The Falcons

The Falcons earned acclaim for issuing what many regard as the first authentic soul recording in 1959 through their single "You're So Fine." A succession of future '60s soul luminaries passed through the lineup at various points, among them founder Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, Sir Mack Rice, and Joe Stubbs of 100 Proof Aged in Soul. Formed initially as an integrated R&B ensemble under Floyd's leadership, the group made its debut on Mercury in 1955. Robert West's production shifted their approach toward a stronger gospel foundation over time, and when Stubbs handled lead vocals the landmark "You're So Fine" scored a major hit that same year. On West's LuPine label in 1962, Pickett delivered an impassioned vocal on the gospel-fired "I Found a Love," guiding it to national attention with backing from guitarist Robert Ward's Ohio Untouchables. After Pickett soon embarked on a solo path, the remaining members scattered. West subsequently enlisted the Fabulous Playboys to adopt the Falcons name, yet the new configuration achieved little commercial traction.