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 appeal revisited through classic songs (101–110)
Spanish HarlemBen E. King
The song sung by Ben E.
King is included on an album of the same title released in 1961.
It’s a captivating track featuring Ben’s gentle vocals.
He is also known for singing “Stand by Me.”
Lean on MeBill Withers
After working various jobs, Bill Withers made his debut at the age of 32.
Though Withers pursued a career unconstrained by genre, as you can hear in this song, his roots lay in gospel and soul music.
Notably, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
AppletreeErykah Badu
Singer Erykah Badu, whose unique musicality has earned her high acclaim worldwide, is a quintessential neo-soul artist.
Compared to artists like D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill, her songs incorporate fewer hip-hop elements.
As a result, her neo-soul is more approachable, making it a great recommendation even for people who don’t usually listen to Black music.
Appletree, released in 1997, is a neo-soul track that retains strong jazz influences.
Ordinary PeopleJohn Legend
When it comes to contemporary soul singers, isn’t John Legend the first name that comes to mind? Born in Ohio, he grew up with music in a church choir and has an unusual background: after graduating from college, he first took a regular job and then switched to a singing career.
By the way, he graduated from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania.
Being talented in both academics and music—talk about being doubly blessed! “Ordinary People,” released in 2004, is one of the signature songs from the early part of his career.
His style hasn’t really changed since then, so it’s a track I highly recommend even to those who only know the John Legend of today.
Unchained MelodyRighteous Brothers
A notable feature of early blue-eyed soul was that it often took the form of vocal groups.
The Righteous Brothers were one of them.
They had numerous hits, and “Unchained Melody” is an exceptionally beautiful song that is also well-known in Japan.
Legends of Soul Music: History and Appeal Revisited Through Iconic Songs (111–120)
Close the doorTeddy Pendergrass
A 1978 song by Teddy Pendergrass featuring his captivating low, beautiful vocals.
The track is included on his second album.
He is also known as a representative artist of the soul music that was popular in the 1970s in Philadelphia, United States.
Best Of My LoveThe Emotions
The Emotions are a trio of sisters, the Hutchinsons, from Chicago.
They have close ties with Earth, Wind & Fire (EW&F), and this song, which topped the U.
S.
charts, was also crafted by EW&F’s Maurice White.