Soul Music News

Following news sent in to us, bit of a delay due to ongoing site work... New play Keep On Keeping’ On is touring to Crewe, Blackburn and Blackpool from 13-31 May Press Release and news below New play Keep On Keeping’ On is touring to Crewe, Blackburn and Blackpool from 13-31 May in unusual pop-up venues across the north; transforming a shopping centre, a working men’s club, and a library into a Northern Soul-themed discount shop. The show is a celebration of Northern Soul music (which is havin

Liverpool Soul Weekender & Tuff Love Soul Club proudly present Carlton Jumel Smith & The Wax Preachers Live Performing on Saturday the 22nd of June 2025. There will be chance to meet Carlton, shake the man's hand, have a chin-wag and get your records signed, if you're that way inclined. In fact, Carlton will be around hanging-out for the whole weekender. It'll also be the official launch of CJSmith's new recording with The Wax Preachers (Teaser video attached below) 10d906cf-d132-4eac-ac

LRK is proud to announce the 7:45s will be releasing their debut album Spinning on 20 June. The 7:45s are an original soul collective from Manchester, UK – the brainchild of songwriter and bassist Sam Flynn. Inspired by the house bands of soul labels from Motown to Big Crown, the young collective spotlights guest vocalists such as Martin Connor and Nicole Battick. Named after 7-inch vinyl, The 7:45s write snappy singles that blend the vintage feel of rare groove with the songcraft of perfect po

Soul Searchin' is a feature-length documentary that delves into the passionate world of rare soul music record collectors and the crate digging culture. It highlights how these enthusiasts transform obscure tracks into cultural treasures, preserving the legacies of forgotten Black, Chicano & Latino artists celebrated within the West Coast Mexican American (Chicano) community that has proved equally popular in the UK and Japan amongst Rare Soul afficionados. There is a very particular sound s

Little Buck ( Edward Ross ) recorded a small but significant amount of recordings in New Orleans between 1966 and 1970 for Seven B and Instant ,they are gathered together here on this great album ,including his work with Huey Smith and seven previously unissued recordings .His most Indemand record is the heavyweight funk track “ Little Boy Blue “ which is presented in its original mono form ,plus a newly discovered stereo master .The flip side “ Whisper My Name “ is great Southern Soul .The seco

Details of an upcoming Eccentric Capsoul 7" Bundle Marion Black Go On Fool b/w Who Knows Johnson, Hawkins, Tatum & Durr You Can't Blame Me b/w You're All I Need To Make It Ron Harrington It Happened To Me Again b/w Because You're Mine Blurb follows below For our 100th Eccentric Soul 45, Numero returns to our Ohio roots with three replica 45s from the Capsoul universe. Marion Black's timeless two-sider "Who Knows" b/w "Go On Fool" made a few blips upon its 1970 releas

Charly Records continue their GSF Records reissue programme with this new release ,originally issued in 1972 .”Free The Black Man’s Chains “ was an ambitious project to release a Black Opera ,no doubt encouraged by the rock operas “ Tommy “ and “ Jesus Christ Superstar “ which were in vogue at the time . The main vocalists are L.C.Grier ,who with The Grier Brothers had a fine release on the Philadelphia Melody label with “ Weeping Baby All The Time “ and Novella Edmonds a new name to me .

LRK records have just announced details of anupcoming 45 from James Holvay (who was recently featured in both our Source News and Video features). James Holvay - Love That Lady / Don't Take Your Love - LRK Records 33 Limited Edition 7" black Vinyl 300 copies Pre-order of Love That Lady / Don't Take Your Love. You get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s releas

This Friday, May 2nd, Acid Jazz Records and Ace Records kick off the Spring Revisited campaign fully — a major collaboration celebrating the rich musical legacy of New York’s iconic Spring Records.   The first 12” release features dynamic new remixes of Millie Jackson’s 1979 classic "We Got To Hit It Off" by internationally renowned DJs Dimitri From Paris and Opolopo. Both were granted full access to the original 24-track master tapes, reconstructing the song from the ground up to crea

What’s new on Soul4Real? S4R50 and JAR15 Two fantastic releases from Geater Davis (originally unreleased 70s recordings) and Lynn White, with all songs available for the first time on 7". Special thanks to Lula Toliver, widow of Geater Davis, for providing previously unseen photos for the cover. PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 13th MAY  https://soul4real.es/shop/         GEATER DAVIS (S4R50) I´M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU / A WHOLE LOT OF MAN Here we

The last weekend of the month, which as usual means it's a Release Day for Ace/Kent Records And it's a busy one this month, with 5 brand new quality soul 45s unleashed, that's two Repro 45s, 2 Select 45s and 1 Pied Piper 45 Details follow below, along with other Kent release news Valerie Simpson - Look Away - It's Just Love - Kent Select 102 Release notes This is a previously unheard, Kent Records exclusive release from the great singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson. 

We Were There: How Black culture, resistance and community shaped modern Britain by Lanre Bakare (Author)   Out today (17 April 2025) via Kindle, Hardback and Audible formats Site note  Check out the Kindle preview (at end) or the Audible preview (below) which details the author's experience while viewing Tony Palmers 'This England' 1977 Granda Tv Northern Soul documentary which is explored further in the first chapter 'Chapter 1: Northern Souls – 1977' Audible Preview

Natasha Watts – Go Slow (Chris Baxter 2025 Rework)/ Right the Wrong (LRK-32) UK soul favourite Natasha Watts is back on LRK Records with a brand-new 7" 45. On the A-side is Go Slow (Chris Baxter 2025 Rework) – a fresh take on her groove-laden collab with European funk duo Cool Million (Frank Ryle & Rob Hardt), reworked with dancefloors in mind. On the flip is Right the Wrong – a fan favourite from her LP, now on 45 for the first time. Produced by Mike Patto & Toni Economides, i

Spring is here in the Uk, and that means the latest issue of Soul Up North is out, details below SOUL UP NORTH - Spring 2025 - Issue 123 This issue contains... OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall FUNK IN YO’ FACE – ROY AYERS – POSITIVE VIBES Howard Priestly COLLECTOR’S CD – TRACK LISTING Craig Butler CHICAGO SOUL Shane Cox SOUL SPOTLIGHT – PHILADELPHIA CREATIONS Steve Guarnori THE LADIES CHOICE – CO

The CAPITOLS - Don't say maybe baby (Rehearsal take) - Up On Top Now - HR037 'Hayley Records 25th Anniversary. 2000 - 2025 'Ain't that something' Following up on the recent EDWIN STARR release of his alternative take of 'You're my mellow' c/w DETROIT RHYTHM 'Baby you better go go'  HR 036, comes HR 037 The CAPITOLS 'Don't say maybe baby' (Rehearsal take) featuring two vocalists - group members Sammy George and Donald Storball, unlike the released version that only had Donald.

Latest add... The Secret History of Chicago Music Soul singer Bobby McClure tried to evolve with the times He sang in the Soul Stirrers with Sam Cooke, duetted with Fontella Bass, and collaborated with Swamp Dogg, but he always fell short of stardom. by Steve Krakow March 19, 2025 Get over to  https://chicagoreader.com/music/the-secret-history-of-chicago-music/bobby-mcclure-soul-checker-fontella-cooke-dogg/ for the full article

Kent have just released 5 new 45s, that's 2 x Select 45s and 3 x Repro 45s, details follow... Select 45s Jon Lucien - Search For The Inner Self / We’ve Got Love - Kent Select 99 Search For The Inner Self’, Jon Lucien’s 1971 ethereal, soul masterpiece has gained admirers constantly since its 1971 release.  CITY_099-1-1.mp3   ‘We’ve Got Love’ is more of an “old school” 60s soul dancer, recorded around the same time, that was not heard until a self-released CD in 1999. It

News on a new project... Ace Records & Acid Jazz present Spring Revisited From the web site Two iconic British record labels join forces to celebrate the musical legacy of Spring Records Founded 1967 in New York, Spring Records became known for its contributions to soul, funk and R&B music in the 70’s and early 80’s. The label carved a niche in the music scene with its unique roster of artists including Millie Jackson, Fatback Band and Joe Simon who left a lastin

Details land on an upcoming vinyl addition to the Numero Groups Eccentric Soul series... Eccentric Soul - Eccentric Modern Soul NUM 520 Label Words The Eccentric Playlist series spins on. Think of these as little mixtapes from us to you highlighting our favorite soul sections packaged up on heavyweight wax - a DJ's Delight. A fantastic record that makes a night in sound like a night out. This dazzling 11-track journey through the rich, handpicked gems of Numero’s finest "Modern So

Carolina Beach Music Compilation Albums: The Classic Years Details of a new book have just landed here from Rick Simmons Author Notes I have published eight books to date, some with the History Press, some with McFarland, and my current book is also with Arcadia/The History Press. My new book which came out in February, and I thought I'd do so. I drew on interviews I'd done over the years with artists such as  Gary Barker of the Catalinas, Archie Bell, Norm Burnett of the Tymes, J

Soul Direction have a new 45 out, details follow... Soul Direction Records are please to announce our next release. Ann Byers – “I’m Not Gonna Cry” / “Your Love Is A Wonderful Thing” – (Soul Direction) SD023 Release Date – 28th March 2025 (Pre Order from 14th March) Not much is known about Ann Byers as a person, but the Northern Soul scene is well-acquainted with her recordings on the Virtue and Academy labels. From her sparse biography, we know she was born in Philadelphia a

News from Daptone Two New 45s - Thee Sacred Souls & Junior Scaife and a new digital releases from Jalen Ngonda, details below...   Thee Sacred Souls "My Heart is Drowning" b/w "Stuck in the Mud" The second 45 from Got a Story to Tell offers up two staff favorites. The moody, mid-tempo mover "My Heart is Drowning" opens with a foreboding, echo-drenched drip that lurks behind singer Josh Lane's tale of a forlorn lover who's past mistakes have left him drowning in despair.

The Twilights To The Delights And Beyond: Press Release:   The Delights   A1 “Listen To Me Girl/B1 Come And Rejoice/B2 Listen To Me (Backing Track)”   SJ561 Released Monday 24th March 2025 The Delights formerly unissued recording “Listen To Me Girl” first made it’s vinyl debut during 2017 when released back to back with Tearra’s modern soul anthem “Just Loving You” (SJ1008).  Having sold out very quickly this release now commands a price of £60.00 a copy. So, with demand still hig

SOUL MUSIC OF ILLINOIS - Numero Group have just announced details of a new book that they are shipping, details including word about a bonus 45 follow below.. SOUL MUSIC OF ILLINOIS An Illustrated Catalog Of Records Compiled and Edited by Dante Carfagna   Release Notes Numero Group is beyond excited to announce another insane addition to our literary output. A comprehensive overview of soul music from the great state (our home state) of Illinois, this 732-page, two

What's new on Soul4Real? S4R45 and S4R46. Two fantastic singles with 70s soul recordings by JOHNNY ADAMS and KIM TOLLIVER Thanks to Tomo for his kind help on the Kim Tolliver release Pre-order now for 14th March https://soul4real.es/shop/   JOHNNY ADAMS (S4R45) IT´S YOU BABY, ´IT´S YOU / THINK ABOUT YOU New Orleans has always spawned a potpourri of musical styles. Native Johnny Adams, fondly nicknamed "The Tan Canary" due to his multi-octave range, epitomised the

News about the latest release from Geoff Waddington featuring Tameka Jackson 'Got you in my sights' - ft - Tameka Jackson will be available at online music sites from the 3rd of March Can listen below  

Out today, the latest 45 in the Kent Select series, a bit different as this one CITY 103 has a picture cover to tie in with the use of 'True True Love' as the backing for Dean Chalkeys 'Good For The Soul' film. Release notes and more below   Tobi Lark / Dave & Darrell Band - True True Love /Instrumental - Kent City 103    Release Notes Tobi Lark / Dave & Darrell Band - True True Love /Instrumental - Kent City 103 ‘True True Love’ was released as the fi

The soundtrack of Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) is now available 'To tie in with the release of the new documentary, “Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)”,  the soundtrack to the film has been released on digital platforms including Amazon, Apple, YouTube and Spotify.' Apple Youtube https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lqqNKO0fdm-k4O5jlZCtdDwIABck0qv1g&si=cRnEkocrQIy9avEM   1. Sing a Simple Song (Alternate Mix) (5:55)

A new vinyl releases from Kent Records, an overdue repressing of the Undisputed Truth's self-titled debut 1972 album, available now for pre-order with a 28th February 2025 release date. Undisputed Truth - The Undisputed Truth - Kent LP - HIQLP 153 Label Release Notes Motown producer and songwriter Norman Whitfield assembled The Undisputed Truth to further explore the psychedelic soul he had been developing with the Temptations on songs like ‘Cloud Nine’ and ‘Psychedelic Shack’.

Pre-orders being taken now for the first 2 singles on the brand new West Grand label Under licence from Universal Music / Motown WG0001S1 Tears At The End Of A Love Affair - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Just Too Much To Hope For - Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston    WG0001S2 Think It Over (Before You Break My Heart)  A - Brenda Holloway (Vocal) B - Earl Van Dyke & The Soul Brothers (Instrumental) Debut worldwide release on any format for 2 previousl

A new documentary from Questlove'  is picking up a lot of attention, titled  'Sly Lives!, (aka The Burden of Black Genius) '  which charts the ' rise, reign and subsequent fadeout ' of Sly Stone Release notes below... 'Questlove' Thompson, the Oscar-Winning Director of Summer of Soul, SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) examines the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the charismatic and enigmatic Sly Stone. This film captures the

Here we go with 2 new releases - just in from the plant and Quality Control completed. No price increase on the vinyl or the postage (despite twice a year Royal Mail increases) £15 each + £3 UK postage (good for 1-3 records)   HR 1560 HERMON HITSON : A - Walking In The Park                                                  B1 - Love Slipped Through My Fingers        B2 - Why Not Me Our A side is an edited version, minus the bluesy guitar, which sharpens it up for the

If you are still working out where your weekend is taking you, then here's a quick aide-memoire using a screen grab of our Event Guide Map Please note that the above image is just a screengrab of our feature and so it is a static overview of this weeks Uk events To view the most up to date and the dynamic Source Events weekly map just go to our Event Guide page (link below) and then tap the orange 'Launch Map View (Weekly)' button The latest and dynamic map view will then po

Out today the 32nd Album from Candi Staton 'Back to My Roots' is now out on digital music platforms today (February 14, 2025). Candi posted on her socials  'It's Americana, Blues and Retro Soul with an inspirational message. I perform songs with my sister Maggie Staton Peebles, bluesman Larry McCray and the legendary STAX Records artist "William Bell (You Don't Miss Your water, Born Under A Bad Sign, I Forgot to Be Your Lover). We had a lot of fun.' Available right now on most d

Glad to announce the first JAI ALAI compilation album, including four originally unreleased tracks by Earth Wind & Fire, Phyllis Hyman, Glenn Jones, and Gladys Knight and the Pips. VARIOUS ARTISTS "ONE MORE CHANCE" LP (JAI ALAI) SAMUEL JONATHAN JOHNSON - YOU EARTH, WIND & FIRE - CLUB FOOT Originally unissued Columbia recording GLENN JONES - SHARE MY LOVE Originally unissued RCA recording GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS - HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE Originally unissu

Epsilon Record Co. is delighted to unveil its latest release, EPS033.   Cash Money Experience - Outside Looking In - Epsilon EPS 033 Listen to it here:     CASH MONEY EXPERIENCE FEAT. DARRY HOWARD (Nu-Rons)  2024 Columbia / South Carolina Title: "Outside Looking In" This 2024 recording showcases original artists who continue to captivate audiences with their exceptional music and require our support. Darryl Howard, the vocalist and song

This years official list... RSD 2025 LIST The RSD25 list is here! 'Don’t forget – all releases are available over the counter only, via independent record shops from 8am on Saturday 12th April'  

This release has been picking up interest after being mentioned in our forums (link at end), the official release date is today GSF Free Soul - Various Artists - Charly Records - NEW YORK’S BEST KEPT SOUL SECRET - Features legendary Northern Soul classics courtesy of Anderson Brothers, Skull Snaps and Connie Laverne - Produced by hit makers George Kerr and Motown veteran Mickey Stevenson - Starring the Whatnauts and Eddie “Hey There Lonely Girl” Holman In 1971, film producer

A heads up on an interesting upcoming album release from Ace Records, due out at the end of March 2025. Cd and Vinyl format Paul Weller Presents That Sweet, Sweet Music - CDTOP 1655 Label notes Soul music has always been in Paul Weller’s blood from early Jam covers of Martha & the Vandellas 1963 classic ‘Heatwave’. Along with other forms of music, soul found its way into Paul’s record collection, nourishing his ears and informing his own songwriting. Side 1 01  God

A new album by Uk artist Brooke Combe has been picking up interest in the msm, with the track 'This Town' also picking up mentions on here and elsewhere. Details and audio follow below   Brooke Combe - Dancing At The Edge Of The World - Modern Sky Uk Release notes Brooke Combe, a rising Scottish singer-songwriter, delves deep into her soulful roots with her new album 'Dancing at the Edge of the World'. This album marks her most authentic work yet, blending rich, emotive vocal

Out this weekend a 'new/reissue' album release from BGP Ace Records, available right now on vinyl and cd. The Brides Of Funkenstein - Funk Or Walk Details below... Release Notes Preview   George Clinton’s imagination knew no bounds and, defying normal music industry convention, by 1978 had five bands signed to three different record labels. One of these comprised of three other Parliament/Funkadelic female backing singers working under the name of Parlet, whose debut single

Details of the 2025 release, the latest in this long running series from Expansion Records Luxury Soul 2025 3 x CD Box Set Release Notes Expansion Records commences each year with the label’s most anticipated collection, “Luxury Soul”. The success of the series comes down to the quality of tracks sourced from independent soul music artists, often unsigned or with recordings previously unissued or on limited release elsewhere. Included on this unique collection are exclusives

Out Now - Soul Up North Magazine #122 -  The  Winter 2025 issue This issue goes like this... GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall #FUNK IN YO’ FACE – QUINCY JONES – THE DUDE Howard Priestly #CHICAGO SOUL Shane Cox #CISSY HOUSTON - RIP David Nathen #SOUL SPOTLIGHT – FLORIDA’S TEMPTATIONS (PART 2) Steve Guarnori #COLLECTOR’S CD – TRACK LISTING Karl ‘Chalky’ White #THE LADIES CHOICE – COLLECTING RARE SOUL Julie Molloy

LRK Records is excited to announce the highly anticipated reissue of Claire Davis' iconic single, 'Thrive/Playground.' Originally released as a limited edition black vinyl 45, this pressing sold out in just 24 hours and has since become a highly sought-after collector’s item. Due to overwhelming demand, we’re bringing it back for a limited repress on blue coloured vinyl—so don’t miss out again! Featuring Claire’s signature blend of emotive lyrics and captivating melodies, ‘Thrive/Playground

Press Release: The Scott Brothers “My Sweet Polly” (Previously Unissued)/Judson Moore & The Al-Tog Staff “Everybody Push & Pull” (Previously Unissued Studio Version) SJ559 Release Date:  Monday January 27th 2024   Once again Soul Junction have dipped back into the Scot-Tees Capri master tapes to bring to you two previously unissued tracks, the late 60’s dancer “My Sweet Polly” performed by The Scott Brothers coupled with a previously unheard studio version of Judson

News on Dean Chalkley's new short film 'Good For The Soul' which is now available to watch online via Nowness Information GOOD FOR THE SOUL sets a blistering pace! The film is a joyous celebration of dancing to Northern Soul. This modern, vibrant and fast paced short taps right into the emotional and cathartic nature of the music, a high powered firecracker of a film that’ll turn your heartbeat up.  Originally created and exclusively screened in the ’50 Years On The Soul Stays Str

New single from LRK Records released Friday 10th Jan 2025 The 7:45s - The Way that I Love You Manchester-based original soul collective The 7:45s release their debut single. Named after 7-inch 45-rpm vinyl, The 7:45s write short and snappy soul singles. Inspired by Charles Bradley, 'The Way that I Love You'is full of contrasts: the piano chimes and horns respond, a man calls and a woman answers. It's laidback then intense, major then minor, nostalgic then heartbroken. Songwriter a

News regarding a new album and 45 release from The Altons via Penrose/Daptone, due out next month 45 Info The Altons - 'Waiting / Teach Me (exclusive, non-album track)' - Penrose 1026 A side: "Waiting" B side: "Teach Me"   Album Details   The Altons - Heartache in Room 14 - Daptone DAP 079 After several wildly popular singles out on Penrose Records, The Altons gear up to release their debut album on Daptone Records. With lead vocals share

Upcoming release from Kent Records Soul Harmony - Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984 (In Perfect Harmony) CDKEND 513 Glorious soul ballad harmonising from black American combos - both celebrated and unsung. Over a third of the tracks are recent, tantalising tape discoveries. Release Notes Preview This year’s “in” black music style is the slow, sweet groove of soul harmony ballads. Interest has grown over the last decade and now the rarer of these records regularly reach four figur

With 2025 coming up fast, it's that time of the year to wish all Source members the best for 2025 May 2025 be a most soulful one for all! Happy New Year, see you all on the other side Soul Source team