I’m going to kick things off by diving into the world of Northern Soul music, a genre with a heartbeat as strong as the factory engines in the north of England where it all started. This isn’t just about music; it’s also about a movement that defined a region and an era.
You’re going to find out about the driving beats and emotive vocals that form the backbone of Northern Soul. It’s a sound heavily influenced by African American soul, filled with up-tempo tracks that were often overlooked or underappreciated stateside.
So, what makes Northern Soul different? The key lies in its upbeat tempo, heavy bass, and the steadfast allegiance to the ‘stompers’ — the tracks that could keep feet moving all night long. In the clubs, the records spun were rare and coveted, with DJs priding themselves on exclusive, hard-to-find releases.
If you want to understand the history of the term ‘Northern Soul,’ the story goes back to the 1960s in Northern England. Record shops in the area, like Manchester’s iconic Twisted Wheel, began importing soul records from the United States. It was the DJs in these Northern clubs who coined the term to describe the particular style of soul music they were passionate about — one distinct from the Motown sound dominant at the time.
Northern Soul was more than music; it was a cultural phenomenon. Now as we transition to the next section, prepare to step onto the dancefloor where the Northern Soul anthems played, and get acquainted with the names and faces who gave the genre its pulse.
The Rhythmic Heartbeat: Key Artists and Tracks of Northern Soul
Now that you have a solid grasp of what Northern Soul music is and where it comes from, it’s time to dive into the artists and tracks that are the very heartbeat of this genre. The Northern Soul scene was less about the big names and more about the richness of the music they produced. Nevertheless, certain artists and their songs stood out and have become synonymous with the movement.
Among the constellation of Northern Soul stars, you’re going to find out about names like Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, whose ‘The Night’ became a Northern Soul staple, and Gloria Jones whose ‘Tainted Love’ later covered by Soft Cell, initially captured the spirit of the genre with its urgent, emotive vocals.
The tracks that really define Northern Soul music often feature a driving beat, intricate horn sections, and powerful vocals. Songs like ‘Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)’ by Frank Wilson and ‘Out on the Floor’ by Dobie Gray are quintessential examples, with their infectious rhythms and soaring choruses that could energize any dance floor.
As you explore this remarkable genre, you’re bound to encounter a few lesser-known jewels. Tracks such as ‘Seven Days Too Long’ by Chuck Wood and ‘Turnin’ My Heartbeat Up’ by the MVP’s might not have topped the charts, but within the Northern Soul community, they are revered and appreciated for their vigorous beats and vivacious energy.
A common thread among these beloved tracks is their ability to evoke strong emotions and the longing to move. This isn’t just about listening to music; it’s about feeling it course through your veins, prompting you to get up and dance. This infectious energy is precisely what led to the unique dance styles that became emblematic of Northern Soul, which is what we’re going to explore next.
The Movement on the Dancefloor: Northern Soul’s Influence on Dance and Fashion
If you’re curious about how Northern Soul music left its mark not just through the turntables but also on the dance floor and in the closets, you’re in for a treat. Northern Soul wasn’t just music; it was an entire movement that infiltrated everyday life, creating a culture that’s still alive today.
Let’s talk about the dance styles that became synonymous with Northern Soul. Picture energetic spins, elaborate footwork, and high kicks—all driven by the pulsating beats of tracks like Archie Bell & The Drells – Here I Go Again. These dance moves were anything but casual; they were a manifestation of the liberating emotional release that the music provided. And quite often, it happened during all-nighters, where DJs played rare soul records until the break of dawn.
What’s fascinating about Northern Soul is how it interwove its music with a specific look. The fashion was functional: wide-leg trousers known as ‘baggies,’ comfortable shoes for dance endurance, and fitted tops. Many enthusiasts sported patches and badges that showed loyalty to their favorite music venues or tracks, turning their outfits into billboards for their beloved movement.
The iconic Wigan Casino and The Twisted Wheel in Manchester weren’t just popular venues; they were temples for Northern Soul worshipers. The floors of clubs like these were hallowed ground for those seeking the freedom and community that this music and dance provided.
Even today, Northern Soul’s fingerprints can be seen in modern dance styles, where you can spot the influence in the spins and the soulful expression on the dance floors of contemporary clubs. The phrase ‘Northern Soul music’ remains a signal to many, conjuring images of passionate dancers and timeless style. And this isn’t a phenomenon trapped in the past; clubs around the world host Northern Soul nights, testifying to the genre’s lasting appeal.
The Timeless Spirit: Why Northern Soul Music Still Resonates Today
Have you ever wondered if a genre rooted in the 1960s and ’70s could still hold a significant place in the hearts of music lovers today? Guess what? It does. Northern Soul music has transcended its era to become a timeless emblem of passion and authenticity. This isn’t just about nostalgic melodies; it’s also about the continuing relevance of a movement that spawned from an unwavering love for rhythm and dance.
In my opinion, the key to the enduring nature of Northern Soul music lies in its inherent energy and emotional honesty. Songs like The Tams – Be Young Be Foolish Be Happy and Wayne Gibson – Under My Thumb encapsulate a sort of enthusiasm that never seems to go out of style. This music was made with so much heart that it’s bound to resonate with anyone who takes a moment to really listen.
Today, Northern Soul music isn’t just a reference in history books; it’s still a living, breathing subculture. Don’t worry too much about whether it’s mainstream or not. Whether it graces the soundtracks of movies or inspires a modern artist to sample a beat, Northern Soul is still very much alive.
The phrase ‘Northern Soul music’ often heralds more than just a set of songs. It represents a collective memory, a convergence of stories, and a beacon of identity for those who felt like outsiders until they discovered these soulful tunes. It’s a community builder, with nighters and weekenders and now all dayers still gathering people across the UK, and beyond, under the banner of Northern Soul.
In conclusion, the fact that Northern Soul music has the ability to adapt and persist is a testament to its quality and the profound effect it has had on diverse audiences over the years. There’s a world of history, records, and dance steps to immerse in. Choose something that resonates with you, and let Northern Soul take you on an unforgettable musical journey. Like the vinyl records that are its lifeblood, Northern Soul keeps spinning, touching new generations with every rotation. And that’s something truly special.
I am going to see a Northern Soul play in May in Cardiff and I am really looking forward to it too. I will let you know how it goes. Keep dancing.
Frank