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

Knock On WoodEddie Floyd

Eddie Floyd Performs “Knock On Wood” at In Performance at the White House: Memphis Soul

Eddie Floyd, who sang the original version of the iconic soul song ‘Knock on Wood,’ is shown here delivering a powerful performance at the White House in 2013.

President Obama’s constant smile throughout is particularly memorable.

CrazyGnarls Barkley

Gnarls Barkley – Crazy (Official Video) [4K Remaster]

Gnarls Barkley, the duo of Danger Mouse and CeeLo.

This song reached number one on the UK charts through downloads alone and stayed at the top for nine consecutive weeks, becoming a massive hit.

Of course, it was also a hit in the United States, and the album containing this track, St.

Elsewhere, won Best Alternative Music Album at the Grammys the following year.

Oh what a dayThe Dells

The Dells – Oh What a Day

This is a track with a distinctive intro and chorus that puts you in a cheerful mood.

Pay attention to the expansive vocals and the fun backing chorus.

The trumpet adds a spicy touch to the song, making it enjoyable right to the end.

This track is included on The Dells’ album released in 1970.

My GirlThe Temptations

The Temptations – My Girl

The Temptations were also one of the chorus groups known for delivering superb harmonies.

In addition, their sound, featured on the many records they released from Motown, is known as one of the quintessential examples of the ‘Motown Sound.

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UntitledD’Angelo

D’Angelo – Untitled (How Does It Feel) (Official Music Video)

“Untitled” is a song by D’Angelo, an R&B and hip-hop artist, included on his second album, Voodoo, released in 2000.

The album topped the U.

S.

Billboard chart at No.

1 and is a classic that ranked 28th on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” “Untitled” employs the hip-hop technique of deliberately delaying the timing of the performance, creating an indescribable groove.

If you’re talking about defining soul artists of the 2000s, D’Angelo is indispensable!

Brown SugarD’Angelo

D’Angelo – Brown Sugar

Neo soul was born from mixing genres like soul music with hip-hop, funk, and jazz.

The pioneer of neo soul is D’Angelo, who sings “Brown Sugar,” and his sound was shocking in the United States, where R&B dominated at the time.

This track strongly reflects hip-hop elements, yet it carries a jazz-like atmosphere, giving it a unique vibe.

It’s an incredibly cool song—definitely give it a listen!

Everybody Plays the Foolthe main ingredient

The Main Ingredient – Everybody Plays the Fool (Audio)

A groovy, soulful track from The Main Ingredient, formed in Harlem, New York in 1964.

Released in June 1972, this song wraps a universally relatable heartache in a sweet, gentle, and soulful melody.

Cuba Gooding Sr.

’s emotionally rich lead vocals blend beautifully with the group’s meticulous harmonies to create a gem of a sound that reached No.

3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.

2 on the R&B chart.

Featured on the album “Bitter Sweet,” the track has been widely used in film and television soundtracks, and Aaron Neville’s 1991 cover also became a hit.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when your heart is in motion.