Amii Stewart, Knock On Wood | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 32^nd edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2024), we highlight “Knock On Wood” performed by Amii Stewart. 

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 32^nd edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2024), we dive into “Knock On Wood” the one-hit wonder by Amii Stewart.

“Knock on Wood” in the hands of southern soul singer Eddie Floyd is undoubtedly one best soul cuts from the 1960s and soul music overall. It achieved pop success, reaching no. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1966.  However, the coverer, Amii Stewart would take her rendition of “Knock on Wood” to higher heights.  How high, you ask? No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Think about it. Only so many songs ever reach no. 1. Only so many musicians ever attain a no. 1 hit.  Stewart did something special… once.  She’d reach the Billboard Hot 100 two more times after “Knock on Wood” but failed to reach the top 40.  ‘It be that way sometimes,’ as they say.  If you’re going to be a one-hit-wonder though, wouldn’t you relish in the fact that your one hit topped the pop charts and remains a bop to this day?

Written by Floyd and Steve Cropper, Amii Stewart, and producer Barry Leng transformed “Knock On Wood” into a disco/pop gem for the ages. Polychromatic keys and synths rule the roost on this 1979 highlight from her LP – wait for it – Knock on Wood.  The drums play a crucial role too – that beat is ill!  The tempo is quick, contrasting the laid-back, soul-drenched original.  In Stewart’s hands, she’s ready to own the discotheque 💃 🪩! She brings attitude and mad energy to the vocals.  “I’m not superstitious about ya,” she asserts in the second verse, adding, “But I can’t take no chance.” Ooh-wee! In the third and final verse, “It’s no secret about it / ‘Cause with his lovin’ touch / He sees to it / That I get enough.” Ooh-la-la, girl! The chorus is electric.  Do you know what’s even more electric? The post-chorus: “Think I better knock, knock, knock on wood.” Indeed, Amii, and her supportive background vocalists! “Knock on Wood” is sickening, PERIOD.  No surprise it earned Stewart a platinum plaque and a Grammy nomination.

Amii Stewart // Knock on Wood: The Anthology // Sanctuary // 2016

Amii Stewart, Knock On Wood: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 32 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sanctuary; Elias Souza from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]