A roundup of great soul music singers and artists

Clean Up WomanBetty Wright

Clean Up Woman – Betty Wright (1971)

Betty Wright is an American R&B singer known for her powerful vocals and soulful expressiveness.

Released in November 1971, this gem of a love song tells a poignant story of a sad ending brought on by a lack of affection in a relationship.

Its lyrics, which portray a woman losing her lover to another woman, emphasize the importance of everyday communication and expressing gratitude.

Featured on the album “I Love the Way You Love,” the track weaves funky rhythms with a memorable guitar riff, while her voice—just 17 at the time—strikes straight to the heart.

It reached No.

2 on Billboard’s R&B chart and No.

6 on the Hot 100, and was certified Gold.

A song that resonates with anyone struggling with love.

Every Little Bit HurtsBrenda Holloway

Brenda Holloway – Every Little Bit Hurts (Official Audio)

A gem of a vocal performance left by Brenda Holloway, a soul singer who represents America, recorded in March 1964.

Her wistful voice and the graceful melody that seems to embrace the pain of heartbreak are deeply moving.

Released on Motown’s Tamla label, this work became a major hit, reaching No.

13 on the Billboard chart.

It was later covered by numerous artists, including the Small Faces and The Clash, and has continued to be loved across generations.

She also joined Dick Clark’s “Caravan of Stars” tour, and this song became a cornerstone of her brilliant career.

It’s a classic that will soothe the heart on nights when you want a song to lean on through heartache—one you should definitely listen to.

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.

Midnight Train to GeorgiaGladys Knight&The Pips

Gladys Knight & The Pips – Midnight Train to Georgia (Official Audio)

A masterpiece that would carve its name into the pantheon of soul was born in August 1973.

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Gladys Knight & The Pips released a gem of a ballad that gently portrays the feelings of a man returning home after his Hollywood dreams fall apart, and the woman who chooses to live by his side.

Gladys Knight’s powerful yet warm vocals and The Pips’ exquisite harmonies bring the story vividly to life.

Featured on the album Imagination, the song won a Grammy and was highlighted in the film Summer of Soul.

It’s a soul-stirring track that resonates at life’s crossroads and in moments when you want to reaffirm the bond with someone you love.

I’ll Take You ThereThe Staple Singers

The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There (Official Lyric Video)

This is a soul-stirring gem released in March 1972 by The Staple Singers, a gospel-soul group that epitomizes American music.

As a family band made up of a father and his children, their seamless harmonies and powerful groove captivate listeners and won’t let go.

Issued as a single from the album “Be Altitude: Respect Yourself,” the track was produced by Stax Records’ renowned Al Bell.

Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, it skillfully weaves elements of funk and gospel to convey a message yearning for a world free of racial discrimination.

It reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its breezy, body-swaying sound makes it a perfect recommendation for anyone who wishes for peace through music.

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.

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.