Northern Soul

A brief history of Northern Soul

Northern Soul is a music genre that originated in Northern England during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is a sub-genre of soul music and was heavily influenced by African American music and culture. It was also fueled by the Mod subculture and the British counterculture scene happening at the time.

Northern Soul clubs began to emerge in industrial towns like Manchester, Wigan, and Blackpool, where young people would gather to dance the night away to soul music tracks often overlooked by mainstream radio stations. They would seek out rare records and import them from the United States to be played at these clubs. The scene was not only about the music, but it was also about the fashion, with baggy pants, Doc Martens boots, and polo shirts being popular.

The Northern Soul scene was originally focused on obscure and hard-to-find American soul music from the 1960s. Unlike Motown or Stax Records, these records were not widely available in the UK, so DJs would travel to the US to buy them and bring them back. Often, these records were records that had been ignored, overlooked, or had failed to chart in the US. The DJs would play these records at clubs, and people would dance to them all night long.

The scene was primarily made up of working-class youth from the North of England and was known for being a close-knit and passionate community. It was also famously drug-free, with many attendees preferring to drink cans of Coke instead of alcohol.

One of the most popular Northern Soul venues was the Wigan Casino. It was opened in 1973 and quickly became the epicenter of the scene, with thousands of people traveling from all over the UK to dance to Northern Soul records. It was famously open until 6 am on Sundays, and people would still be dancing until the morning.

As the scene grew and evolved throughout the 1970s, so did the records. The genre began including more disco and funk influences, but Northern Soul remained distinct due to its emphasis on danceability and obscure song choices.

By the late 1970s, the Northern Soul scene began to decline, and as dance music tastes changed, the clubs started closing, and the subculture faded. However, the music and the scene never truly died. The Northern Soul revival in the UK in the 1980s saw a renewed interest in the music, and its influence has been felt in British pop music ever since.

Northern Soul has left a lasting impact on British pop music, with many artists citing it as a significant influence on their work. Bands like Joy Division, The Smiths, and Oasis have all incorporated elements of Northern soul into their music, and the genre remains a subculture staple in the UK and beyond.

Notable Northern Soul artists

Jackie Wilson: Considered by many to be the godfather of Northern Soul, Jackie Wilson’s hits like “Higher and Higher” and “I Get the Sweetest Feeling” became anthems for Northern Soul dancers in the ’60s and ’70s. His dynamic stage performances, complete with slick dance moves and soaring vocals, also solidified his status as one of the greatest performers in soul music history.

Marvin Gaye: Another soul music icon, Marvin Gaye’s smooth, silky voice and socially conscious lyrics made him a favorite of Northern Soul DJs and fans alike. Tracks like “What’s Going On” and “Inner City Blues” became important messages for the working-class Northern Soul subculture.

Bettye Swann: Bettye Swann’s soulful, emotive vocals and catchy melodies made her a favorite with Northern Soul fans. Her hit “Make Me Yours” is a classic example of the Northern Soul sound, with its driving beat and heart-wrenching lyrics.

Gloria Jones: Perhaps best known for her version of “Tainted Love,” Gloria Jones was a prolific soul artist in the ’60s and ’70s. Her smooth, sultry voice and soulful ballads have become favorites among Northern Soul collectors and dancers.

Edwin Starr: With his powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, Edwin Starr was a perfect fit for the Northern Soul scene. His hit “War” became a Northern Soul anthem, with its driving beat and message of protest against the Vietnam War.

Otis Redding:Another soul icon, Otis Redding’s gritty, bluesy voice and raw energy made him a favorite among Northern Soul fans. Tracks like “Try a Little Tenderness” and “Respect” have become classics of the genre.

The Supremes: The Supremes helped define the Motown sound, which had a huge influence on Northern Soul. Tracks like “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” and “Stop! In the Name of Love” became huge hits on the Northern Soul scene, with their driving beat and infectious hooks.

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: While primarily known for their pop hits, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons also had a place in the Northern Soul scene. Their track “The Night” became a Northern Soul classic, with its driving beat and catchy chorus.

James Brown: No list of notable Northern Soul artists would be complete without mentioning James Brown. His frenetic energy and raw soul power made him a favorite among Northern Soul dancers. Tracks like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Got You (I Feel Good)” have become Northern Soul anthems, with their irresistible grooves and powerful vocals.

25 Northern Soul records you should hear

1. Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) – Frank Wilson
2. Tainted Love – Gloria Jones
3. Out on the Floor – Dobie Gray
4. This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) – The Isley Brothers
5. The Snake – Al Wilson
6. Duke of Earl – Gene Chandler
7. Long After Tonight is Over – Jimmy Radcliffe
8. I’m on My Way – Dean Parrish
9. Seven Days Too Long – Chuck Wood
10. Breakin’ Down The Walls Of Heartache – Johnny Johnson & The Bandwagon
11. Here I Go Again – Archie Bell & the Drells
12. The Night – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
13. You Didn’t Say a Word – Yvonne Baker
14. Time Will Pass You By – Tobi Legend
15. Secret Love - The Falcons
16. Sliced Tomatoes – Just Brothers
17. Love on a Mountain Top – Robert Knight
18. If This is Love (I’d Rather Be Lonely) – The Precisions
19. Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart – Gene Pitney
20. He Who picks A Rose – Jimmy Ruffin
21. Do It – The Exciters
22. What’s It Gonna Be – Dusty Springfield
23. I Can’t Help Loving You – Paul Anka
24. Catch me on the rebound – L.A.X.
25. When You’re Young And in Love - The Marvelettes

Northern Soul and the charts

One of the most successful Northern Soul records of all time is Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love.” The song was originally recorded by Ed Cobb’s band The Four Preps in 1965. However, Gloria Jones’ 1964 slow and soulful version became an instant classic for Northern Soul fans. The popularity of “Tainted Love” took off in the UK in 1973 when it was released on the Northern Soul label Marc Records. The song spent seventeen weeks on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number one. It is still considered one of the most recognizable and iconic records of the genre to this day.

Another record that had a significant impact on the charts is Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do).” Originally produced in 1965, the song quickly gained popularity in the Northern Soul scene and became a staple of DJ sets. However, Wilson’s label Motown Records, decided not to release the song to the general public and only five copies were pressed. In 1979, a bootleg of the song circulated and hit number 40 on the UK Singles Chart. The popularity of “Do I Love You” continues to this day, and it is considered one of the most sought-after Northern Soul records, with original copies selling for as much as £25,000.

Another Northern Soul record that enjoyed significant commercial success was The Elgins’ “Heaven Must Have Sent You.” Originally released in 1966, the upbeat record was later co-opted by the Northern Soul scene and became a favorite among dancers. In 1971, the song was re-released and spent nine weeks on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number three. Other Northern Soul records that made an impact on the charts include “Out on the Floor” by Dobie Gray, which peaked at number 42, and “The Snake” by Al Wilson, which peaked at number 41.

Despite its relatively low profile, Northern Soul has consistently maintained a loyal following over the years. In the early 70s, the genre was at its peak, with regular all-nighters held at venues like the Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca. However, the scene slowly died down as the 80s approached and dance music began to take hold.

What people have said about Northern Soul

There have been many books written about Northern Soul, each exploring different aspects of the movement. One of the most notable books is “Northern Soul: An Illustrated History” by Elaine Constantine. The book provides a detailed history of the movement, including interviews with prominent Northern Soul DJs and dancers. The book also includes a wealth of photographs capturing the essence of the Northern Soul scene, as well as a discography of key Northern Soul records.

Another popular book on Northern Soul is “Soul Survivors: The Wigan Casino Story” by Russ Winstanley. This book focuses on the Wigan Casino, a nightclub in the town of Wigan that became the epicenter of the Northern Soul movement. The book includes interviews with key figures from the Wigan Casino, as well as photographs and a detailed timeline of the club’s history.

The following are notable quotes about Northern Soul:

“Northern Soul is a spirit that lives on, a belief in the power of music to uplift and inspire, to take you away from the mundane and the everyday, to make you feel alive.” - Elaine Constantine, “Northern Soul: An Illustrated History”

“A great Northern Soul record is like a three-minute capsule of energy, passion, and emotion that captures the essence of what the scene is all about.” - Russ Winstanley, “Soul Survivors: The Wigan Casino Story”

“Northern Soul is not just music, it’s a way of life. It’s about the clothes you wear, the way you dance, and the people you meet. It’s a community that accepts you for who you are and celebrates diversity.” - Kev Roberts, “The Northern Soul Top 500”

“Northern Soul is about the soulful music that makes you dance, but it’s also about the people who come together to share that experience. It’s a culture that has transcended time, and continues to inspire new generations of music lovers.” - Ian Dewhirst, “Northern Soul: The Essential Story”

“Northern Soul is the sound of youth culture pushed to its limits - frantic, hedonistic, and consumed by the music. It’s a scene that has never lost its energy, or its soul.” - Stuart Maconie, “Cider With Roadies”

Northern Soul in context

The social context of Northern Soul was shaped by a number of factors, including the post-war economic boom, youth culture, and the emergence of dance music. The clubs and dance halls were important sites where young people could express themselves and connect with one another.

At the same time, the cultural context of Northern Soul was also shaped by the wider social and political changes taking place in Britain at the time. For example, the Civil Rights movement in the United States had a huge impact on the British youth culture, and many young people were drawn to the music and message of black artists who were fighting for their rights.

The cultural context of Northern Soul was further shaped by changes in the music industry. As consumer technology improved, it became easier for young people to access and share music. Many Northern Soul DJs and enthusiasts used the latest technology to create mixtapes and to share their music with others.

In terms of the technological context of Northern Soul, one key development was the rise of the vinyl record. Many DJs and collectors were passionate about vinyl, and this helped to create a culture of collecting and record swapping. Label design and pressing also played a key role in the evolution of Northern Soul. Many of the records that became Northern Soul classics were pressed in limited runs, and featured distinctive label designs that helped to create a sense of community among Northern Soul enthusiasts.

Record labels were also critical to the emergence and success of Northern Soul. Major labels, such as Motown, provided some of the most popular and enduring Northern Soul tracks. However, independent labels were also important, as they allowed artists and DJs to experiment with new sounds and styles.

One of the most important Northern Soul record labels was Tamla Motown, which was responsible for many of the biggest hits of the era. Tamla Motown was formed in Detroit in the early 1960s, and quickly became one of the most important record labels in the world. The label was responsible for many hits by artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Four Tops, among others.

Other notable figures in the Northern Soul scene included DJs and journalists. DJs such as Ian Levine, Russ Winstanley, and Richard Searling were instrumental in shaping the sound and style of Northern Soul. They played a key role in discovering and promoting obscure records, and helped to create a sense of community among enthusiasts.

Journalists such as David Nowell, who wrote the book “Too Darn Soulful,” also played a key role in documenting the history of Northern Soul. In his book, Nowell provides a detailed history of the Northern Soul scene, and looks at the artists, records, and events that shaped this unique British subculture.

If you like Northern Soul you may like..

Motown: A soulful sound of the 1960s that originated in Detroit, featuring smooth harmonies, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics that spoke to the experiences of working-class Americans.

Mod: A 1960s subculture that valued fashion, scooters, and R&B music, originating in London and spreading throughout the UK. The music associated with Mod was often fast-paced and danceable.

Ska: A Jamaican music genre that blended elements of calypso, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Ska became popular in the UK in the 1960s and was embraced by Mod culture.

Jazz-funk: A fusion genre that developed in the 1970s, combining elements of jazz, funk, and soul. Jazz-funk featured a strong rhythmic emphasis and often showcased virtuosic musical performances.

Disco: A dance music genre that peaked in popularity during the 1970s, characterized by a 4/4 beat, lush orchestration, and an emphasis on the rhythm section. Disco music was often played in nightclubs and popularized dance styles like the hustle and the electric slide.