Out on the Floor

"Out On The Floor"
Single by Dobie Gray
A-side"Out On The Floor"
B-side"Be A Man"
Released1966 (U.S.), 1975 (UK)
GenreSoul, pop
LabelBlack Magic BM 107
Songwriter(s)Darian, De Lory
Dobie Gray singles chronology
"Watch Out For Lucy"
(1975 UK) 		"Out On The Floor"
(1966) 		"What A Lady"
(1976 UK)

Out On The Floor is a single by Dobie Gray. Since its release in 1966, it has become significant as a popular northern soul song. It has been referred to as the song that defines northern soul.[1][2]

Background

The song was released in May, 1966 as a single backed by "No Room to Cry" on Charger CRG-115.[3] The track was included on his album, "Dobie Gray Sings for "In" Crowders That Go "Go-Go".[4] It was re-issued on the Black Magic label in 1975 (see record label).[5]

It charted twice in the UK. The first time was in 1975, when it reached No. 42, spending 8 weeks in the chart.[6] The second time was in 1983, when it settled in at No. 95. [7]

In Nick Hornby's book, Juliet, Naked, the song is referred to as the "National Anthem of Northern".[8] It is also mentioned in the book Oil and Honey: The Education of an Unlikely Activist by Bill McKibben,[9] Last Days of Disco by David F. Ross,[10] and more.

Releases

List
Title Label, cat Year Country Notes
"Out On The Floor" / "No Room To Cry" Charger CRG-115 1966 US Original
Matrix / Runout (Side A runout, stamped): CR.2049
Matrix / Runout (Side B runout, stamped): CR.2050[11]

[12]

"Out On The Floor" / "No Room To Cry" Reo 8943X 1966 Canada [13]
"Out On The Floor" / "No Room To Cry" Soul Sounds SS 1030 1970 UK Repro[14]
"Out On The Floor" / "No Room To Cry" Charger Records CRG-115 1973 US Unofficial Release repro
Matrix / Runout: CR 2049 (Scratched)[15]
"Out On The Floor" / "Be A Man" Black Magic BM 107 1975 UK
The Biggest Northern Sound Of All Time

"(I Get My Kicks) Out On The Floor" / "Be A Man"

 Destiny DS 1001 1979 UK
"Out On The Floor" / "Funky Funky Feelin'" Inferno Soul Club BURN 2 1982 UK
"Out On The Floor" / "Out On The Floor (Neil's All Nighter Mix)" Inferno Soul Club UK BURN 2 1983 UK Special Edition 7"
"Out On The Floor" / "The In Crowd Outta Sight OSV 077 2012 UK
"Out On The Floor" / "The Snake Goldmine Soul Supply Sevens GS 007 UK B side by Al Wilson[16]

References

  1. ^ S. Dodds (24 June 2011). Dancing on the Canon: Embodiments of Value in Popular Dance. Palgrave Macmillan UK. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-230-30565-6.
  2. ^ Simon Reynolds (2 June 2011). Retromania: Pop Culture's Addiction to its Own Past. Faber & Faber. pp. 186–7. ISBN 978-0-571-27180-1.
  3. ^ 45Cat - Dobie Gray - Discography, USA
  4. ^ "www.allmusic.com". allmusic.com. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  5. ^ 45Cat - Dobie Gray - Discography, UK
  6. ^ Official Charts - DOBIE GRAY
  7. ^ Music VF.com - Dobie Gray Top Songs, Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography
  8. ^ Juliet, Naked, By Nick Hornby - Chapter 10
  9. ^ Oil and Honey: The Education of an Unlikely Activist , By Bill McKibben - ...
  10. ^ Last Days of Disco by David F. Ross - 6 The Three Before Eight
  11. ^ Discogs - Dobie Gray – Out On The Floor
  12. ^ 45Cat - Dobie Gray - Discography, USA
  13. ^ 45Cat - Dobie Gray - Discography, Canada
  14. ^ 45Cat - Dobie Gray - Discography, UK, Acetates, Bootlegs, Curios
  15. ^ Discogs - Dobie Gray – Out On The Floor, Label: Charger Records (3) – CRG-115, Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Unofficial Release
  16. ^ 45Cat - Dobie Gray - Discography, UK