6 best soul moments

In the 1960s and 70s, a music phenomenon swept the globe. Soul music became a force to be reckoned with, and whether or not you were a professed soul man (or, indeed, woman), you’d have to be made of stern stuff not to let that funky music get you dancing.

We’ve compiled our favourite iconic moments of soul to really get you tapping those feet.

Barry White – You’re the First, My Last, My Everything

The so-called Walrus of Love, Barry White’s sultry tones never failed to get us moving and grooving and in the mood for love. When this track hit the airwaves in 1973, it made a big impression, as it did yet again when revived in the popular US TV series, All McBeal.

Aretha Franklin – Respect

“R E S P E C T,” sang Aretha, “find out what it means to me”. When those lyrics were belted by this legendary diva, women everywhere sat up and listened – and to this day, after a few too many wines, girlfriends will sing their hearts out to this anthem.

James Brown – Get on Up

With that unmistakeable belter of a voice, James Brown wowed the crowds with his soulful tunes. And he never left audiences wanting more without giving it to them – the challenge was to finally get him off the stage!

Earth Wind and Fire – September

With so many classic tracks to choose from, it’s hard to settle on a favourite from Earth Wind and Fire’s repertoire. Boogie Wonderland, Fantasy, Let’s Groove are all firm crowd pleasers, but perhaps September is, for us, just that extra bit special.

Marvin Gaye – Heard it Through the Grapevine

One of the most famous of all soul classics, it was first released in 1966 by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, but it was Marvin Gaye’s release two years later which saw its popularity soar. It’s a song that’s still loved and cherished to this day and has truly made its stamp on pop history.

Wilson Pickett – Mustang Sally

You know a song has stood the test of time when 26 years after hitting the charts for the first time, it becomes a sensation yet again after featuring in a film, not to mention today being a karaoke favourite! Released in 1965, Mustang Sally became one of the standout songs of The Commitments and its accompanying album in 1991 – as well as the musical adaptation currently on the London stage.