Co-written and first recorded by Eddie Floyd (US #28/R&B #1 1966).
Other hit versions by Otis Redding & Carla Thomas (US #30/R&B #8/UK #35 1967), David Bowie (1974 UK #10/IRE #4), Ami Stewart (US #1/UK #6/CAN #1/ 1979).
From the wiki: “Written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper, ‘Knock on Wood’ was first recorded in 1966 by Eddie Floyd. According to Floyd, the line ‘It’s like thunder, lightning, the way you love me is frightening’ was inspired by a thunderstorm that was occurring the afternoon the song was written with Cropper, the famed Stax guitarist, in a Memphis hotel room.
“Otis Redding and Carla Thomas recorded as version (as ‘Otis & Carla’) of ‘Knock on Wood’ in 1967. David Bowie covered the song, in 1974, with a recording that went Top 10 in the UK. The song confused British listeners a bit, as the phrase ‘knock on wood’ was not in their vernacular.
“The song enjoyed its greatest international success with Ami Stewart’s Disco production in 1979. The innovative arrangement of her version inspired Jay Graydon’s production of The Manhattan Transfer’s ‘The Boy From New York City‘, also released in 1979.
“Ringo Starr said at the 2011 Mojo Awards that ‘Knock on Wood’ is his favorite song … ever.”
Otis Redding & Carla Thomas, “Knock on Wood” (1967):
David Bowie, “Knock on Wood” (1974):
Ami Stewart, “Knock on Wood” (1979):