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: A Look Back at Its History and Allure Through Classic Songs (71–80)
Summer BreezeIsley Brothers
This is a quintessential work by The Isley Brothers, who could be called pioneers of lover’s soul.
Many people probably first learned the word “mellow” from this song.
The Isley Brothers have been active since the 1950s, and they’re also famous for hiring legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix as a backing member and helping launch him into the world.
La La (Means I Love You)Delfonics
This song is known for being covered by artists like Prince and Swing Out Sister.
It’s an all-time classic left by The Delfonics, often hailed as the pinnacle of sweet soul.
Their own version was released in 1968 and reached No.
4 on the U.
S.
charts.
Save the last dance for meThe Drifters
The Drifters, which Ben E.
King belonged to, are a Black vocal group.
They sent numerous songs up the hit charts and introduced Black soul music into the world of oldies, where white music and rock ’n’ roll predominated.
Legends of Soul Music: History and Appeal Revisited Through Classic Songs (81–90)
Back StabbersThe O’Jays
In the early 1970s, a genre called Philadelphia soul from Philadelphia became popular.
The O’Jays were a three-man vocal group within that scene.
“Back Stabbers” was the hit song that first brought them commercial success.
Sweet InspirationThe Sweet Inspiration
A charming track featuring a melody that lifts the heart and harmonies crafted by beautiful chorus work.
The Sweet Inspirations are known as a female R&B and soul vocal group that rose to prominence in the 1960s.
They sing sweetly about their feelings for a loved one.
I’d Rather Go BlindEtta James
From her debut in 1961 until the year before her passing in 2011—a span of fifty years—Etta James continued to sing songs that made listeners’ hearts tremble.
She was a pioneering singer of “soul blues,” a style that strongly evokes the feeling of the blues.
Although this song was never released as a single, it has been covered by many artists.
What’d I SayRay Charles
Ray Charles, a great singer who made history.
His achievements lie not only in producing numerous hit songs, but also in blending gospel, jazz, blues, and country into his own style, laying the foundation for soul that continues to this day.
Although this song was released in 1959, it still sounds completely timeless and always rings with freshness even now.