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