Northern Soul is a music and dance movement that originated among the working-class communities of Northern England and the Midlands during the early 1970s. It is centered on up-tempo African-American soul music, typically rare and obscure records (known as "rare grooves"), which would be played in all-night dance parties. It was influenced by the Mod subculture of the 1960s.
History[]
The term "Northern Soul" was first coined in 1968 by Dave Godin, owner of the Soul City record shop in London. Godin used the term to differentiate the fast-tempo soul music favored by young people in Northern England from the smoother soul popular in London and the South.[1] The sound of Northern Soul was characterized by its heavy beat and fast tempo, which was perfect for the dance style developing in Northern clubs and dance halls, involving stomping, floating, and shuffling. These rare records were known as "stompers."
"I had started to notice that northern football fans who were in London to follow their team were coming into the store to buy records, but they weren't interested in the latest developments in the Black American chart. I devised the name as a shorthand sales term. It was just to say "if you've got customers from the north, don't waste time playing them records currently in the U.S. black chart, just play them what they like – 'Northern Soul'"" ― Dave Godin
The Northern Soul scene evolved in clubs like the Twisted Wheel Club in Manchester, originally a Beatnik coffee bar in the 1950s. The scene emerged from the mod scene in Northern clubs like the Wigan Casino, The Torch in Stoke-on-Trent, Catacombs in Wolverhampton, Manchester's Twisted Wheel, and Blackpool Mecca. These clubs hosted underground club nights in the late 1960s and 70s, playing records with sped-up tempos and soulful vocals, often from mid-1960s Motown. DJs introduced audiences to rare American vinyls.
Northern Soul was more of a cultural movement than a specific genre. Frank Wilson's "Do I Love You" is considered the most famous Northern Soul record, and Gloria Jones' "Tainted Love" was a staple in early 70s Northern Soul nights. Popular artists included Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Edwin Starr, Marvin Gaye, Tobi Legend, Jimmy Radcliffe, and Dean Parrish. The music often featured a rigorous beat, soulful vocals, and brass instruments. Enthusiasts favored lesser-known artists and B-sides from American labels like Vee Jay Records, Chess Records, and Brunswick Records.
n the early 1970s, the favored heavy beat and fast tempo became even more frantic, and the dancing became more athletic, with moves inspired by American soul acts like Jackie Wilson and Little Anthony and the Imperials. The music provided an escape from the difficult economic circumstances and social unrest of early 1970s England.
Northern Soul is considered a precursor to the modern dance club and rave scenes because of its demographic of primarily young people and all-night events. It has seen a resurgence in popularity, with events like the Deptford Northern Soul Club bringing the music back into modern dance music. The event's popularity led to a monthly recurring event at Manchester's YES venue. Northern Soul is increasingly appearing at events across the United Kingdom alongside other popular genres. South London's Soul Train, a popular event featuring Soul, Funk, Disco, and Motown, takes place twice a month at the Bussey Buildings in Peckham.[2]
Visuals[]
The black clenched fist.
There are many visual symbols associated with Northern Soul. The black clenched raised fist, a symbol adopted from the 1960s Black Power movement in the United States, is the most representative icon of the scene, representing unity and resistance. Some suggest it was possibly also adopted in solidarity with black Americans given the appreciation for African-American music. In 1971, at the Twisted Wheel club, attendees wore black racing gloves and raised clenched fists between records, sometimes shouting "right on now!"
The widespread use of this symbol led to a trademark dispute in 2014 when a Manchester bag retailer attempted to register the clenched fist logo. The UK Intellectual Property Office denied the application, deeming the symbol generic due to its extensive use by the public and within the Northern Soul scene.[3]
Beyond the fist, sew-on badges were common, which typically displayed club affiliations and sewn onto clothing and record bags. Record bags were essential for carrying vinyl records, often customized with patches and badges. The turntable is another prominent motif in flyers.
Fashion[]
Northern Soul fashion was initially influenced by the Mod and Skinhead subcultures. Common items included braces, tank tops, button-down Ben Sherman shirts, Gabicci knit polo shirts, and flared trousers. As the scene changed, the fashion adapted to suit the needs of the dancers. The comfortable clothing specifically picked for greater mobility would influence the succeding Rave scene.
Men began wearing looser-fitting clothing, such as high-waisted trousers with wide legs and skimpy knitted vests. Women's fashion also changed from the A-line skirts of the mod era. They began wearing ankle-length circle skirts, vests, patterned slim-fit shirts, and platform shoes. Knitted tanks and bowling bags with Northern Soul patches were also popular.
In the 21st century, Northern Soul fashion has been revived in catwalks and inspired brands like Topman and Gucci. This can be attributed to the 2014 film "Northern Soul" by Elaine Constantine, which portrayed the subculture's fashion and dance scene.
Dance[]
Northern Soul basic dance tutorial
Introduction to the basics of Northern Soul dance.
Northern Soul dance developed alongside the music. It is characterized by improvisation and individual expression, with dancers drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including black American soul artists such as James Brown. The fast tempos and heavy beats of the music encouraged energetic movements.
The dance style typically involves fast footwork, including shuffling, stepping, spinning, flipping, kicking, and fast footwork. Dancers frequently perform spins and turns, sometimes at high speeds. Kicks and acrobatic flips are also common, as is floorwork, which includes drops, slides, and spins on the floor. Dancers are encouraged to improvise and develop their unique styles.
Music[]
Record Labels[]
- Brunswick Records
- Chess
- Golden World Records
- Goldmine Soul Supply
- Gordy Records
- Mirwood Records
- Motown
- Okeh Records
- Ric-Tic Records
- Shout Records
- VeeJay
Albums[]
- Casino Classics: Chapter One
- Follow Me to the Popcorn: The Untold History of the Belgium Popcorn Scene
Songs[]
- "Dance, Dance, Dance" by The Casualeers
- "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)" by Frank Wilson
- "I'm on My Way" by Major Lance
- "Nothing But a Heartache" by The Flirtations
- "Out on the Floor" by Dobie Gray
- "Stranger in My Arms" by Paul Young
- "Tainted Love" by Gloria Jones
- "Time Will Pass You By" by The Isley Brothers
- "You Didn't Say a Word" by Yvonne Baker
Media[]
Film[]
- Northern Soul (2014)
- Quadrophenia (1979)
- Soulboy (2010)
Documentaries[]
- Northern Soul: Keeping the Faith (2013)
- Living for the Weekend: The Story of Northern Soul (2014)
- Once Upon a Time in Wigan (2003)
- Soul Survivors: The Wigan Casino Story (1996)
- The Sound of Belgium (2012)
- This England (1977)
Resources[]
Websites[]
- northernsouldance.co.uk
- RYM Ultimate Box Set: Northern Soul
- Northern Soul on Rate Your Music
- Northern Soul on Every Noise At Once
- Deep Northern Soul on Every Noise At Once
Playlists[]
- Best of Northern Soul by George Morgan
- Northern Soul Classics by Spotify
Pinterest Boards[]
- 70s - Northern Soul by Dutch Guy
- Northern Soul by David Wilson
- Northern Soul Passion by Jean Fleury
- The Northern Soul Scene - Keep The Faith by Retro-fan
Gallery[]
References[]
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