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

Ain’t No Mountain High EnoughMarvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

A towering duet by Marvin Gaye, the “Prince of Motown,” and the tragic songstress Tammi Terrell.

They powerfully sing of unwavering devotion: no mountain high enough, no valley deep enough to keep them from reaching the one they love.

Over the gospel-rooted sound crafted by Ashford & Simpson, their voices blend together like magic—truly breathtaking.

Released in April 1967, this classic was featured in the film Guardians of the Galaxy and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

An immortal Motown love song that gives you a push whenever you think of someone dear.

Have you seen herThe Chi-Lites

The Chi-lites – Have You Seen Her

The Chi-Lites, a soul music group that drew attention in the 1970s.

Although their career began in 1959, they spent ten years honing their craft.

They truly went through quite a bit of hardship as a band.

Their song “Have You Seen Her” is one of their signature tracks, released in 1971.

It topped the U.

S.

Billboard charts and also achieved high rankings in the U.

K.

The melody is relaxed and easy to listen to.

If you like Al Green, you’ll surely enjoy it!

All Night LongLionel Richie

Lionel Richie – All Night Long (All Night)

Lionel Richie, who achieved great success as a solo artist after his time with the Commodores.

Even within his career that spans genres from soul to pop, this is a standout global hit.

With a cheerful rhythm that evokes the Caribbean breeze and an open, singable melody, it’s truly a festive dance classic.

Released in August 1983, the track is included on the masterpiece Can’t Slow Down, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

The highlight was his performance at the closing ceremony of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where its positive energy united the world.

Brimming with unfiltered, heart-thumping euphoria, it’s the kind of magical song that can make everyone happy when played at a party.

Two LoversMary Wells

Two Lovers

A gentle lover and a lover who’s cold and makes you sad.

The opening, as if a heart were swaying between two people, might make you catch your breath.

Sung by Mary Wells, known as the “Motown Queen,” this song delivers a surprising twist: the two lovers are actually the same person.

The feeling of being drawn to a beloved’s complex allure is sung over a light, catchy rhythm.

Released as a single in October 1962, it topped the R&B chart and sold over a million copies.

It’s the perfect track for those moments when your heart races at a lover’s elusive side.

You Can’t Hurry LoveThe Supremes

The Supremes “You Can’t Hurry Love” on The Ed Sullivan Show

The Supremes are the female group that represents the prestigious Motown label—an essential name in the history of Black music.

With their sophisticated style, they won support from a wide audience and became one of the most commercially successful groups in Motown’s history.

A song that symbolizes their career is included on the renowned album “The Supremes A’ Go-Go.” This work carries a heartwarming message in which a mother gently advises her lovestruck daughter, “You can’t hurry love.” Despite its light, poppy sound, the song’s structure—which extols the virtue of patiently waiting—feels quintessentially Motown.

Released as a single in July 1966, it spent two consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

Years later, it was also covered for the film “Runaway Bride.” It’s the kind of song that feels full of gentle encouragement—perfect for those moments when you want to pause and reflect on love.

Papa Was a Rollin’ StoneThe Temptations

Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone

The Temptations are the chorus group that best represents Motown, the illustrious label that shines in music history.

It’s truly remarkable how, despite repeated lineup changes, they’ve continued to release hits in every era.

The track featured here was released in September 1972 and reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

It was originally a song by another group, but the renowned producer Norman Whitfield reconstructed it with a psychedelic sound.

The lyrics—asking a mother about a deceased father—are heartrending and urgent, perfectly matching the unsettling atmosphere of the piece, which opens with a long instrumental passage.

It even went on to win three Grammy Awards.

Included on the album All Directions, this deep, cool classic is perfect for nights when you want to fully immerse yourself in music.

Motherless ChildO.V. Wright

O. V. Wright – Motherless Child

Among soul music, the style heavily influenced by Southern U.

S.

traditions such as gospel and spirituals is sometimes called Southern soul or deep soul.

O.

V.

Wright is a representative singer of deep soul.