[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
Even if you’ve never thought of them as musical genres, many people have probably used words like “soulful” or “funky” in everyday life.
Soul music, which developed from genres such as gospel and blues created by African Americans, and its offshoot funk have continued to exert a huge influence on contemporary 2020s pop, popular music, and other genres.
This article introduces groups that perform in a “band” format within soul and funk music.
Many of these bands have songs you’ve likely heard somewhere before, so if you’re new to soul music, be sure to check them out!
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- A classic R&B masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
- For Beginners to Western Music: Recommended Western Music Groups – A Roundup of Popular Bands
- A classic jazz-funk masterpiece. A popular recommended track that offers a different flavor from traditional jazz.
- Western R&B Popularity Ranking [2025]
- Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
- Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]
- R&B Masterpieces in Western Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025]
- Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
- Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands (21–30)
I Thank YouSam & Dave
A song produced by Stax Records executives Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
It was recorded at Stax Recording Studios with the house band Booker T.
& the M.
G.
‘s.
Released in 1968, it became Sam & Dave’s final major hit.
BernadetteThe Four Tops
A song written by Motown songwriting team Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Brian Holland.
It features the passionate vocals of lead singer Levi Stubbs.
The track was used in the 2007 film Zodiac.
Wishing On A StarRose Royce
A melancholic song written by female singer-songwriter Billie Rae Calvin.
It was released in 1978.
Beyoncé covered it for Tommy Hilfiger’s “True Star” fragrance ad campaign, and it was nominated for a Grammy in 2006.
Keep On PushingThe Impressions
A song written by Curtis Mayfield, the leader of The Impressions.
It sings about the perseverance to get through hard times.
The song became an anthem of the African American civil rights movement.
Because of Mayfield’s deep connection to the church, it is referred to as a “gospel song.”
Love TrainThe O’Jays
A song written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, producers for The O’Jays.
This songwriting team has produced many gold and platinum records.
It’s a message song calling for unity and world peace.
Give It UpKC and The Sunshine Band
A single released in 1983 by KC & The Sunshine Band.
It charted in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
In the UK, it was a best-selling single that reached No.
1 for three consecutive weeks.
The song has been covered by many artists.
Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)The Delfonics
A hit song by The Delfonics characterized by R&B and soul flavors.
Written by Thom Bell and William Hart, it’s a passionate love song.
It has been covered by many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Regina Belle, and Jackie Jackson.