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 appeal revisited through classic songs (101–110)
Ring My BellAnita Ward
It’s a disco number composed by Frederick Knight that became a hit in 1979.
The song was originally written for singer Stacy Lattisaw, who was 11 years old at the time, and composed as a children’s song about kids talking on the phone.
Due to contractual issues, that plan fell through, and when Anita Ward sang it instead, it became a big hit—an interesting little story!
Spanish HarlemBen E. King
The song sung by Ben E.
King is included on an album of the same title released in 1961.
It’s a captivating track featuring Ben’s gentle vocals.
He is also known for singing “Stand by Me.”
Every Little Bit HurtsBrenda Holloway
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.
SuperflyCurtis Mayfield
Contemporary soul music and R&B are strongly influenced by the genre known as neo-soul.
Leading that neo-soul movement was Curtis Mayfield.
Alongside artists like Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, he helped establish a new movement.
His Superfly is crafted with a funky sound, yet, unlike earlier soul music, it also carries a cool, refined vibe.
AppletreeErykah Badu
Singer Erykah Badu, whose unique musicality has earned her high acclaim worldwide, is a quintessential neo-soul artist.
Compared to artists like D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill, her songs incorporate fewer hip-hop elements.
As a result, her neo-soul is more approachable, making it a great recommendation even for people who don’t usually listen to Black music.
Appletree, released in 1997, is a neo-soul track that retains strong jazz influences.
Legends of Soul Music: History and Appeal Revisited Through Iconic Songs (111–120)
Please, Please, PleaseJames Brown
James Brown, who would later become known as the ‘Godfather of Funk,’ was originally a soul singer who released a large number of albums in the soul genre.
‘Please, Please, Please’ is one of his signature songs from his soul era.
Funky TownLipps Inc
In Minneapolis, Stephen Greenberg—active as an instrumental player and founder of his own label, October Records—formed a group with Black female singer and saxophonist Cynthia Johnson.
Session guitarist David Rivkin then joined, and they made their debut in 1979 with the album “Mouth to Mouth.” When “Funky Town,” later included on the album, was released as their second single, it quickly climbed the U.S.
dance singles chart and, as a result, became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the U.S.
singles chart in 1980.