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

Dancing in the StreetsMartha & The Vandellas

Martha & The Vandellas “Dancing in the Streets”

Alongside The Supremes, Martha & the Vandellas were a female vocal group that served as hitmakers for Motown Records.

This song is one of their signature works, and it later became a major hit when Mick Jagger and David Bowie performed it as a duet.

Here With Med4vd

d4vd – Here With Me [Official Music Video]

With the current revival boom, genres and musical styles from before the 1980s are getting renewed attention.

In the Black music scene, 1970s soul music is especially in the spotlight.

One singer-songwriter drawing attention in that soul scene is David, who sings “Here With Me.” The song stands out for its delicate vibe that blends the feel of 1970s neo-soul with 1950s surf music.

The vocals are simple, making it approachable even for those who aren’t confident singers—an easy entry point into soul music.

Yes We Can CanThe Pointer Sisters

Yes We Can Can

The Pointer Sisters are a chorus group made up of sisters.

They’re not extremely well-known in Japan, but if you’re familiar with music from the ’70s and ’80s, you might know them.

Their charm, above all, lies in their perfectly synchronized harmonies.

Their tempo and pitch alignment are on par with Boyz II Men.

“Yes We Can Can” is one of their signature songs, crafted with a funky sound.

It gives off a vibe that’s close to what we’d now call neo-soul.

You really got a hold on meSmokey Robinson & The Miracles

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – You Really Got A Hold On Me

One of the most prestigious American soul music labels is Motown.

The music produced at Motown had distinctive characteristics and later came to be known as the “Motown Sound.” Smokey Robinson achieved Motown’s first million-selling record.

I’m Every WomanChaka Khan

Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]

Chaka Khan boasts a career spanning over 40 years, dating back to her Rufus days.

Just the other day, she visited Japan for the first time in three years and thrilled her fans.

This song stands alongside “I Feel for You” as one of Chaka’s signature works and has been covered by many artists.

LowdownBoz Scaggs

Boz Scaggs – Lowdown (Official Audio)

Boz Scaggs, a pioneer of soul performed by white artists—so-called “blue-eyed soul.” The album featuring this song, Silk Degrees, reached No.

2 on the U.

S.

album chart and catapulted Boz into becoming one of the defining stars of the era.

IF WE HOLD ON TOGETHERDiana Ross

DIANA ROSS LIVE – IF WE HOLD ON TOGETHER

After leaving The Supremes to pursue a solo career, Diana Ross scored numerous hits as a Black singer and quickly outgrew the confines of soul.

“If We Hold On Together” is a well-known number in Japan as well, having been used as a TV show theme song.