Keeping the Faith: A Comprehensive History of Northern Soul

Northern Soul is a subgenre of soul music that originated in the North of England in the 1960s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, driving beat, and soulful vocals. Northern Soul records are typically obscure, and many were originally released on small, independent labels in the United States. The genre gained popularity in the UK through all-night dance parties called "all-nighters," which were held in clubs and ballrooms in Northern England. These parties featured DJs who played a mix of Northern Soul, soul, and Motown records.

The origins of Northern Soul can be traced back to the early 1960s, when British DJs began playing American soul records that were not being played on mainstream radio. These records were typically by lesser-known artists, and they often had a faster tempo and more driving beat than the soul records that were popular at the time. Northern Soul DJs began to develop a following, and they soon began to play at all-night dance parties in Northern England. These parties became known as "all-nighters," and they were a popular way for young people to spend their weekends.

Keeping the faith: A history of northern soul

by Jarrod Tanner

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	757 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages
Paperback	:	30 pages
Item Weight	:	3.36 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.07 x 11 inches

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By the mid-1960s, Northern Soul had become a major force in British music. The genre's popularity was fueled by the release of several compilation albums that featured some of the genre's most popular songs. These albums helped to introduce Northern Soul to a wider audience, and they also helped to establish the genre's unique sound.

Northern Soul's popularity began to decline in the late 1960s, as other genres of music, such as rock and pop, became more popular. However, the genre continued to have a loyal following, and it remained popular in Northern England. In the 1980s, Northern Soul experienced a revival, and it once again became popular with young people. This revival was due in part to the release of several new compilation albums, as well as the popularity of Northern Soul clubs and dance parties.

Northern Soul is a unique and influential genre of music. It is a blend of soul, Motown, and funk, and it has a sound that is both energetic and soulful. Northern Soul has had a lasting impact on music and culture, and it continues to be enjoyed by people around the world.

Key Figures in Northern Soul

There are a number of key figures who have played a role in the history of Northern Soul. These include:

• Dave Godin: Godin is a DJ who is considered to be one of the pioneers of Northern Soul. He was one of the first DJs to play obscure soul records at all-night dance parties in Northern England.
• Ian Levine: Levine is a DJ and record producer who is known for his work with Northern Soul. He has released a number of compilation albums that have helped to introduce the genre to a wider audience.
• Keb Darge: Darge is a DJ and record collector who is known for his vast knowledge of Northern Soul music. He has been a major influence on the genre, and he continues to play a role in its development.

The Lasting Impact of Northern Soul

Northern Soul has had a lasting impact on music and culture. The genre's influence can be heard in a number of other genres of music, including soul, funk, and disco. Northern Soul has also been the subject of a number of films and documentaries, and it continues to be popular with music fans around the world.

Northern Soul is a unique and influential genre of music that has had a lasting impact on music and culture. It is a genre that is characterized by its fast tempo, driving beat, and soulful vocals. Northern Soul has been enjoyed by generations of music fans, and it continues to be popular today.

Keeping the faith: A history of northern soul

by Jarrod Tanner

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	757 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages
Paperback	:	30 pages
Item Weight	:	3.36 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.07 x 11 inches

FREE