You’re probably wondering why the featured image for a gritty Stax soul classic is Danny Kaye and a dummy. Here’s why: It comes from the 1954 movie, Knock On Wood. I’ve never seen it but I’m a sucker for ventriloquist movies. Why? I’ll never know.

Before stumbling into Danny-n-Dummy, I picked this week’s song in the hope of warding off tropical systems. So far so good. Knock on wood.

Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd wrote Knock On Wood in 1966. It’s a much loved classic recorded by 200+ artists and counting. But who’s keeping track?

Are you ready for Eddie?

I’m preternaturally fond of Wilson Pickett’s version:

Otis and Carla. Say no more.

It’s kinda weird that Ella Fitzgerald recorded this week’s tune but I dig it.

Toots & The Maytals live at Jazz Fest. I was there.

Finally, a 21st Century cover by James Taylor:

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without instrumental versions of the week’s tune? This time, Count Basie followed by the funky saxophone stylings of Maceo Parker.

What’s an Adrastos music post without some lagniappe?

That’s it for this week. Let’s drink to ventriloquist movies. It’s what Fats the Magic dummy and Anthony Hopkins would want. Never argue with them.