Records of the music genre soul are sought after by collectors
For fans, audiophiles and vinyl collectors, record editions of the music genre soul are avidly sought after. High quality reissues give nostalgic soul classics a new lease of life, kept relevant by the timeless sound and success of neo-soul with younger generations. Meanwhile, original run copies of soul rarities keep collectors digging through our racks here at Clocktower Records. To introduce newcomers to the world of soul records, we’re answering where the soul music genre came from, why it’s still so coveted today, and which records are at the top of every collector list.
The origins of the music genre
It might seem obvious, but soul music gets its name from its religious origins. In the early-1950s, the first pioneers of soul music derived their sound from gospel music sang in African American churches. By borrowing techniques from jazz and rhythm and blues, these trailblazers secularised gospel music, and a new genre was born. Ray Charles’ 1954 single ‘I Got a Woman’ is usually credited as a spearhead in soul music, closely followed by Sam Cooke’s 1957 release ‘You Send Me’. When Berry Gordy Jr founded the Motown music label in 1959, soul had a home of its own – albeit one that insisted on a clean-cut, sanitised image.https://clocktowerrecords.co.uk/do-my-old-vinyl-records-have-any-value/
The 1960s marked the smouldering reign of the ‘Queen of Soul’, Aretha Franklin. Starting in 1960 with Columbia Records, Franklin released her first hits with Atlantic Records from 1967: think ‘I Never Loved a Man’ and ‘Respect’. This decade also marked when Motown began exploring outside of its pop-leaning bands like the Supremes, with Stevie Wonder and the Contours. The Civil Rights Movement finally pushed political lyrics into the limelight, notably James Brown’s ‘Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud’ (1968).
Psychedelic and Progressive Soul
Taking it forward to the 1970s, psychedelic rock swayed soul music, leading to the sub-genre of psychedelic and progressive soul. Funk was on the rise, and soul artists adapted this new sound into their rhythms. Marvin Gaye ruled popular soul during this decade, as well as the British soul band Hot Chocolate, with hits like ‘You Sexy Thing’ (1976). The 1980s bought us legends like Sade, fronted by the Nigerian-born British singer, whose sophisticated jazz-leaning soul helped defined the decade – think ‘Smooth Operator’ and ‘Hang on to Your Love’ (1984).
Jump forward to the 1990s, and neo-soul emerges. Although neo-soul artists evoke the sounds of 1960s classics like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, this new genre took inspiration from music movements that didn’t exist at the start of soul. Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu took elements from hip-hop and electronic music, breathing new life into the beloved music genre. As the century turned, Amy Winehouse married her soulful vocals with a rock edge, giving us her classic take on ‘Valerie’ (2007).
Now, neo-soul lives on with mainstay artists like Frank Ocean, along with newcomers like Liv.e. Thee Sacred Souls hark directly back to 1960s soul with catchy hooks and traditional rhythms.
The Rise of Northern Soul
Here in the UK, the underground Northern Soul movement of the 1970s was jump started by American soul crossing the channel. If you traveled back to Northern England in the 1970s, you’d find sweaty basement clubs bustling with dancing teenagers. Rather than listening to American pop, they were getting down to rare soul records from small American labels. This working-class subculture isn’t a music genre, it’s a movement. 7” singles were added to the Northern Soul cannon after their release, once they’d gained popularity with this subculture. The only specification: a high tempo that allowed for the iconic Northern Soul style dancing.
How valuable are soul records?
In 2019, records started outselling CDs for the first time since 1986. Since this vinyl resurgence, loyal record listeners have been eyeing their collections for a rare soul find that could get a sizeable valuation. Likewise, new fans want to know how much soul records are really worth, and which ones are worth buying.
When looking for rare soul records, keep your eye on our singles rack. As explained above, 7” singles are more commonplace than LPs because of the music genre’s popularity as dance music. Back in the day, DJs were buying the singles, which also explains why so many soul LPs are compilations. If you’re on the lookout for a soul gem, make sure to dig through our singles rack, and check out our collection of rare 45’s.
Rare Motown singles
So, if you have some soul singles hanging about, it’s worth checking their value – some of the genre’s singles have broken records at auction. In 2014, Darrel Bank’s Northern Soul classic ‘Open the Door to your Heart’ sold at auction for £20,169. Originally recorded in 1965, the single garnered such a high value because it was withdrawn by Motown before its official release – when it was discovered by collectors a decade ago, it was dubbed the ‘rarest record in the world’. Six years later, an English collector paid £100,000 for Frank Wilson’s ‘I Love You (Indeed I Do)’.
Buy and sell soul records at Clocktower Records
If all this soul talk is making you fancy some new additions for your vinyl collection, come have a dig through our shelves in Bridport. Here at Clocktower Records, our shelves are frequently being restocked with soul classics. From compilations of party pleaser anthems to smooth Motown, come and find your next soul favourite from as little as £4. If you have soul records to sell, bring them in to Clocktower Records, who knows they may be worth something! https://clocktowerrecords.co.uk/rare-record-collections-continue-to-be-brought-into-clocktower-records-for-sale-and-trade/
