 12" and album version. The sounds of the songs John prefers are the sounds of the early 70's - Lighthouse, Chicago et al - jazzy, big orchestras... but as someone who was growing up in that time period, the 5th Dimensions were rapidly being replaced by the Bee Gees and the Gloria Gaynor-then-Donna-Summer sound. We kids knew what we thought was popular, and it wasn't Three Dog Night anymore.
Juan buenos dias busca a este trio en 1978 en chile en festival de viña del mar
I'm not sure if John Florez is still alive but I'm thankful for his contribution to Black music.
I am a bit disappointed by some of what I hear in this video though. It doesn't seem that at any point anyone asked the 3 members of the Hues Corporation what sound they best felt suited them. Rock the Boat is nearly 50 years old and still bangs today. That's a legendary song. The other songs of theirs mentioned sound very much like TV commercial music or stripped down, harmony-weak Pop standards befitting of The Osmonds, not THC. Judging by their Disco colours, afros and energetic performances they wanted to dance not sing majority socially conscious music. The insistence that "Stallion" was a "real song" but "Boat" wasn't, is not only bewildering but also quite disrespectful. Which one reflects Black culture, traditions (and the group!) better?
There's a formula, and that's to keep the music enjoyable while adding messages that can grab people. Jackson 5, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye et al understood this, although Motown didn't always give them enough room to promote "message music". Still, we have "Ball of Confusion", "What's Going On?", "Heaven Help Us All", "Doctor My Eyes" and many other tracks to appreciate black social consciousness (regardless of which ethnic group wrote the songs) whilst still being able to get on the dance floor.
Respectfully, Caucasians must come alongside minority groups as equals and stop dictating what they want to see and hear from us, and what "suits us best" when we're expressing our individuality. We're not props or puppets.
MJ continued his socially conscious artistry with Can You Feel It, Man in the Mirror, Earth Song etc. Yet, he stayed rooted in Black music traditions and kept us dancing too. You'd think by the time this video was made Florez would've mellowed in his position but he still seems kinda angry. THC were 3 great vocalists of differing ranges and styles. They were arguably an early incarnation of Shalamar.
Thank you, Matthew. Those are all excellent observations! Great sharing.
@@JOHNFLOREZ51446. Hello, are you Mr Florez or just dedicating your channel to him?
The soul harmony in the chorus of "Family" is perfection.
Speaking in retrospect, one of the "best" parts of disco was honestly the terribly punny, cheesy, "bad" lyrics. (Maybe "Thriller" is the apex example?) But it's definitely an either-you-like-it-or-you-don't thing.
Excellent comments, Roger. Thank you for sharing!
i love everything about "freedom for the stallion", only wish it had a karaoke track so i can try it out!
You forgot to mention I Caught Your Act
I thought the same thing and made a comment! I started my DJ Career way back in 1973, the beginning of Disco, and when "Rock.." came out, they couldn't get enough of it. Then we got the 12" of "I Caught Your Act", (Which I still have probably 3 copies), it too, became an instant dance floor filler! "Telegram Of Love" also did pretty good, and yes, still have my 12" of that too! There will be those who call them a 'one hit wonder', like they do with Evelyn "Champagne" King, "Shame", who had many hits and a few other artists. I hate that term and people who put out (make up) these "Top of the Years" charts. Especially from the Disco Era when the ones who make the charts, weren't even around then, so they have no clue! I'm glad someone else mentioned "I Caught Your Act"! I'm going to pull it out, put it on the turntable, crank it up, and go back to the 'good old days'!!
I’ve always thought Freedom For the Stallion was the best song they ever did, and I liked Rock the Boat only to the extent that it kept the group on the charts, thereby keeping them relevant.
Thank you, Val. Me, too!
rock and soul is a major British hit, hit no. 3 in early '75. the group were already big in Europe, they were seen on six time s on tops of the pops and two on top pop in Holland hit number twenty three on the Dutch hit.
Freedom for the Stallion would have been a good re-release. The Stallion is my favorite and a very powerful song. It was until 6 months ago I was on CZcams and pulled up the video and then the lyrics that I realized how great the song is.
Thank you Steve. Much appreciated!
@@JOHNFLOREZ51446 you are welcome sir
Hues Corporation recorded several songs by Allen Toussaint, and their sound seems like it could have been influenced by Mr. Toussaint. I'm wondering if he was somehow involved in the production of the Hues Corporation's music?
No, not that I am aware of. Thx.
You’re a hoser if you don’t like “don’t rock the boat”.
TV one you should open the story of hues corporation. that can open ears to young folks how to manage your own Money and establish your own music rights.
Who produced I caught your Act? It was a major hit in NYC
Wally Holmes, who wrote Rock The Boat and also was the group's manager.
I love Freedom for the Stallion especially today, the first national Freedom Day celebration.
Yes. Me, too. And much appreciated.
very interesting. Rock the boat never fitted with the restof the freedom album. Some of the songs on there are lyrical and story masterpieces that I still love now. I loved their concert around the time of the rock n soul album. thanks
Thanks, Keith. Much appreciated, Three of the story songs were written by John Hurley ("Son of a Preacher Man).
John, how do you feel about “Rock the Boat” being used in Disney’s Jungle Cruise movie? Or in the TV commercial, at least. I assume it’s in the movie too.
Amazing! It's also in a new Applebees commercial. I don't receive royalties on "plays", just sales. Wally Holmes wrote it and published it, so he's doing just fine, thank you!
The Hues Corporation There He Is Again Tell us John did you like it
Have you heard from Ann Kelly?
No I haven't but I'd love to!
I wonder did he had anything to do with 1976s fly like an Eagle by steve millier band? The lyrics he talking about is similar
Thank you for making the suggestion for Freedom for the stallion. It's an amazing song. I prefer this to Rock the Boat.
You're welcome. I do, too - times 100!
@@JOHNFLOREZ51446 Freedom makes me miss the magic of vocal harmonies in song. It's missing today.
John Florez thank you for opening for the hues corporation, didn't you know they are in the film blacula with the late William Marshall as the night club singers but I love the song there he goes again,with the chorus I refrain to love look the other way when he comes by you. I each the entire film when I was a kid but the hues corporation were going to huge stars but the so g was composed by motown conductor and producer gene page. it's on CZcams just type the hues corporation there he goes again ,blacula,1972.although when ride the stallion and rock the boat and the British hit rock and soul. they were very big in Europe as they are right here mostly european record buyers and concert seekers love r and b groups especially five member or three member black groups at the time. I saw them on the 70's on vh-1. they exchange girl singers of the group. Ann headley is still singing nothing but gospel.music she a born again Christian. lee saint Claire died of diabetes, Fleming Williams got shot.
Social/political commentary in songs can be profound, but it doesn't make a hit song. People simply want to hear songs that are good and make them feel good. People have their own agendas and this is how they ruin great groups.
you should say the rise and fall but reunited.
I really liked Nina Simone's cover of "The Family"
John, you know NOTHING about good music.
Caught your act was the best