The Hues Corporation Rock the Boat

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The Hues Corporation Rock the Boat

The Hues Corporation Rock the Boat

Disco Music

This is one of the earliest hit disco records, charting in 1974 — along with the instrumental “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” by NFSB featuring The Three Degrees that was used as the theme on the TV show Soul Train. “Rock the Boat” was written by trumpeter and songwriter Wally Holmes. The Hues Corporation released “Rock the Boat” first on their 1973 debut album Freedom for the Stallion. They released it as a single in 1974, backed with “All Goin’ Down Together,”  and it took a while to catch on. It lacked radio airplay until DJ’s noticed it was a dance club favorite. It made people get up  and move.

In 1974, “Rock the Boat” went to #1 on the U.S. billboard Hot 100, U.S. Cash Box, and in Canada. It was #6 in the U.K., #8 in New Zealand, and #18 in Australia.

The Hues Corporation was a pop and soul trio that formed in Los Angeles in 1969. The name is based on the Howard Hughes Corporation, with “hue” referring to their African-American heritage. The three members on “Rock the Boat” were St. Clair Lee, Fleming Williams, and Hubert Ann Kelley. (St. Clair Lee and Wally Holmes had been surfing buddies). Before making it big, The Hues Corporation were the opening act for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Milton Berle, Nancy Sinatra, and Glen Campbell. The Hues Corporation disbanded in 1978.

Here are the lyrics to “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation:

So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion
(To rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby

(Rock the boat), don’t tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat)

Ever since our voyage of love began
Your touch has thrilled me like the rush of the wind
And your arms have held me safe from a rolling sea
There’s always been a quiet place to harbor you and me

Our love is like a ship on the ocean
We’ve been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion
So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion

(Rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat), don’t tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat)

Up to now we sailed through every storm
And I’ve always had your tender lips to keep me warm
Oh, I need to have the strength that flows from you
Don’t let me drift away my dear, when love can see me through
(Our love is like a ship on the ocean)

We’ve been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion
So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion
So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion
(To rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat), don’t tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don’t rock the boat, baby
(Rock the boat), don’t tip the boat over

ooh-ooh
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation.

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