Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
The great artists who illuminated the American music scene.
From Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Stevie Wonder—legendary singers whose timeless masterpieces live on—to modern torchbearers of soul like Bruno Mars and D’Angelo.
We invite you into the world of soul music, where captivating vocals and irresistibly groovy sounds resonate deep in your heart.
Enjoy a musical journey filled with emotion and excitement.
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Legends of Soul Music: History and Allure Revisited Through Classic Songs (61–70)
SuperstitionStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is a soul singer who enjoys tremendous popularity in Japan as well.
He’s one of the pioneers who sparked the so-called New Soul movement.
Alongside Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway, he helped lay the foundation for contemporary R&B and neo-soul.
His song “Superstition” is a work defined by its strikingly funky rhythm.
Though it sings about superstition, the melody is incredibly cool.
Even today, it feels fresh, with an innovative structure that never seems dated.
Wake Up EverybodyHarold Melvin & The Blue Notes
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the vocal group that epitomizes Philadelphia (Philly) soul.
The lead vocalist in this footage is Teddy Pendergrass, who later went solo and achieved great success.
This socially conscious song has been covered by many artists, including John Legend.
I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder
A gem of a ballad by American genius singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder.
It’s an emotionally moving piece whose gentle, warm melody and lyrics—about calling someone for no reason other than to say “I love you”—resonate deep in the heart.
The song was produced in August 1984 as the theme for the film The Woman in Red, and in Japan it’s also well known from the TV drama Kimi no Te ga Sasayaite Iru.
Savor the atmosphere that lets you feel the tenderness found in everyday life, and listen while thinking of someone dear to you.
I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor
American singer Gloria Gaynor, who rose to fame in the disco era, released her signature song “I Will Survive” in 1978.
It reached No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, and won the Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording.
The song enjoyed renewed popularity on TikTok in 2020, and the official video on YouTube has been played 130 million times, making it a standout hit.
La La (Means I Love You)Delfonics
This song is known for being covered by artists like Prince and Swing Out Sister.
It’s an all-time classic left by The Delfonics, often hailed as the pinnacle of sweet soul.
Their own version was released in 1968 and reached No.
4 on the U.S.
charts.