'Rock the boat' was released in 1974 by the Hues Corporation as the second single from their 1973 album 'Freedom for the stallion'. Initially, it appeared as though it would flop, as months went by without any radio airplay or sales activity. Not until the song became a disco/club favorite in New York did Top 40 radio finally pick up on the song, leading the record to finally enter the Hot 100 and zip up the chart to number 1 in July 1974. The single also reached number 6 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 6 in the UK singles chart.
The song features a lead vocal by Fleming Williams, who left the Hues Corporation shortly after the song was recorded. The song also features an important post-Motown performance of James Jamerson, the father of modern bass players.
My collection: 7" single no. 4621
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, March 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rock the boat' / 'All goin' down together'