Soul Music News

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

A new Daptone album from Thee Sacred Souls due out today... Thee Sacred Souls - Got a Story to Tell Release Notes The highly anticipated follow-up to Thee Sacred Souls's breakout 2022 self-titled debut, Got A Story To Tell, features 12 all original new songs, a soaring statement of exquisite craftsmanship from this young band from San Diego whose story grows bigger by the day. Recorded and produced by Gabriel Roth at Penrose Recorders, in Daptone’s Riverside, CA studio, and writte

Details of an upcoming Album release have just landed,  from Soul Direction we have... The Decisions - “Color Me Blue” (The York & Sussex Sessions) - Soul Direction SDLP1001 Release Notes Soul Direction Records are proud to present the latest release in the Decisions music legacy. The Decisions – “Color Me Blue” (The York & Sussex Sessions) Soul Direction SDLP1001 Released in 12” Vinyl album format + limited CD edition. RELEASE DATE: 25th OCTOBER 2024 (PRE-ORD

New Big Man Records 45 The Embers - First Time / I Wanna Be (Your Everything)  BMR 1018 Just been released and now available  Label Release notes  This JCP northern soul monster first championed on the scene by the likes of Guy Hennigan, an Embers original song written by Jackie Gore has become a big collectable on it's USA original,  with their fabulous cover of the Manhattans Carnival classic 'I Wanna Be (Your Everything)' which The Embers very much make their own certainly

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 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

SOUL STORIES: a novel by Stephen Riley. Soul Stories is the follow-up to The Truth About Northern Soul, but unlike its predecessor, it is fiction – well, kinda, sorta… The author explains: “When The Truth About Northern Soul was published, it attracted a huge amount of feedback – most of it positive, I am pleased to say. One comment in particular, from a friend who knows me from way back, caught my eye. She asked why I hadn’t included certain other stories. There are two answers: first

Just landed details of a upcoming book, the release notes follow below The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story Set for November 1 Release The Journey Behind the Book and the Legacy It Captures McBryde Publishing is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story. Set for release on November 1, 2024, this book brings to life the incredible journey of The Embers, one of the most iconic bands in North Carolina's beach music scene. Co-authored by

Mark B from Big Man Records has passed on news all about an upcoming book from Sharon McMahan Going by the title it could be an interesting one, due out on Feb 12th,  details and link below   The Last Note: A Northern Soul Classic... the Stories Behind the Songs! by Sharon McMahan   About the Author SHARON MCMAHAN SONGWRITER / ARTIST / PUBLISHER / PRODUCER Sharon was born in Sevierville, Tennessee but raised and musically disciplined in Detroit, Michigan. Sha

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

Out today the latest of the 'This Is series’ label spotlights from Kent Records This Is Goldwax - Various Artists - Cd- CDTOP 530 /LP KENT2 530 Available via a Cd or Double Lp format Release Notes Clip For the latest of the This Is series’ label spotlights – following our acclaimed looks at Flying Dutchman and Fame – we focus on Goldwax as it celebrates its 60th birthday, and feature the cream of the recordings made during its short existence. This throws the spotlight not on

A new comp album release from Barely Breaking Even (BBE) Music available via vinyl, Cd and stream The Craig Charles Trunk Of Funk Vol. 3 Release notes clip  Craig’s latest collection, his tenth in total, like all the previous releases has been curated in partnership with his long time compilation collaborator Greg Boraman of IMPRESS!VE Collective Music & Arts and blends up-tempo club classics, with fresh music from the cream of the crop from the contemporary soul and funk scen

We are proud to announce the 7th 45 release by Gillespie & Co for FUNK NIGHT records, Detroit run by Frank Raines which this time round features the wonderful voice of Tricia Bailey from Gloucester and Chris Lujan (Lugnut Brand Records) from California on Hammond organ, guitar and bass  Andrew Gillespie is a Gloucester, UK based producer, writer, musician and soul/funk/latin/jazz DJ. Check out his discogs biography below  https://www.discogs.com/artist/5568258-Gillespie-Co  

Ace Records release day with a hat full of 45s let loose. Two additions to the Kent Select Imprint Kenneth Wright / Miss Louistine - The Souls Of Black Folks / Extra-Extra - City 097 Soul connoisseurs are adventurous folk and the emergence of a previously unknown singer/songwriter is big news among the cognoscenti. The only trace of Atlanta’s Kenneth Wright is a handful of unrecorded song titles on BMI represented by Aware’s publishing company Act One. At least a dozen of

The latest releases from Ace records includes 2 x Kent Select Soul 45s and one Kent Repro 45 Details, scans, audio and Kent's release notes follow below...   Carolyn Crawford /Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford - It Takes A Lotta Teardrops / I’m In Love - Kent Select  098 We follow up Carolyn Crawford’s recent big selling Kent 45 ‘Get Up And Dance’ with another top class Mickey Stevenson production on ‘It Takes A Lotta Teardrops’.  The Leon Ware and Vicki Basemore

Funky Way - Venture Records 1967-1969 - Calvin Arnold CDKENM 528 A new album release from Kent Records, just released and the release notes follow below Release Notes This is the first album of Mickey Stevenson’s Venture material. ‘Funky Way’ was the label’s first release and a hit in 1967, despite limited airplay due to having the word “funky” in the title. It went on to become an early funk classic, covered by Rufus Thomas for Stax, Tommy Strand for Fame, Jimmy Bee for Kent, Ray

A new addition to Kent records long running 'Songwriter Series', billed as 'a long-overdue addition', details and more follow below... A Different World - The Holland Dozier Holland Songbook - Various Artists (Songwriter Series) - CDTOP 520 'The Sound Of Young America- an extensive salute to the classic songs of Motown and Detroit's flagship tunesmiths of the 60s and 70s.' Release notes Holland-Dozier-Holland songs have been revisited many times by all sorts of artists, and “

This months releases from Ace includes a brand new cd from Kent, details and more below... New Kent Cd - Atlanta - Hotbed Of 70s Soul - Various Artists (Hotlanta/ GMG) - CDKEND 518 Release Notes Clip   The GRC Records set-up in Atlanta produced a wealth of great soul music. Because of the sudden curtailment of the company, due to owner Michael Thevis’ incarceration, so much of it never saw a release. The tapes were preserved though and with many tracks being issued. This

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

Details of a new Kent Cd due out very soon! Thom Bell - Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound Of Philadelphia Soul 1969 - 1983 CDTOP 522 Due out 31st May 2024   Release Notes  Thom Bell, along with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, was part of the holy trinity of Philly soul. Reaching an apogee in the early to mid-70s with records for the Delfonics (‘Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time’), Stylistics (‘Betcha By Golly, Wow’), the Detroit Spinners (‘The Rubberband Man’), and Dionne W

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

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

Out today, a new lp from Thee Sinseers via Colemine Records  THEE SINSEERS - Sinseerly Yours CATALOG: CLMN-12030 RELEASE DATE: 22 March 2024 Release notes To say that Thee Sinseers play oldies would be a misnomer. Fronted by bandleader and son of East Los Angeles Joey Quinones, the group has quietly chipped away at the sounds of R&B and soul for the last half-decade. Quinones and his crew have continuously created a distinctive vibe that explores all aspects of a timele

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

Keb Darge Presents The Best Of Ace Sixties Garage Punk A new vinyl comp from Ace Records, release notes and such follow below Release Notes After the success of Keb Darge’s 2023 Ace Rockabilly compilation (CHD 1637) the legend returns with another collection of music close to his heart. On “Keb Darge Presents The Best Of Ace Sixties Garage Punk” the smooth-headed maestro pulls open his curtains to reveal a selection of US garage stompers from the 60s. “Though there are a coup

New Northern soul comp Lp release from Charly Records Release notes and links below... RARE SOUL UNCOVERED 40TH ANNIVERSARY Various Artists Format: LP-Black Release notes Northern Soul’s most loved and hardest working DJ DAVE EVISON looks back at his pioneering Rare Soul Uncovered album series that shook the scene in 1984. Compiled and researched by Dave shortly after Wigan Casino had closed its doors where he was a main-stage DJ for eight years. At the time Dave ho

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

Singer, songwriter, and producer Johnny Burgos converges with veteran soul producer, Jeremy Page, (Kendra Morris, Czarface, MF Doom) to offer their first joint album together titled, 'All I Ever Wonder.' The album is a vividly vulnerable and honest effort by Burgos, lyrically and vocally, supported effortlessly by Page's masterful production. The pairing of the two seems meant to be, with a sound steeped in retro soul techniques, the album is equal parts novelty and nostalgia, equalling a timele

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

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

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

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

Another classic 70s soul album set up for a vinyl release via Ace Records and their Southbound imprint Millie Jackson  - Feelin' Bitchy -Southbound LP SEW 172 Due out the end of the month, and avail for pre-order right now Release notes clip... In the spring of 1977, Millie Jackson was down in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, laying down tracks for what became “Feelin’ Bitchy” with co-producer Brad Shapiro. Released in August 1977, the album reached #4 and #34 in America’s Billboard’s

News about a new Northern Soul CD sent in from Wienerworld Released on Friday the 29th March, the press release follows below... Northern Soul 2024 CD Cat. No: WNRCD5127 £12.99 Welcome to Northern Soul 2024, a sizzling collection of 24 new recordings capturing all the essence of classic Northern Soul by vintage soul artists and fresh new talent! The first "Northern Soul" series CD since 2012, with three new songs written with Fiachra Trench for the first time in 35

Northern Connections #38  Aqua Lads re-visited, taking in the Chantells & Twighlights  The most recent issue of this long running informative series courtesy of Ken b aka @Kenb Intro sparked by the Soul Source topic “What goes up must come down” of Nov 2024… …about The Charms Unlimited and Soul Inc and very good it was too, got me thinking about a re-visit of The Aqua Lads, Chantells, etc. It’s worth pointing out at this juncture that some written information about those tha

Kent has a new addition to its Select Imprint Carolyn Crawford - Get Up And Move / Sugar Boy - Kent Select 094 Release notes, video and such follow below Release notes from Kent/Ace Website This Kent single has been eagerly awaited for some time. Plays at the 100 Club and other venues of ill-repute, has made it a must-play, dancefloor-filling track. Carolyn Crawford had a brief sojourn at Mickey Stevenson’s Mpingo label, in the early 70s, as a temporary member of Hodges,

Out Now - Soul Up North Magazine #120 - The Summer 2024 issue Content goes like this... #OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO #GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall #FUNK IN YO’ FACE – FUNK UP NORTH-THE NORTHERN SIDE OF FUNK Howard Priestly #ISSUE CD TRACK LISTING + INFO – ‘LP ONLY TRACKS’ Diane Naylor #SAY IT AGAIN, THE STORY OF A SONG John Smith #SOULFUL SEVENTIES SPINS aka ‘PLUMB’S PEACHES’ Steve Plumb #HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS

Out Now - Soul Up North Magazine #121 - The  Autumn 2024 issue Content goes something like this... SOUL UP NORTH - issue 121 GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall FUNK IN YO’ FACE – WHAT’S HAPPENING C.C. Howard Priestly FEET TO THE BEAT – VENUE REPORTS Diane Naylor / Stephen Riley SOUL IN A DIGITAL AGE John Farrar SOULFUL SEVENTIES SPINS aka ‘PLUMB’S PEACHES’ Steve Plumb CHICAGO SOUL Shane Cox CREATIVE SOUL – THE STORY SO FAR Cliff Steel PAT LEWIS

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

Details of an upcoming photo book due out very soon below along with a connected exhibition in Bristol 'Photographs of the northern soul scene in the 1990s by Elaine Constantine are the subject of a new book, published by RRB Photobooks, and exhibition at the Martin Parr Foundation. The photographs, many seen here for the first time, were taken in venues including Manchester’s Ritz, London’s 100 Club, alongside smaller venues such as a lad called Steve’s kitchen. ' RRB Photobooks, July

Details of a new podcast from Charly Records Youtube based, looks like plans are for it to be a series of soul related podcasts. Promotional details from Charly Records follow below, along with a shorts trailer and the placeholder for the pilot show, which premieres 31 Oct 2024. Thursday 31st Oct 2024 "NORTHERN SOUL TIME" Join Charly for the exciting launch of the new podcast, Northern Soul Time – A Rare Soul Legacy, exclusively on the Charly Records YouTube Channel! Dive d

Following the recent release by The Ellis Hall Group via Super Disco Edits last year (a lot of positive comments on here), we now have news of the second upcoming release from this talented group. Release notes follow below... Release Notes Welcome to our second release by the Talented Ellis Hall Jr and his band out of Boston from 1978. The group caught our attention a few years ago when we spotted a lengthy performance they did for a show called "Night Shift". These two songs the summ

Bella Brown & the Jealous Lovers Unveil "Soul Clap" LP: A Fusion of Retro Soul/Funk and Modern Grooves Los Angeles-based retro soul/funk sensation Bella Brown & the Jealous Lovers are set to ignite the music scene with their highly anticipated LP, "Soul Clap." Born from the creative genius of Grammy Award-winning vocalist/songwriter Carol Hatchett, Bella Brown emerges as a diva with a fiery stage presence, drawing inspiration from the likes of Tina Turner and Sharon Jones, and chann

Charlie Ingui a veteran blued eyed soul singer who formed the band “The Soul Survivors” in the 60's is back with a brand-new single called 'Wake Up Old World' “Wake Up Old World” is a song about making the world a better place and is due out digitally 23rd Feb 2024. Where it will be available on all streaming platforms. Charlie explains 'This has always been a theme in our songs inspired very much by our collaboration with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of Philadelphia International

Unfinished Unissued Until…now! Epsilon Record Co. proudly presents its latest release EPS029 1969 Milwaukee / City in Wisconsin HARVEY SCALES & THE SEVEN SOUNDS A: LOVE THAT ONE (2:38) (previously unissued from Cuca records stable) WRITERS / COMPOSERS T. Brown   B: DON'T YOU EVER LET IT END (2:47) WRITERS / COMPOSERS Lennie Lacour     Available to pre-order today! Limited edition 300 copies (release d

Details of an upcoming book due out Aug 2024 from author Benjamin Myers. Bloomsbury has acquired Rare Singles, a "full-throated hymn to the sorrows and triumphs of soul music" from author Benjamin Myers. "Over in Chicago, Bucky Bronco is down on his luck – and has been since the loss of his beloved wife. The best he can hope for is to make ends meet, and try and stay high. But then an unexpected invitation arrives, from someone he’s never met, to come to somewhere he’s never heard of."

Rare Singles - Benjamin Myers  'A tale of soul music and second chances' First posted in our soul music news section back in January (tap to view) the book 'Rare Singles' by Benjamin Myers (described as  'a love letter to Northern Soul') is officially published today (1st August 2024) The book has had many 'positive' reviews from the 'Mainstream' since then, however some of our members have already expressed 'concerns' about the 'validity' of the book and some have stated that per

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

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'  

Known for her 45s on Broadway [Sue] and collaboration with Swamp Dogg Here are links to a few stories reporting her passing. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sandra-reaves-phillips-dead-actress-singer-1235777164/ https://www.pinkvilla.com/trending/world/who-was-sandra-reaves-phillips-exploring-life-and-career-of-actress-and-singer-as-she-passes-away-at-79-1268729 https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1143586-sandra-reaves-phillips-raisin-star-takes-final-bow