Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs

Every Little Bit HurtsBrenda Holloway

Brenda Holloway – Every Little Bit Hurts (Official Audio)

A gem of a vocal performance left by Brenda Holloway, a soul singer who represents America, recorded in March 1964.

Her wistful voice and the graceful melody that seems to embrace the pain of heartbreak are deeply moving.

Released on Motown’s Tamla label, this work became a major hit, reaching No.

13 on the Billboard chart.

It was later covered by numerous artists, including the Small Faces and The Clash, and has continued to be loved across generations.

She also joined Dick Clark’s “Caravan of Stars” tour, and this song became a cornerstone of her brilliant career.

It’s a classic that will soothe the heart on nights when you want a song to lean on through heartache—one you should definitely listen to.

Reach Out (I’ll Be There)Four Tops

Four Tops – Reach Out (I’ll Be There) (1967) HD 0815007

From the landmark Motown album “Reach Out,” a soul-stirring, unforgettable classic was born.

The Four Tops—Detroit’s pride—deliver dramatic harmonies, crowned by lead singer Levi Stubbs’s emotionally charged baritone that sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Since its release in August 1966, the song has topped both the U.

S.

and U.

K.

charts, standing as a shining milestone in the history of soul music.

It was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2022, and it was also used as a campaign song for Joe Biden in the 2020 U.

S.

presidential election, continuing to radiate a timeless, universal appeal.

It’s the perfect song for moments of doubt, when you need encouragement, or when you want to support someone.

I’ll Take You ThereThe Staple Singers

The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There (Official Lyric Video)

This is a soul-stirring gem released in March 1972 by The Staple Singers, a gospel-soul group that epitomizes American music.

As a family band made up of a father and his children, their seamless harmonies and powerful groove captivate listeners and won’t let go.

Issued as a single from the album “Be Altitude: Respect Yourself,” the track was produced by Stax Records’ renowned Al Bell.

Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, it skillfully weaves elements of funk and gospel to convey a message yearning for a world free of racial discrimination.

It reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its breezy, body-swaying sound makes it a perfect recommendation for anyone who wishes for peace through music.

SuperflyCurtis Mayfield

Superfly

Contemporary soul music and R&B are strongly influenced by the genre known as neo-soul.

Leading that neo-soul movement was Curtis Mayfield.

Alongside artists like Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, he helped establish a new movement.

His Superfly is crafted with a funky sound, yet, unlike earlier soul music, it also carries a cool, refined vibe.

Please, Please, PleaseJames Brown

James Brown – Please, Please, Please

James Brown, who would later become known as the ‘Godfather of Funk,’ was originally a soul singer who released a large number of albums in the soul genre.

‘Please, Please, Please’ is one of his signature songs from his soul era.

Funky TownLipps Inc

Funky Town

In Minneapolis, Stephen Greenberg—active as an instrumental player and founder of his own label, October Records—formed a group with Black female singer and saxophonist Cynthia Johnson.

Session guitarist David Rivkin then joined, and they made their debut in 1979 with the album “Mouth to Mouth.” When “Funky Town,” later included on the album, was released as their second single, it quickly climbed the U.

S.

dance singles chart and, as a result, became a massive hit, reaching No.

1 on the U.

S.

singles chart in 1980.

You lost the sweetest boyMary Wells

You Lost the Sweetest Boy

Mary Wells’s bright singing voice is captivating.

It’s a song that makes you feel happy just listening to it.

This track is included on the album “Mary Wells,” released in 1965.

The backing vocals on this song are performed by The Supremes and The Temptations.