northern soul
what it is
Northern soul is a type of mid-tempo and uptempo heavy-beat soul music (of mainly African American origin) that was popularized in Northern England from the mid 1960s onwards. The term also refers to the associated dance styles and fashions that emanated from the Twisted Wheel club in Manchester and spread to other dancehalls and nightclubs, such as the Golden Torch (in Stoke-upon-Trent), the Highland Rooms at the Blackpool Mecca and the Wigan Casino. Northern soul dancing was usually athletic, resembling the later dance styles of disco and break dancing.
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questions
What is northern soul?
Northern soul is a type of mid-tempo and uptempo heavy-beat soul music (of mainly African American origin) that was popularized in Northern England from the mid 1960s onwards. The term also refers to the associated dance styles and fashions that emanated from the Twisted Wheel club in Manchester and spread to other dancehalls and nightclubs, such as the Golden Torch (in Stoke-upon-Trent), the Highland Rooms at the Blackpool Mecca and the Wigan Casino. Northern soul dancing was usually athletic, resembling the later dance styles of disco and break dancing.
What are good northern soul albums to start with?
Try The Complete Introduction To Northern Soul by Various Artists, The Cream Of Northern Soul by Dee Edwards, Sliced Tomatoes - EP by Just Brothers, and Ain't Nothin But a House Party by Showstoppers/Virgil Henry/Festivals/The Devonnes/Kenny Gamble.
Who are some women making northern soul?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/northern-soul/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making northern soul, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20