Northern Soul is more than just a genre of music; it’s a cultural phenomenon that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Northern England.
Known for its passionate following, distinctive fashion, and love for rare American soul music, Northern Soul has left an indelible mark on British youth culture.
This article will explore the origins of Northern Soul, the music that defines it, its cultural significance, and why it remains relevant today.
Origins of Northern Soul
Northern Soul finds its roots in the mod scene of the 1960s, where teenagers in the North of England were disillusioned with the mainstream chart music of the time.
The term “Northern Soul” was first coined by Dave Godin, a British music journalist and owner of the Soul City record store in London.
He noticed that customers were more interested in fast-paced, upbeat soul records from smaller American labels than the commercial hits dominating the charts.
Northern Soul emerged in clubs like Manchester’s Twisted Wheel, Wigan Casino, The Torch in Stoke-on-Trent, and Blackpool Mecca.
These venues became legendary for their all-night dance marathons, where rare soul tracks from the mid-1960s were played.
The music had an energetic tempo and soulful melodies that allowed for the development of a unique dance style that was athletic, expressive, and highly energetic.
The Music of Northern Soul
At its core, it revolves around rare and often obscure American soul music, particularly tracks from the Motown era and other small independent labels.
While the mainstream soul music of the time, like songs from Aretha Franklin or Marvin Gaye, was popular worldwide, that devotees sought out less commercialized, fast-paced tracks that could be found on vinyl records.
Some of the most iconic Northern Soul records include:
Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” – This track is often regarded as the quintessential Northern Soul anthem.
Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love” –
Before it became a global hit when covered by Soft Cell, this track was a Northern Soul staple.
The Four Perfections’ “I’m Not Strong Enough” –
This song exemplifies the type of rare, high-energy soul that dominated Northern Soul clubs.
The Northern Soul scene was all about discovery. DJs prided themselves on finding the rarest and most obscure records, creating an underground market for imported soul vinyl from the United States.
This exclusive aspect of the music helped fuel the scene’s mystique and passion, as certain songs became coveted treasures that could only be heard in select clubs.
Dance and Fashion
It was as much about dancing as it was about the music. The dance style that evolved was a blend of intricate footwork, high-energy spins, and acrobatic moves. The non-stop, fast-paced dancing led to a demand for practical yet stylish clothing, which defined the Northern Soul look.
Typical fashion included:
Wide-legged flares – Perfect for the athletic dance moves, flares allowed for freedom of movement.
Polo shirts and vests – Breathable and practical for dancing in crowded, hot clubs.
Badges and patches – Many clubs created their own sew-on patches, which became symbols of membership and belonging within the subculture.
The fashion complemented the athletic nature of Northern Soul dancing, and it became a key part of the identity.
Clubs like Wigan Casino even had their own Northern Soul logos, often drawing from political movements, such as the clenched fist from the Black Power movement, which highlighted a cultural assimilation within the scene.
Key Characteristics of Northern Soul
Fast Tempo:
their tracks are typically played at a faster tempo than traditional soul music, creating a more energetic and danceable atmosphere.
Energetic Rhythm:
The rhythm section, consisting of drums, bass, and guitar, is often driving and propulsive, providing a strong foundation for the music.
Obscure Recordings:
Many of the records associated with northern soul were relatively unknown in the mainstream, adding to their appeal and desirability among collectors.
Mod Fashion:
Northern soul became closely associated with the mod subculture, with fans often adopting a distinctive style of clothing and grooming.
Why Northern Soul Endures
Though its heyday was in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it has experienced several revivals and remains influential.
The 21st century has seen a resurgence in the music and fashion of Northern Soul. Elaine Constantine’s 2014 film it brought the subculture back into the spotlight, introducing it to new generations.
The music, once confined to the Northern dancefloors of England, has now become part of a global soul revival, with clubs in places like Japan, Spain, and the United States hosting Northern Soul nights.
Fashion brands have also embraced Northern, with designers like Topman incorporating its signature look into modern collections.
FAQs
Q: What is Northern Soul music?
A: It is a British music and dance movement that started in the late 1960s, characterized by a love for rare American soul music, especially fast-tempo tracks with energetic beats.
Q: Where did Northern Soul originate?
A: It is originated in Northern England, particularly in clubs like the Twisted Wheel in Manchester, Wigan Casino, and Blackpool Mecca.
Q: What are some famous Northern Soul songs?
A: Some of the most iconic these songs include Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” and Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love.”
Q: What defines Northern Soul fashion?
A: Its fashion was practical and stylish, with wide-legged flares, polo shirts, and sew-on patches symbolizing club membership.
Q: Is Northern Soul still popular today?
A: Yes, it continues to thrive, with dedicated events and clubs around the world. Films and fashion have also contributed to its enduring influence.
Q: What are some of the most famous northern soul tracks?
A: Some of the most iconic these songs include “Soul and Inspiration” by The Impressions, “Express Yourself” by The Chambers Brothers, and “Trying Times” by The Dynamics.
Q: What is the significance of Wigan Casino?
A: Wigan Casino was one of the most influential northern venues, hosting legendary all-night events that attracted thousands of fans from across the country.
Q: What are the key venues associated with Northern Soul?
Some of the most iconic venues in history include:
Wigan Casino: Perhaps the most famous Northern Soul venue, known for its legendary all-nighters.
The Twisted Wheel: A Manchester club that played a major role in the early development of the Northern Soul scene.
Blackpool Mecca: Another central avenue where dancers and soul enthusiasts would gather.
Torch in Stoke-on-Trent: Known for its enthusiastic crowds and energetic atmosphere, The Torch was a key player in Northern Soul’s spread.
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