The Northern Soul Podcast

Manhattan Meets Manc-hattan: Two Cities, One SoulTonight, we're bringing together two great cities with one extraordinary love of soul music.First, New York City – Manhattan – the home of legendary record labels, recording studios, songwriters and some of the finest soul artists of the 1960s.Then across the Atlantic to Manchester, affectionately known as Manc-hattan, where a generation of music lovers discovered, embraced and championed the sounds of American soul.From the legendary Twisted Wheel to the lesser-known clubs of Manchester, we explore how obscure American recordings, many of which had failed commercially in their homeland, found a completely new audience on British dance floors.We'll explore the music of New York, the independent record labels, the forgotten artists and the remarkable contribution made by Manchester's DJs, dancers and record collectors.Because sometimes the biggest hits aren't the ones that matter most.Somewhere in America, somebody made a record. Somewhere in Manchester, somebody heard it. And decades later, we're still playing it.Two cities. One passion. Unlimited possibilities of soul.

Secret Cities :The lost Soul – Five Cities, One Northern Feeling Tonight, we take a musical journey across America, exploring five cities with very different sounds but one thing in common – great soul music.From the raw, driving rhythms of Detroit to the soulful sounds of Chicago and the sophistication of Philadelphia, we then head south to discover the unmistakable New Orleans groove and the deep, gritty soul of Memphis.Along the way, we uncover forgotten voices, independent record labels and some extraordinary records that deserve to be heard again.These aren't just the familiar hits. They're the lesser-known sounds, the rare discoveries and the records that slipped through the cracks of musical history.We may be travelling south on the map, but the feeling remains one hundred per cent Northern Soul.Five cities, five musical personalities, and a collection of soul records waiting to be rediscovered.Forget the map. Get lost in the music.

Travel back to the sixties and early seventies as we explore the soul cities of America — the places, independent labels and forgotten artists that helped shape the sound of soul music.From the vocal harmonies of New York City to the raw, gospel-driven sound of Memphis, we're travelling across America in search of rare records, overlooked B-sides and hidden gems that deserve to be heard.Featuring music connected to Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York and Memphis, this episode goes beyond the obvious classics to uncover the stories behind the sounds.Hear the likes of Debbie Taylor and James Carr alongside other artists whose talent sometimes deserved far more recognition than commercial success ever brought them.No hype, no predictable playlists — just great soul music, fascinating stories and the records that keep the Northern Soul spirit alive.The Soul Cities of America: Rare Records & Forgotten Voices.Keep the faith. Keep digging. Keep the soul alive.

Soul City Secrets: Rare and Forgotten American Soul Somewhere in America, a soul record was made that the world never got to hear. A singer poured their heart into a performance, musicians laid down the groove, and a small independent label pressed a handful of copies. Then, for years, the music disappeared into the shadows. Tonight, we’re bringing some of those records back to life. On This Is Northern Soul , we’re crossing America’s soul cities, exploring the independent labels and discovering extraordinary artists whose music was overlooked, forgotten or never released at all. From obscure original singles to recordings rescued from the vaults decades later, every track has a story — and every one deserves a listen. Some were made for the charts. Others were destined to become dancefloor treasures thousands of miles from home, cherished by Northern Soul collectors who knew there was something special hidden in the grooves. These are the lost voices, the rare pressings and the music that refused to disappear. America’s forgotten soul — rare, real and ready to be heard.

Join us for another edition of Soul Cities After Dark, where tonight it's all about discovery — rare records, forgotten artists and the sounds that deserve to be heard again.From the driving rhythms of Detroit to the West Coast soul of Los Angeles and beyond, we're exploring a hand-picked soundtrack of American soul, bringing together different cities, independent labels and distinctive sounds.Featuring artists including Larry Atkins, The Remarkables, Ty Karim, Deana Lucas, Kenny and The Soul Gents, this episode celebrates the lesser-known side of soul music — the records that may have slipped under the radar when first released but found a new home among Northern Soul dancers and collectors.No obvious classics, no predictable playlist — just great soul music, fascinating discoveries and records with stories still waiting to be told.Different cities. Different sounds. One shared passion: soul.Tune in, turn it up, and discover something new on Soul Cities After Dark.

The Rare Soul Special: Tonight on Soul Cities After Dark, we're bringing together the sounds of Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, and beyond for a very special journey into the deeper side of soul music.Following our previous explorations of America's great soul cities, this episode takes a different approach. We're digging into the archives to uncover rare recordings, overlooked B-sides, forgotten releases, and lesser-known gems that deserve to be heard.Featuring a hand-picked selection of outstanding soul from artists including Vernon Garrett, Bettye Swann, Clifford Curry, the Delfonics, Timmy Willis, Celeste Hardie, James Carr, and more, this is a programme that moves between the distinctive sounds of different cities and labels, bringing together records that rarely share the same playlist.From the driving rhythms of Detroit and the smooth sophistication of Philadelphia and Los Angeles to the deep, gospel-rooted soul of Memphis, there's something special waiting in every groove.These are the records that remind us why soul music continues to fascinate collectors, DJs, and Northern Soul enthusiasts around the world. Beyond the famous hits and familiar names lies a wealth of extraordinary music, much of it overlooked for decades.Four cities. Countless hidden gems. One unforgettable soul journey.Join us for a very special edition of Soul Cities After Dark, celebrating the rare, the obscure, and the wonderfully unexpected side of soul music.

Soul Cities: Philadelphia – The Forgotten Side of Philly Soul Tonight on Soul Cities, we travel to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, to uncover a different side of its legendary soul music heritage. Before Gamble and Huff, MFSB and the Three Degrees made Philadelphia famous around the world, a wealth of independent labels were releasing fantastic soul records, many of which never received the recognition they deserved. We're exploring the sounds of Arctic, Philly Groove, Phil-L.A. of Soul and other smaller labels, discovering obscure artists, forgotten vocal groups and driving four-to-the-floor dancers that would later become treasured discoveries on the Northern Soul scene. This is Philadelphia beyond the familiar hits — a journey into the city's sixties soul recordings, where hidden gems, powerful vocals and irresistible rhythms tell another chapter of the story. Join me as we dig deeper into the music, celebrate the unsung artists and discover the records that helped make Philadelphia one of America's great soul cities. Soul Cities — exploring the music beyond the obvious.

Soul Cities: Chicago After Dark – Rare Soul Gems from the Windy City This episode of Soul Cities takes us to Chicago, the Windy City, to explore the rich musical heritage of Chicago soul and its lasting connection with Britain's Northern Soul scene.From the sweet harmonies of Chicago's vocal groups to the driving rhythms, gospel influences and infectious dance-floor sounds of the 1960s and 1970s, we explore the artists and independent record labels that helped shape this distinctive sound.We'll look beyond the obvious hits and familiar classics, digging deeper into the record collections to bring you a selection of rarities, forgotten recordings and lesser-known gems from the city that gave us so much incredible soul music.With legendary labels such as Okeh, Chess, Brunswick, Constellation and Curtom playing their part, Chicago produced a wealth of music that would find a second life on British Northern Soul dance floors.So, if you love rare soul, obscure 45s and the excitement of discovering records that deserve to be heard, join us for a journey into the heart of Chicago soul.

Soul Cities: Washington, D.C. — The Capital of Soul Tonight on Soul Cities, we're heading to Washington, D.C., to explore the rich musical history of America's capital and uncover the soul records that deserve to be heard.Beyond the famous monuments and political corridors lies a fascinating story of independent record labels, talented vocal groups, forgotten artists and unforgettable recordings that captured the spirit of American soul.We'll explore the legacy of the legendary Shrine Records, whose rare releases became treasured discoveries among British Northern Soul collectors, alongside the wider regional story of Ru-Jac Records and the independent labels that helped keep soul music alive.Along the way, we'll discover artists including Barbara Long, Winfield Parker, Sir Joe,, alongside many more We'll also step back into Washington's vibrant nightlife, exploring the theatres, clubs and live music venues that helped create a thriving soul scene during the 1960s and beyond.From rare Northern Soul discoveries to smooth vocal harmonies and heartfelt deep soul, these recordings tell the story of artists whose music deserves to be remembered. Some found recognition in their own time, while others were rediscovered years later by dedicated collectors and DJs.Join us as we explore the artists, labels and hidden gems that reveal another side of Washington, D.C. — a city with a soul story all of its own. Washington, D.C. — the capital of America, and a city of soul after dark.

Soul Cities: Detroit — The Motor City of Soul Detroit gave the world Motown, but there was another side to the Motor City’s soul story — a world of independent record labels, talented singers, innovative producers and extraordinary records that often slipped beneath the mainstream radar.In this episode of Soul Cities, we travel into the heart of Detroit to explore the music beyond the familiar Motown hits. From Ric-Tic, Golden World and Revilot to the legendary work of Pied Piper Productions, we uncover the artists and recordings that helped define Detroit’s rich and diverse soul sound.Featuring artists including Edwin Starr, J.J. Barnes, the Fantastic Four, the Reflections and Gino Washington, we celebrate the music that captured the spirit of a city and went on to find a devoted audience among rare soul collectors and Northern Soul fans in Britain.These are the sounds of driving rhythms, soaring vocals, infectious melodies and independent labels competing to make their mark. Some records found success at the time; others had to wait years before receiving the recognition they deserved.Join us for a journey through Detroit’s musical streets, discovering the stories behind the records and celebrating the hidden gems that make the Motor City one of the most important soul cities in America.Detroit: beyond Motown, beyond the hits, and straight to the soul.

Seven Cities : Join me on a journey through the soul cities of America as we uncover seven terrific tracks and the stories behind the artists who brought them to life.From the legendary sounds of Detroit to the streets of New York, this episode explores the singers, groups, independent record labels and hidden gems that helped shape American soul music. Some of these records may be familiar, while others are long-overlooked treasures that deserve a much wider audience.We'll discover the music that slipped under the radar when it was first released, the artists who never quite received the recognition they deserved, and the records that travelled across the Atlantic to find a second life on Britain's Northern Soul dance floors.Because behind every great soul record, there's a story — and sometimes the most fascinating ones belong to the records the world nearly forgot.Seven cities. Seven artists. Seven terrific tracks. And a whole lot of soul.Welcome to The Soul Cities — celebrating the music, the memories and the magic of American soul.

Soul Cities After Dark: America's Hidden Soul Treasures Tonight on This Is Northern Soul , we're taking a journey through the soul cities of America, uncovering the rare records, forgotten voices and independent labels that helped shape the music we love. From Detroit's gritty soul sound to Chicago's rich vocal harmonies, and from the sounds of Philadelphia to the wider world of American rhythm and blues, we're exploring the stories behind the artists who may never have become household names, but left us with some truly remarkable records. Featuring artists and groups including Bobby Wells, Paul Sindab, the Fantastic Four, the Vontastics, , George Smith and many more, we'll look beyond the music to discover the people, places and labels behind these recordings. Some records were overlooked when they first appeared; others found a second life years later on British Northern Soul dance floors, where dedicated DJs and collectors recognised something special. These are stories of small record companies, local music scenes, unforgettable voices and records that travelled thousands of miles to find their audience. So settle in as we explore America's hidden soul treasures, one artist, one city and one record at a time. This is This Is Northern Soul — celebrating the music, the stories and the records that deserve to be heard.

The Golden Torch: Taking Away the Myth Tonight on This Is Northern Soul , we're heading to Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, to revisit one of the most legendary venues in Northern Soul history: the Golden Torch. But this time, we're looking beyond the legend. How much of the story is fact, and how much has grown through years of memories and retelling? We explore the all-nighters, the packed rooms, the atmosphere, the DJs and, most importantly, the music that made the Torch so special. From rare American soul discoveries to the artists who performed live, including Major Lance's unforgettable appearance in December 1972, we uncover what really made this venue matter. The Torch wasn't perfect, and it didn't need to be. Its legacy was built on the records, the dancing, the people and the excitement of discovering something extraordinary. No rose-tinted glasses. No knocking the legend. Just the music, the memories and the real story of the Golden Torch.

The Golden Torch: Taking Away the Myth Tonight on This Is Northern Soul , we're heading to Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, to revisit one of the most legendary venues in Northern Soul history: the Golden Torch. But this time, we're looking beyond the legend. How much of the story is fact, and how much has grown through years of memories and retelling? We explore the all-nighters, the packed rooms, the atmosphere, the DJs and, most importantly, the music that made the Torch so special. From rare American soul discoveries to the artists who performed live, including Major Lance's unforgettable appearance in December 1972, we uncover what really made this venue matter. The Torch wasn't perfect, and it didn't need to be. Its legacy was built on the records, the dancing, the people and the excitement of discovering something extraordinary. No rose-tinted glasses. No knocking the legend. Just the music, the memories and the real story of the Golden Torch.

The Twisted Wheel: Whitworth Street — Opening Night, 1965 Manchester, September 1965. A new chapter begins as the legendary Twisted Wheel moves from Brazennose Street to its new home on Whitworth Street. Tonight, we step back in time and walk through the doors of one of Manchester's most iconic music clubs. Past the coffee bar, down the stairs and into the basement, where live bands, adventurous DJs and a crowd hungry for something different came together around the sounds of American rhythm and blues, Motown and soul. Imagine the atmosphere: the dark surroundings, the distinctive twisted bicycle wheels surrounding the DJ's booth, the small stage, the packed rooms and the records arriving from across the Atlantic. These were the early days of a club that would help shape the culture we now know as Northern Soul. We're turning the clock back to explore the music, the people and the atmosphere that made the Twisted Wheel so special, featuring soul records from the era and beyond that tell the story of its developing sound. Before the legend, there was a club, a dancefloor and a passion for the music. Welcome to the Twisted Wheel, Whitworth Street. Manchester, 1965. Let's get on that dancefloor.

Tonight, we dig deeper into the Northern Soul record box to rediscover the overlooked tracks, forgotten dancers and hidden gems that rarely make it onto today's playlists. These are records that deserve a second chance. From the soulful sounds of Sean Oliver and Reggie Alexander to the wonderful voices of Freda Payne, Donald Jenkins and the Delighters, Jon Lucien and Bettye LaVette, we're exploring the lesser-heard side of soul music. It's all about rarity, rediscovery and that special feeling when a record makes you wonder why it isn't played more often. Not every great soul record becomes a classic, and not every classic needs to be played every night. And as we bring our Secret Soul journey to a close, we turn to one of my personal favourites, the great Major Lance, with “Too Hot to Hold”. Forgotten sounds. Hidden soul. Northern Soul discoveries. Because some records deserve another spin. Welcome to Tonight's Secret Soul Playlist.

Seven Lost Pieces of Northern Soul it's the Seventh of October — and tonight we’re digging deep into the lost and forgotten side of Northern Soul.Seven tracks. Seven rare pieces of soul that slipped through the cracks, disappeared from view, or simply never received the attention they deserved.From Detroit to Texas, from Southern soul to obscure dancefloor favourites, this is thirty minutes of rare vocals, driving rhythms and records you may not have heard before.No obvious classics. No overplayed favourites.Just seven lost pieces of Northern Soul, rescued from the shelves and given another spin.Turn it up, settle in, and see if you discover a new favourite.

Tonight, we’re getting lost in the Northern Scene.A journey into the vintage soul of the 1960s, uncovering lost classics, forgotten favourites and records that somehow slipped through the cracks.From Detroit and Chicago to Philadelphia and beyond, these are the sounds that capture the magic of the era — beautiful voices, driving rhythms, timeless melodies and that unmistakable feel-good quality you only get from great sixties soul.Featuring Ruby Andrews, Eddie Holman, Bernie Williams, Carol Anderson, John Bowie, Fortson & Scott and more.No obvious anthems. No predictable choices. Just great soul records waiting to be discovered.Turn it up and come with us as we dig deep into the lost side of the Northern Scene.

Tonight, we’re going uptown, upbeat and up north with a selection of stomping soul — seven Northern Soul favourites packed with groove, rhythm, energy and that unmistakable Northern beat.Before podcasts, playlists and streaming, When I was a club DJ, my job was simple: make people move. It wasn’t enough to play a good record. You needed the right sound to get the dancefloor going.And stomping soul dancing was a spectacle in itself — fast feet, spins, kicks, drops and incredible energy, with dancers giving everything they had while the DJ kept the records coming.Tonight’s Magnificent Seven takes us through some fantastic soul records and the artists behind them, from Detroit and Memphis to the Northern Soul dancefloors of Britain.Turn it up, find yourself a bit of space and get ready for some serious stomping soul.The Magnificent Seven — Uptown, Upbeat & Up North.

What makes a Northern Soul Masterclass? It’s got to be obscure. It’s got to have the beat, the drive and, above all, that unmistakable Northern Soul feeling. Tonight, we’re digging deep for records that slipped under the radar — forgotten artists, unreleased recordings and tracks that spent years hiding away before being discovered by the Northern Soul scene.From The Platters and Gigi & the Charmaines to The Squires and The Sharpies, these are records with stories of their own — music recorded decades ago, but given a completely new life on British dance floors.No obvious classics. No overplayed favourites.Just great soul records waiting to be discovered.This is Northern Soul Masterclass — Hidden in the Groove