Articles for category: Soul

4 June 2025

Content Staff

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967)

Background “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” famously performed by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and released in 1967, emerged from the songwriting powerhouse of Ashford & Simpson, who were at the forefront of Motown’s creative force during the late 1960s. It wasn’t initially crafted for Gaye and Terrell, but after its initial recording by The Valadiers went largely unnoticed, the song was re-imagined for the duo, transforming it into a signature hit and an enduring anthem of love and devotion. This wasn’t a simple re-recording; it was a reinterpretation, tailored to highlight the unique chemistry and vocal talents of Gaye

4 June 2025

Content Staff

My Guy – Mary Wells (1964)

My Guy – Mary Wells (1964)

Background “My Guy,” famously performed by Mary Wells and released in 1964, emerged from the Motown songwriting and production team of Smokey Robinson, who also crafted the song’s distinctive sound. It was a deliberate and targeted effort by Robinson to create a signature song for Wells, showcasing her unique vocal talents and projecting a confident and independent image, a departure from some of her earlier, more vulnerable portrayals. The song wasn’t just a commercially driven endeavor; it was a meticulously crafted showcase, designed to elevate Wells to the forefront of Motown’s female artists. This also marked a significant turning point

4 June 2025

Content Staff

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted – Jimmy Ruffin (1966)

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted – Jimmy Ruffin (1966)

Background “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,” famously performed by Jimmy Ruffin and released in 1966, emerged from the songwriting talents of the Motown team of James Dean, Paul Riser and William Weatherspoon. This was not a song initially crafted for Ruffin, but after it had been turned down by other artists, it was offered to him, and he then transformed it into a signature track, showcasing his unique vocal style and his ability to convey profound vulnerability and emotional depth. The song is a carefully constructed piece of soul music, designed to elicit a strong emotional response in the listener.

4 June 2025

Content Staff

Hey There Lonely Girl – Eddie Holman (1969)

Hey There Lonely Girl – Eddie Holman (1969)

Background “Hey There Lonely Girl,” famously performed by Eddie Holman and released in 1969, has a somewhat complex and interesting history. The song was actually written by Earl Shuman and Leon Carr, and originally recorded in 1963 by Ruby and the Romantics under the title “Hey There Lonely Boy.” While the original version had some success, it was Holman’s rendition that transformed the song into a soul classic and a signature hit for him. This wasn’t a simple cover; it was a reinterpretation, infused with Holman’s unique vocal style and a more sophisticated arrangement, designed to showcase his incredible range

28 May 2025

Content Staff

She’s Gone – Hall & Oates (1973)

She’s Gone – Hall & Oates (1973)

She’s Gone Hall & Oates (1973) Background “She’s Gone” is one of the seminal tracks by the American musical duo Hall & Oates, released in 1973 as part of their debut album, Abandoned Luncheonette. Composed by Daryl Hall, the song has since become one of the duo’s signature pieces, showcasing their ability to blend rock and soul influences into a unique sound that would later define their career. Hall & Oates, consisting of Daryl Hall (vocals, keyboards) and John Oates (guitar, vocals), formed their partnership in the late 1960s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their collaboration was born out of a mutual