My Music Superstars of 70s Soul

This blog will feature music superstars of 70s soul. You can expect to find information on your favorite singers, songwriters, and producers of the era.

Introduction

In the 1970s, soul music was at its peak, with a host of superstars thrilling fans with their unique sounds and styles. From the smooth grooves of Marvin Gaye to the sensual sounds of Al Green, there was something for everyone in this golden era of music. In this guide, we take a look at some of the biggest names in 1970s soul music, and explore their greatest hits.

The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 were an American music group, formed in 1964 in Gary, Indiana, United States, featuring the family members Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. The quintet’s first four singles – “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “The Love You Save”, and “I’ll Be There” – peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart during 1969–70. An early appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1970 made them national stars in the United States. The band’s 1971 album Goin’ Back to Indiana was their fourth consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart. Their renewed popularity culminated with guest spots on several variety shows including Flip Wilson, The Carpenters’ television show and later that year with an animated Christmas special featuring female voices for the first time ever on a Jackson 5 record.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye was an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of hits including “Ain’t That Peculiar”, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”. As an artist charged with helping to break down racial barriers, he also recorded songs dealing with personal themes such as faith (“The Lord’s Prayer”), drug addiction (“The dope fiend’s prayer”), social problems (“What’s Going On”) and sexual ecstasy (“Let’s Get It On”).

Diana Ross

Diana Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Ross rose to fame as the lead singer of the vocal group the Supremes, which became one of the best-selling groups of all time with hit singles such as “Where Did Our Love Go”, “Baby Love”, and “Come See About Me”. As part of the Supremes, Ross most notably achieved worldwide success with the number-one singles “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “I’m Coming Out”, and “upside Down”, as well as their signature Bond theme song, “Miracle”. Ross was also a solo artist who released a number of successful songs including” Ain’t No Sunshine”, covers versions of material by Marvin Gaye and Bob Dylan, as well as material written by Ashford & Simpson and Nile Rodgers. After leaving the Supremes in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included hit singles such as her 1980’s trilogy of number 1 songs on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart: “Upside Down”, “I’m Coming Out”, and” Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. During her solo career Ross became one of music’s most successful female artists thanks to hits like Touch Me In The Morning (1973),You Are Everything (1974),Love Hangover (1976),Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To) 1975 ,Ain’t Nobody (1984) ,and countless others .Ross has also ventured into acting with a Golden Globe Award nominated performance in Lady Sings The Blues(1972),The Wiz(1978),and Out Of Africa(1985). She playsammy Davis Jr.’s wife Kim in Clint Eastwood’s film about Frank Sinatra’s life for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Diana Ernestine Earle Ross was born on March 26th, 1944
in Detroit MI ,to Fredricka Birchard(mother) and Ernest W. Ross(father). Her mother worked as a temp clerk at Ford Motor Company while her father was employed as a policeman .Diana was the second oldest daughter out five total children two boys James Edward II ,Arthur Gaines Jr.,and two younger sisters Barbara Aleen Williams ,Freddie Marie Elliott
Her father Fredrick ross Sr left the family when Diana was four leaving her mother Ernestine to raise all five children on her own. Many believe that this is what led to Diana having such a strong work ethic later on in life. As young girl growing up in Detroit during the 50s and early 60s Diana would often sing around her neighborhood with friends. It was during this time that she developed a love for music that would stay with her for the rest of her life. When she turned 15 three neighbors Florence BallardWillie Mae Brewer ,and Mary Wilson ,encouraged Diana to audition for Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr.. Gordy agreed to sign all three girls to his label but not without changing their name first. After some thought he decided on naming them The Supremes. The group released their first album Meet The Supremes in late 1962 it went on to sell over half million copies world wide .The following year they put out there sophomore effort titled A Bit Of Liverpool this album didn’t fair quite as well reaching only number 64 on Billboards hot 100 list .It wasn’t until there third studio album titled Where Did Our Love Go
That they finally achieved commercial success reaching number 1 on both Billboards hot 100 list and R&B chart .This album cemented them as Motowns premiere act of the 1960s.

Stevie Wonder

There are few artists who have had as big an impact on the music world as Stevie Wonder. A true icon of the Motown sound, Wonder is responsible for some of the biggest hits of the 1970s, including “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” Wonder is a master of multiple instruments, and his songs are infused with a positive energy and message that has made him a beloved figure around the world. If there was ever any doubt about his place in the pantheon of great soul musicians, Stevie Wonder put it to rest with his phenomenal run of hits in the 1970s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 70s was a decade that saw the rise of many great soul artists. These artists helped to shape the sound of popular music for years to come. If you’re a fan of soul music, then this is definitely a decade that you need to check out.