I am sure this has been discussed before but I cannot find a thread.

Is there an artiste(s) who epitomises the Northern Soul movement and if so why?

If loosely NS embraced records of a type, that generally had not been commercially successful, was there ever a particular artiste(s) who never achieved mainstream success but was very "successful" from the point of view of Northern Soulers?

Or has it always been about a particular type of sound rather than the artiste(s)?

I am sure this has been discussed before but I cannot find a thread.

Is there an artiste(s) who epitomises the Northern Soul movement and if so why?

If loosely NS embraced records of a type, that generally had not been commercially successful, was there ever a particular artiste(s) who never achieved mainstream success but was very "successful" from the point of view of Northern Soulers?

Or has it always been about a particular type of sound rather than the artiste(s)?

Darrow Fletchers work is outstanding

If you are going on about an artists volume, he springs to mind.

Nothing really rare by him, just lots of nice tunes to own.

there can't and wont ever be a particular artist who epitomizes the Northern Soul movement IMO

lots of great little 45s

Edited September 24, 201113 yr by luiz arruda paez

live performances have always contributed to artists standings on the northern scene, particularly in the early years with regular visits by major lance, the exciters etc...it was a big thing to see these heroe's then, but i think i tend to agree with the previous comment as the large proportion of us, as we have got older have concentrated on the catalogues associated with, not just these artists but many others and as a result, we all have our favourites. my examples would be: jack montgomery, darrell banks, garland green, deon jackson, roy hamilton & on the female side linda jones, tobi lark/legend maxine brown....its possible to go on forever because as the decades have passed, we've discovered many more unsung greats...its such a pity that the scene has taken such a long time to evolve, where we've reached the point that those who are still alive, can be brought to the stage & spotlight by people such as kev and ady, but they're in their twilight years....we've had to take time to develope a deep appreciation of them before we realise exactly what we've been missing....just goes to show that the northern soul scene is a continual learning curve in every aspect

Darrow Fletchers work is outstanding

If you are going on about an artists volume, he springs to mind.

Nothing really rare by him, just lots of nice tunes to own.

there can't and wont ever be a particular artist who epitomizes the Northern Soul movement IMO

lots of great little 45s

There definitely are rare records by Fletcher btw.

Jack Chuckson & Brenda Holloway for me two of the all time greats but as above lots of fabulous artists to choose from, but if you put me on a rack then these 'ud be the two that stand out for little ol' me.

Darrell Banks every time for me

its the mainstream soul artists that made me aware of the music really........................northern as a genre is a huge range of music and artists over a very long time,massive label recording hit artists, one hit wonders and no hopers who are forgotten and recorded one grt 45 , some mad probably british dud dug up in the states and played on the scene . "the next in line " .an example for me .............so ..........sam cooke first hero...still can make me cry......sometimes ......, supremes, who sounded great in 65 if you where 11.... .... junior walker ......marvin gaye.......................and the guys who went out and found us these sounds............politics .time money etc has messed it all up but these guys spent there youth building the scene, whatever there motives and what followed after ............ez

Edited September 24, 201113 yr by ezzie brown

Major Lance or JJ Barnes I would think. Never achieving mainstream success in the UK, but lots of great dancers throughout their careers and popular here since the early days of Northern Soul.

Alan

Major Lance or JJ Barnes I would think. Never achieving mainstream success in the UK, but lots of great dancers throughout their careers and popular here since the early days of Northern Soul.

Alan

Good call on both counts Alan .

Two great artists with highly creditable recordings , but out of the two if it came to a poll , I would say that most people would opt for ML epitomising the " Northern " scene .

I'd say Otis Leavill fits into the some category Darrow Fletcher & most named above.

Dean Parish--ticks all the boxes

Maxine Brown , great choices in Darell Banks and Major Lance , have to add Edwin Star

len barry

len barry

Good call enchantedrythm, Love, Love, Love is the essence of NS in a bottle, not bad for a white guy.

I'm not saying these are the best only that these represent the very essence of what NS is for me or what I grew up on at least (my tastes have changed now but these are the NS standards & fill me with a thousand memories & never fail to stir my emotions imo)

From my pre/ & Casino Days & are standards in any set:

Major Lance You Don't Want Me No More.

Herbert Hunter I Was Born To Love You.

Chubby Checker You Just Don't Know.

Lorraine Chandler I Can't Change.

Eddie Parker I'm Gone.

My essential listening these days (digitally of course, ain't got that kind of money for this quality vinyl) , I believe my tastes have changed but still contains the very same essence of the music I love.

Age Of Bronze I'm Gonna Love You.

Roy Alston, Something Ain't Right.

The Festivals, Hey Girl

Chico Lamaar, What Do You Think I Am.

Ollie Jackson, Wipe Away The Tear Drops.

Freddie Butler, Save Your Love For Me.

In terms of Pure Northern Soul, as opposed to 60ts or general soul, the more obscure artists would creep in such as Billy Arnell or The Burning Bush. As for a type or sound, the backing track in My Little Girl and Get it Baby are great examples.

In terms of Pure Northern Soul, as opposed to 60ts or general soul, the more obscure artists would creep in such as Billy Arnell or The Burning Bush. As for a type or sound, the backing track in My Little Girl and Get it Baby are great examples.

Two Words

EDWIN STARR

He understood and loved the Northern Scene with a passion!!

Two Words

EDWIN STARR

He understood and loved the Northern Scene with a passion!!

And a genuinely nice guy who always stopped to chat.

A friend and I saw him in Focus DIY once, ran back to my mates house, grabbed the 1st couple of Edwin Starr things we saw, ran back to the shop and he was still there, asked him to sign the records, which he did, he then asked my mate if he lived locally and if he had anymore of his records. Ended up saying "bring anything else you've got to my house later tonight and I'll sign all of those too"

I THINK YOUR QUESTION HAS BEEN WELL AND TRUELY UN- ANSWERED!! IN A SENTENCE: WE LOVE ALL OF EM'

Dave W Barrow i have a couple of the Wigginers paintings