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)
Best Of My LoveThe Emotions
The Emotions are a trio of sisters, the Hutchinsons, from Chicago.
They have close ties with Earth, Wind & Fire (EW&F), and this song, which topped the U.S.
charts, was also crafted by EW&F’s Maurice White.
Keep on TruckinEddie Kendricks
Released in August 1973, the solo debut by Eddie Kendricks, one of America’s quintessential soul singers, is a classic that fuses a groovy rhythm with the captivating sound of the clavinet.
Created by the former member of Motown’s legendary group The Temptations, this track is a disco-oriented tune made for the dance floor, and it reached No.
1 on both the Billboard Pop chart and the R&B Singles chart.
Its brisk beat and smooth melody have been featured in numerous film and television soundtracks, making it a historic song that helped pioneer disco music.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to elevate the mood with up-tempo music, whether at a party or on a drive.
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.”
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.
