Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
The great artists who illuminated the American music scene.
From Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Stevie Wonder—legendary singers whose timeless masterpieces live on—to modern torchbearers of soul like Bruno Mars and D’Angelo.
We invite you into the world of soul music, where captivating vocals and irresistibly groovy sounds resonate deep in your heart.
Enjoy a musical journey filled with emotion and excitement.
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Legends of Soul Music: History and Allure Revisited Through Classic Songs (61–70)
People Get ReadyThe Impressions
The Impressions, known for featuring Curtis Mayfield, were a group that performed a variety of African American vocal music of the time—not just soul, but also gospel and blues.
“People Get Ready” is their biggest hit.
My GirlThe Temptations
The Temptations are a soul chorus group from the United States that was active in the 1960s.
They skyrocketed in popularity with My Girl, released in 1964.
Even if you don’t usually listen to soul music, you’ve probably heard it—it’s that big of a worldwide hit.
The year after its release, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was used as the theme song for the 1991 film of the same name.
With its easy-to-listen-to melody, it’s recommended even for those who don’t typically listen to Black music.
Soul Bossa NovaQuincy Jones
This is a promotional commercial for the PayPay Scratch Lottery, which every SoftBank user is guaranteed to win.
Playing on the scratch theme, Masahiro Nakai appears as “Paytoku” in the role of a DJ, and the Dad humorously chimes in with, “Not that kind of scratch!!” In the latter half of the commercial, the familiar BGM, Quincy Jones’s ‘Soul Bossa Nova,’ plays.
RespectAretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, an artist hailed as the Queen of Soul.
In Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time,” she was impressively ranked No.
1.
Her greatest allure is, above all, her powerful, gospel-honed vocals.
She’s covered many songs by white artists as well, but when she sings them, they all turn into soul.
Her signature song “Respect” is especially memorable for its melody that showcases her trademark powerhouse voice.
Could It Be I’m Falling In LoveTHE SPINNERS
The Spinners are also counted as one of the Philadelphia soul groups.
However, the Spinners are a group with a long history, and their musical style has changed over time.
During the period when they were performing what is called Philadelphia soul, their biggest hit was “Love from Philadelphia.”
Leave the Door OpenSilk Sonic
“Leave the Door Open” is a song by Silk Sonic, the duo of Anderson .
Paak and Bruno Mars, released as their debut single in 2021.
Both members are Grammy regulars and hugely popular artists leading the next generation of soul music.
“Leave the Door Open” reached No.
1 on the US charts and became a worldwide hit.
It’s a masterpiece where moody instrumentation meets sweet vocals—definitely give it a listen!
I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor
American singer Gloria Gaynor, who rose to fame in the disco era, released her signature song “I Will Survive” in 1978.
It reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, and won the Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording.
The song enjoyed renewed popularity on TikTok in 2020, and the official video on YouTube has been played 130 million times, making it a standout hit.