The Best Soul Music of the 70s
Contents
A look at some of the greatest soul hits of the 1970s.
Introduction
The 70s was a decade of great soul music. Many artists and groups emerged during this time, creating a new sound that would influence the genre for years to come. Some of the best soul music of the 70s came from iconic artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. These musicians helped to shape the sound of soul music and create some of the most memorable songs of the decade. Other great soul artists of the 70s include Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, and Gladys Knight. These musicians helped to create a new generation of soul music that would be loved by fans for years to come.
The Best Soul Music of the 70s
The 70s was a decade of great soul music. Many artists emerged during this time and created timeless hits. The best soul music of the 70s includes classics like “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, and “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye. These are just a few of the many great soul songs that were released in the 70s.
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was one of the most successful soul artists of the 1970s. He released a series of hits that combined sensual, erotic lyrics with a distinctive, smooth sound. His best-known songs include “Let’s Get It On,” “Sexual Healing,” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Gaye’s music helped to shape the sound of soul in the 1970s, and his influence is still felt today.
Al Green
Al Green is an American singer, songwriter and record producer, best known for his recordings with record label Hi Records in the early 1970s. He reached the pinnacle of his commercial success with the songs “Let’s Stay Together”, “Love and Happiness”, and “I’m Still in Love with You”, which were all number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. His 1945 hit “Tired of Being Alone” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Green was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 greatest artists of all time, ranking at #66. Rolling Stone ranked him number 38 on their list of greatest artists of all time. In 2008, he was ranked number 32 on their list of the 100 greatest singers of all time, and number 12 on their list of the 100 greatest soul artists of all time.
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, who died August 16, 2018, was not only the best soul singer of the 1970s – she was the greatest popular vocalist of the 20th century, full stop. think of it this way – if Elvis Presley was the first rock star, then Aretha Franklin was the first pop diva. announced by a 02:37 instrumental version of “Oh Me Oh My (I’m a Fool for You Baby)” that served as a grandiose entrance for the Queen of Soul as she took to the stage in a white fox fur and a sequined gown with huge butterfly sleeves, Lady Soul was Aretha Franklin’s fifth studio album and it found her at the top of her game.
Stevie Wonder
Wonder was one of the most creative and loved soul artists of the 70s. He produced some of the decade’s best-selling albums, such as Talking Book, Innervisions, and Fulfillingness’ First Finale. His hits included “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” and “Living for the City.”
Curtis Mayfield
Known for his work as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter with The Impressions as well as for his prolific output as a solo artist, Curtis Mayfield is widely considered one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. A major figure in the development of soul music and Chicago’s signature sound, Mayfield’s impassioned, deeply personal songs addressed the political and social issues of his day with clarity and insight. His gospel-influenced vocals and guitar playing helped to define the intimate, expressive sound of early soul music, and his intricate productions for The Impressions merged elements of doo-wop, R&B, pop, and rock & roll to create a new template for post-war black pop. After leaving The Impressions in 1970, Mayfield launched a hugely successful solo career with a string of hits that includes “Super Fly,” “Freddie’s Dead,” and “Give Me Your Love (Love Song).” A true visionary artist, Mayfield continued to push musical boundaries throughout his career, infusing his music with social commentary and experimenting with different genres and sounds. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best soul music of the 70s was a genre that was able to cross over into other genres and appeal to a wide range of people. It was a time when the industry was changing and artists were experimenting with new sounds. This period produced some of the most iconic and classic soul songs that are still loved today.
