[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!

Playlist

[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Flash LightParliament		Parliament, led by Clinton, the pioneers of P-Funk
2	CelebrationKool and The Gang		Kool & the Gang’s classic song
3	Everyday PeopleSly & The Family Stone		Sly Stone’s legendary music band
4	Cowboys to GirlsThe Intruders		A classic of Philadelphia soul
5	Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire		Earth, Wind & Fire is fascinating.
6	Three Times A LadyThe Communards		The Commodores, active in R&B and funk
7	Word UpCameo		A funk-innovating band born in New York in 1974
8	Early In The MorningThe Gap Band		A funk and R&B band from Tulsa
9	Cosmic SlopFunkadelic		An innovative psychedelic funk band
10	Love RollercoasterOhio Players		Ohio Players are a legendary band from the 1970s.
11	I Can Make You DanceZapp		Zapp, a band representing electro-funk
12	That LadyThe Isley Brothers		Innovative soul-funk band
13	Pick Up The PiecesAverage White Band		A funk band from Scotland
14	The Cisco kidWar		A progressive soul band from the 1970s
15	Best of My LoveThe Emotions		A disco classic sung by a sister group
16	Oh What A NightThe Dells		The Birth of a Romantic Doo-Wop Song
17	Time Is TightBooker T&The MG’s		Booker T. & the MG’s classic song, a movie theme
18	Freakshow On The Dance FloorThe Bar-Kays		A soul-funk band from Memphis
19	You’re Still A Young ManTower Of Power		Legendary funk band from Oakland
20	Midnight Train to GeorgiaGladys Knight&The Pips		Gladys Knight’s hit song “Tears”
21	I’m Stone In Love With YouThe stylistics		A classic song by a brother band dedicated to love
22	The Love I LostHarold Melvin & The Blue Notes		A slow ballad became a big hit with a fast arrangement.
23	I Thank YouSam & Dave		The famous songs from Stax Records, Sam & Dave
24	Keep On Movin’Soul II Soul		Soul II Soul’s hit song draws renewed attention in commercial advertising
25	Wishing On A StarRose Royce		A melancholic classic song, covered by Beyoncé
26	BernadetteThe Four Tops		Motown classic, used in the film Zodiac
27	Keep On PushingThe Impressions		A civil rights movement song of perseverance and hope
28	Give It UpKC and The Sunshine Band		Dance hit song, worldwide smash hit
29	Tell me something GoodChaka Khan & Rufus		Stevie Wonder’s offering of a classic song
30	Love TrainThe O’Jays		The O’Jays, the classic group calling for peace and unity
31	Rubberband ManTHE SPINNERS		A classic of Philadelphia soul
32	love balladL.T.D.		A 1970s hit song that sings about love and kindness
33	The Tracks of My TearsSmokey Robinson & The Miracles		A song of empathy for people who hide their pain
34	Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)The Delfonics		A passionate love song, covered by many singers
35	Have you seen herThe Chi-Lites		A ballad masterpiece that has influenced many artists
36	Give Me Just A Little More TimeThe Chairman of the Board		A classic that seeks the time to prove love