The Soul of America’s Music and its Stars

Soul music is the beating heart of rock and roll, considering Buddy, Elvis, and Bill Haley were inspired by Gospel music and early rhythm and blues. That being said, let’s give some props to the best 70s soul singers and bands.

The Staples Singers were from Chicago, and much like the Jackson Five family, it was a family – Pops Staples, Cleotha, Pervis, Mavis, Yvonne. Their songs “Respect Yourself,” “”I’ll Take You There,” “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me),” and “Let’s Do It Again,” got you off the dance floor while selling millions of records.

Earth Wind and Fire broke all kinds of stereotypes, record sales, and chart history for more than 30 years, from “September” “Reasons” and the Beatles cover “Got to Get You Into My Life.” You’ve got to include Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and Delfonics.

Sly and the Family Stone from the California Bay area was the decades best rock, pop, funk, and soul iconic band that knew how to write hit singles.

Let’s give a quick shout out to soul stars Parliament, Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Billy Paul, The O’Jays, Spinners, The Commodores, Phillis Hyman, Labelle, Minnie Ripperton, and Evelyn Champagne King. All of these soul stars were quite fun to listen to back in the day.

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