The band was formed by the former
Detroit Emeralds' singer James Mitchell, with his brother Paul Mitchell, Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, and the unrelated Ralph Mitchell. Most of the Floaters were from Northeast Detroit, bordering
Hamtramck on Detroit's Eastside. James Mitchell wrote the band's one major hit, "
Float On", with Arnold Ingram and Marvin Willis. The lyrics spotlight each member of the band, who introduced themselves with their name,
astrological sign, and ideal type of romantic partner. The song was
produced by Woody Wilson. It became a worldwide hit in 1977 on
ABC Records, reaching No. 1 on the
US R&B chart, No. 2 on the US
Billboard Hot 100
chart, Follow-ups such as "
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (No. 28
Billboard R&B chart) were not as successful. Paul Mitchell (born on May 27, 1949) died on December 20, 2021, He was 72. ==Discography==