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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Soul Music Legends: A Look Back at Their History and Allure Through Classic Songs (91–100)
Try A Little TendernessOtis Redding
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Otis Redding’s passing.
Yet he still remains one of the supreme, defining artists of soul music.
This song is one of his signature works, a classic whose overflowing soul moves the heart.
If You Want Me To StaySly & The Family Stone
This soul number is captivating for its comfortable bass-and-drum groove and uniquely languid vocals.
In June 1973, the American group Sly & The Family Stone released it as a single and included it on the album Fresh.
With a lineup that transcended racial and gender boundaries, the band made major contributions to the development of funk and soul music.
Their sound, both meditative and brimming with live energy, went on to influence many later musicians.
The song was also featured in the films Made in Heaven (1987) and Talk to Me (2007), and it continues to enchant a wide audience.
It’s a perfect track for relaxing and enjoying music at an easy pace.
Shop aroundThe Miracles
Released in the 1960s, this song is included on The Miracles’ debut album.
Pay attention to their tightly coordinated singing, as they had already been performing under a different name since the 1950s.
The back-and-forth vocals make it a particularly fun track to listen to.
Play That Funky MusicWild Cherry
Wild Cherry, a four-piece funk band of white musicians.
Their groove is unmistakably in the vein of the sound created by Black artists.
It still hasn’t lost its shine and continues to appear in TV commercials and disco-style compilation albums.
It leans more toward disco, and rather than soul, it’s funky rock—an evolved form of soul music tailored for the dance floor.
Let’s Stay TogetherAl Green
Neo-soul, a genre that sparked a major movement led by D’Angelo.
This song, “Let’s Stay Together,” is one that had a tremendous influence on the birth of neo-soul.
Unlike other soul singers, Al Green sang a groove-centered, languid style of soul.
D’Angelo’s “Send It On,” for example, is strongly influenced by this track.
If you’re into neo-soul, definitely give it a listen!
WHat you won’t do for loveBobby Caldwell
Bobby Caldwell was a musician who was active in the United States from the 1970s to the 1980s.
This song, sung by the New York–born artist, features easy-to-listen-to vocals that resonate with the heart.
It is known as his debut song.
Soul ManSam & Dave
Of course, it’s one of Sam & Dave’s signature songs, and it’s also a famous track featured in the film The Blues Brothers.
In addition to this song, they had a huge hit with “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” which is also beloved by many fans.