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

No OneAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – No One (Official Music Video)

Since her debut in 2001, Alicia Keys has been active as one of America’s leading singer-songwriters.

This song, released in 2007, became a major hit, and her deeper, more evolved soulful vocals drew significant attention.

PatchesClarence Carter

Clarence Carter – Patches (High Quality)

This song is known as one released by Clarence Carter in 1970.

It’s a soul-style track with a spoken intro, and its talk-like singing is particularly striking.

The chorus matches the handsome vocals, making it an enjoyable and easy-to-listen-to tune.

In My HouseMary Jane Girls

In My House

Mary Jane Girls were a four-woman group produced by Rick James.

This track is their 1985 hit single In My House.

Rick James also wrote the lyrics and music.

It’s an upbeat dance number that reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

dance chart.

Although the band debuted in 1983 and sadly disbanded after about three years, this song is still loved and listened to today.

I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be FreeNina Simone

Nina Simone – I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free (Audio)

Nina Simone, truly an artist-to-artist figure who is highly regarded by creators around the world.

Her greatest appeal is, above all, her natural, unforced vocals.

There’s none of the gimmickry of trying to sound showy or chasing a hit—none of that.

She excels at expressing her own world, pure and simple.

“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” was released in 1967.

Originally a jazz piece, it was given a soulful arrangement by Nina Simone.

The RainOran “Juice” Jones

Oran “Juice” Jones – The Rain

A popular slow jam by Oran ‘Juice’ Jones released on Def Jam Records.

It has a New Jack Swing-like flavor that blends R&B and hip-hop.

The understated vocals shine over a slightly laid-back rhythm.

In a narrower sense it belongs to black contemporary, and more broadly it can be categorized as R&B.

When a Man Loves a WomanPercy Sledge

Percy Sledge – When a Man Loves a Woman (1966)

Percy Sledge, who was born in Alabama, is also counted among the quintessential singers of Southern soul.

The song he performed in 1966, “When a Man Loves a Woman,” was a huge hit and is still covered by many musicians across genres.

You are everythingThe stylistics

The Stylistics – You Are Everything (Official Lyric Video)

The Stylistics are an iconic Philadelphia soul group.

Their first hit was “You Are Everything.” In Japan, it’s been used many times in commercials and TV dramas, so even if people don’t know the group’s name or the song title, many will hear the chorus and think, “Oh, I know this!”