70’s Soul Train Music: The Best of the Decade
Contents
Looking for some amazing soul music from the 70s? Then check out our list of the best 70s Soul Train tracks! You won’t be disappointed!
Introduction
The 1970s was a decade of change for soul music. The smooth, sensual sound of the genre’s golden age gave way to a rawer, more politically charged style that mirrored the social upheaval of the times. This new breed of soul artist was reflected on the popular television show Soul Train, which featured many of the era’s biggest stars.
From the smooth sounds of Al Green to the funky grooves of Parliament-Funkadelic, 70s Soul Train Music: The Best of the Decade captures the spirit of an era. This collection features some of the biggest hits from the decade, as well as rare and unreleased tracks from some of its most celebrated artists. Featuring such legends as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donna Summer, this is a must-have for any fan of soul music.
The Best of the Decade
The 1970s was the decade of soul and R&B. The best soul train music came from this decade and it is still enjoyed by many people today. The decade saw the birth of some of the most iconic soul and R&B artists, such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder.
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s. He is credited as an important figure in the soul music genre and is often cited as an influence by contemporary R&B artists. Gaye’s greatest commercial success came with his 1973 album Let’s Get It On, which sold more than three million copies. His 1976 album, I Want You, was also a critical and commercial success.
Stevie Wonder
The 1970s were an incredibly fertile period for soul music, and Stevie Wonder was one of its brightest stars. As a singer, songwriter and musician, Wonder was a true visionary, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible in popular music. He also had a stunning run of hit singles in the 1970s, including “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” Wonder’s influence can still be felt today, and his music remains as fresh and relevant as ever.
Al Green
Al Green is an American singer, songwriter and record producer best known for his work in the soul genre. He reached the height of his popularity in the 1970s with hit singles such as “Let’s Stay Together”, “Love and Happiness”, and “I’m Still in Love with You”.
Born in Forrest City, Arkansas, Green first found success as a member of the soul group The Impressions, before embarking on a solo career in 1967. He achieved fame with his album I’m Still in Love with You (1972), which contained the singles “I’m Still in Love with You”, “Love and Happiness”, and “Let’s Stay Together”. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and selling over two million copies.
Green continued to enjoy success in the 1970s with his next three albums—Call Me (1973), Livin’ for You (1973), and Al Green Is Love (1975)—all of which reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. In addition to his success in music, Green also found success as an actor, appearing in films such as The Player (1992) and Road Trip (2000).
Green was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. He has been referred to as “The Last of the Great Soul Singers” and “The Prince of Soul”.
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 25, 1942. Her father, C. L. Franklin, was a minister and her mother, Barbara Siggers Franklin, was a gospel singer. Aretha began singing in her father’s church at the age of eight and later studied piano and voice at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. In Detroit she began to develop her own style of singing gospel music, which incorporated elements of both the black church tradition and secular popular music.
In 1960 Aretha’s father arranged for her to go to New York City to record some demo records for Columbia Records. Although her stay in New York was short-lived, it did result in the recording of one single, “Today I Sing the Blues”/”Don’t Cry Baby” (1960), which was released on the Columbia label. The following year she returned to Detroit and began recording for Chess Records. Her first single for Chess, “Won’t Be Long”/”Over the Rainbow” (1961), was not successful, but her second release, “Operation Heartbreak”/”Walk On By” (1961), reached the R&B top 20.
The Temptations
The Temptations are an American vocal group who released a series of successful singles and albums with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960, the group’s original line-up featured otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Elbridge “Al” Bryant, and Paul Williams. The group was notable for featuring African-American singers who were rarely seen in mainstream media at that time. Throughout their career, the Temptations went through several lineup changes, with Otis Williams being the only constant member.
The group released their first album, Meet the Temptations, in 1964. It included their debut single, “The Way You Do the Things You Do”, which peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album was successful, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 chart. The band’s next album, The Temptations Sing Smokey, was released in 1965 and featured the hit single “My Girl”, which reached number one on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts. The album was also successful, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
The Temptations’ third album, A Change Is Gonna Come, was released in 1966. It featured the band’s cover of Sam Cooke’s song of the same name, which became a hit single. The album was successful, reaching number eight on the Billboard 200 chart. The band’s fourth album, All Directions, was released in 1972 and included the hit singles “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” and “No Dating Zone”. The album was successful, reaching number two on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts.
The Temptations were one of the most successful soul groups of the 1960s and 1970s. They released a total of thirteen studio albums during that time period, seven of which reached either platinum or multi-platinum status. They are also one of the few groups to receive induction into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame andthe Grammy Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
The ’70s was a definitive decade for the evolution of soul music. With the introduction of new producers, songwriters and performers, soul music began to take on a new sound. This new sound would go on to influence the pop music of the 1980s and beyond. From Funk to Disco, the ’70s Soul Train Music scene had it all.
