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

The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding

Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video)

Otis Redding, who died young, was a soul singer beloved not only by Black audiences, thanks in part to appearances like the Monterey Pop Festival.

(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay is a classic that he recorded just three days before he died in a plane crash.

SuperflyCurtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield – Superfly

After leaving the Impressions to start a solo career, Curtis Mayfield became even more popular than the group.

The theme song of the film of the same name, Superfly, made Curtis’s name widely known.

What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

Curtis Mayfield’s and Marvin Gaye’s music is sometimes categorized as New Soul.

The music moves away from gospel and spirituals, which were the roots of soul music, and becomes more sophisticated.

This is a classic song that represents New Soul.

Ain’t Got No, I Got LifeNina Simone

Ain’t Got No, I Got Life – Nina Simone

Nina Simone, often called the greatest singer America let slip away.

Isn’t she one of the most remarkable artists in American music history? Her allure, above all, lies in her powerful expressiveness and noble aura.

She never sought commercial success and steadfastly pursued the music she wanted to make—a true artist.

Her song “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” is one of her signature tracks, second only to “Feeling Good.” Even today, it still sounds strikingly modern.

Let’s stay TogetherAl Green

Al Green-Let’s stay Together(Live)

Al Green, a legendary singer who epitomized Southern soul in the early 1970s.

Previously more of an impulsive, straight-from-the-gut vocalist, he tempered his delivery to express emotion quietly on this song, which became a massive hit and reached number one on the U.

S.

charts.

And The Beat Goes OnThe Whispers

The Whispers – “And The Beat Goes On” (Official Video)

The Whispers, a group that produced a masterpiece worthy of being called a pinnacle of soul music.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1963, they released this 1979 track—a powerful message song themed around moving forward in life.

Riding a sprightly beat, it sings of overcoming the pain of heartbreak and finding the courage to take a new step.

It reached No.

19 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100, topped the R&B chart at No.

1, and achieved a brilliant No.

2 in the UK.

In 2002, it was featured in the popular game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, becoming a beloved song across generations.

Whether you want to light up the dance floor or find gentle encouragement at a crossroads in life, it continues to stand by listeners as a reassuring anthem.

Before I Let GoFrankie Beverly And Maze

Frankie Beverly And Maze – Before I Let Go

A gem of a soul number about the sweet ache of a breakup has arrived from America’s Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

Based in San Francisco, their signature track was included on the 1981 album Live in New Orleans.

Within a light, dance-floor-ready rhythm, it beautifully captures the complex feelings of a man wavering over the decision to part ways.

Gratitude and lingering attachment to a loved one, along with the strength to move forward, make a powerful impact.

The song has become a staple at weddings and family gatherings, and Beyoncé’s 2019 cover brought it renewed attention.

Blending happy memories with the poignancy of farewell, this love song is perfect for a calm night drive or for those moments just before saying goodbye to someone important.