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 (41–50)
IF WE HOLD ON TOGETHERDiana Ross
After leaving The Supremes to pursue a solo career, Diana Ross scored numerous hits as a Black singer and quickly outgrew the confines of soul.
“If We Hold On Together” is a well-known number in Japan as well, having been used as a TV show theme song.
Legends of Soul Music: History and Allure Revisited Through Classic Songs (51–60)
Soul singerBarkays
A funk-style track by the Bar-Kays, a soul and R&B band active in America during the 1970s and ’80s.
The trumpet and electric guitar in the intro are particularly striking.
It’s an instrumental piece with the fun shout of “Soul Fingers.”
Proud MaryIke & Tina Turner
Ike & Tina Turner, often called the greatest entertainers in the history of soul music, thrilled countless audiences with performances that could even seem a bit risqué.
In this rendition of CCR’s smash hit Proud Mary, you can enjoy how it builds from a quiet opening to a full-on, heated climax.
I Can’t Help MyselfFour Tops
While soul music has produced singers with outstanding vocal abilities, it has also given rise to many chorus groups known for their superb harmonies.
The Four Tops are one of the chorus groups that represent early soul.
Walk On ByIsaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes, a soul singer representing the state of Tennessee, was also a music producer who, together with his partner David Porter, produced and supplied numerous songs.
Starting in 1997, he began working as a voice actor on the animated series South Park.
He was remarkably versatile.
His classic track Walk On By, released in 1964, is a captivating work with a musical style that falls between soul and blues.
Keep On Movin’Soul II Soul
As the end of the 1980s approached, Soul II Soul suddenly emerged from the UK and rapidly gained worldwide popularity.
Their music, which mixed mellow soul with the increasingly accepted house sound, was truly revolutionary.
Out of SightJames Brown
Out of Sight is a 1964 single by James Brown, known as the Godfather of Soul and a pioneer of funk.
It also became the title track of his album Out of Sight released the same year.
This funk number features a blues-based chord progression paired with his signature soulful vocals and shouts, delivering an irresistible groove that makes you want to move.
If you’re exploring soul music, James Brown is essential—so if you haven’t heard this track yet, be sure to give it a listen!
