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

Upside DownDiana Ross

Upside Down

Diana Ross, who not only had the talent of a soul singer but also achieved great success in the pop field.

Released in 1980, this work is a dance classic she created in pursuit of a career breakthrough, teaming up with Chic, masters of the disco sound.

Over a groove woven from a funky bass and crisp guitar, it portrays a woman whose heart is thrown into chaos by a capricious lover.

From September 1980, the song spent four consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts, and the landmark album “diana” became the biggest hit of her career.

This timeless gem, which makes you want to start dancing, is perfect for those moments when you want to lift your spirits.

I put a spell on youNina Simone

Nina Simone – I put a spell on you

Nina Simone is a distinctive female singer-songwriter.

A graduate of a music conservatory, her debut was a jazz album, and while her piano playing is superb, she gradually moved closer to soul music.

This song is a soul classic that was also covered by The Animals.

I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder

I Just Called To Say I Love You

A gem of a ballad by American genius singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder.

It’s an emotionally moving piece whose gentle, warm melody and lyrics—about calling someone for no reason other than to say “I love you”—resonate deep in the heart.

The song was produced in August 1984 as the theme for the film The Woman in Red, and in Japan it’s also well known from the TV drama Kimi no Te ga Sasayaite Iru.

Savor the atmosphere that lets you feel the tenderness found in everyday life, and listen while thinking of someone dear to you.

BenMichael Jackson

Ben

After going solo from the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson continued on his path to becoming a pop star.

Although his music evolved over time, one of the best-known songs from his soul-era numbers is “Ben’s Theme.”

The GhettoDonny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway – The Ghetto

Danny Hathaway, from Chicago, USA, is known as a soul and R&B singer.

This track features an easy-to-listen-to vocal that rides a lively groove.

The repeated backing vocals singing “The Ghetto” leave a strong impression.

Georgia On My MindRay Charles

Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind (The Orginal Song From The Albom)

Ray Charles, known as the ‘Genius of Soul,’ was a pianist and singer from the American South, specifically Georgia.

Blind from a young age, he conveyed a wealth of African American music from the southern United States.

‘Georgia on My Mind’ has many celebrated performances across soul and jazz, but Ray Charles’s rendition is the most famous.

Baby LoveThe Supremes

The Supremes – Baby Love

The Supremes, the biggest star group of Motown Records.

The lead vocalist is Diana Ross, who continued to churn out hits even after going solo.

With its catchy pop arrangement, this song was released in 1964 and became their third number-one hit on the U.

S.

charts, a true classic.