[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
Even if you’ve never thought of them as musical genres, many people have probably used words like “soulful” or “funky” in everyday life.
Soul music, which developed from genres such as gospel and blues created by African Americans, and its offshoot funk have continued to exert a huge influence on contemporary 2020s pop, popular music, and other genres.
This article introduces groups that perform in a “band” format within soul and funk music.
Many of these bands have songs you’ve likely heard somewhere before, so if you’re new to soul music, be sure to check them out!
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- [2026] Must-Listen R&B Masterpieces: From Timeless Classics to Recent Favorites
- Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists.
- For Beginners to Western Music: Recommended Western Music Groups – A Roundup of Popular Bands
- A classic jazz-funk masterpiece. A popular recommended track that offers a different flavor from traditional jazz.
- Western R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
- Classic and Contemporary Hits in Western R&B: From the Newest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026]
- Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]
- Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands (21–30)
BernadetteThe Four Tops
A song written by Motown songwriting team Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Brian Holland.
It features the passionate vocals of lead singer Levi Stubbs.
The track was used in the 2007 film Zodiac.
Keep On PushingThe Impressions
A song written by Curtis Mayfield, the leader of The Impressions.
It sings about the perseverance to get through hard times.
The song became an anthem of the African American civil rights movement.
Because of Mayfield’s deep connection to the church, it is referred to as a “gospel song.”
Give It UpKC and The Sunshine Band
A single released in 1983 by KC & The Sunshine Band.
It charted in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
In the UK, it was a best-selling single that reached No.
1 for three consecutive weeks.
The song has been covered by many artists.
Tell me something GoodChaka Khan & Rufus
A song written by Stevie Wonder in 1973.
He offered the song because he was a fan of lead vocalist Chaka Khan.
Rufus evolved from a group called The American Breed, and Chaka Khan joined the band in 1972.
Love TrainThe O’Jays
A song written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, producers for The O’Jays.
This songwriting team has produced many gold and platinum records.
It’s a message song calling for unity and world peace.