Northern Soul is a music and dance movement that emerged in the late 1960s in Northern England, particularly in cities like Manchester and Wigan. It revolves around a love for rare, upbeat American soul records, often from lesser-known Motown-inspired artists of the 1960s. These records, with their driving beats and emotional vocals, became the soundtrack for energetic, acrobatic dancing at clubs like the Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca. Northern Soul culture is marked by its dedicated following, with enthusiasts collecting obscure vinyl, perfecting unique dance moves, and embracing a retro fashion style, including baggy trousers and polo shirts. It remains a vibrant subculture, celebrated for its passion and sense of community.
Northern Soul works brilliantly at weddings because it’s a genre that’s upbeat, soulful, and packed with energy—perfect for filling the dance floor. The songs have a timeless quality, appealing to a wide range of guests, from older generations who may remember the original tracks to younger ones who can’t resist the infectious rhythms. The high-energy dance moves associated with Northern Soul add a fun, dynamic vibe, often inspiring a bit of friendly competition among guests. Plus, its mix of emotional lyrics and feel-good beats makes it ideal for a celebration of love and unity. It’s versatile, too—whether you drop a classic like Frank Wilson’s Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) or an irresistible groove like Tainted Love by Gloria Jones, you’ll have everyone clapping, spinning, and smiling, and these are some further examples of dance floor bangers I use:
My Top 10 Northern Soul bangers
- Twenty Five Miles – Edwin Starr
- Soul Time – Shirley Ellis
- Landslide – Tony Clarke
- The Snake – Al Wilson
- Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) – Frank Wilson
- Tainted Love – Gloria Jones
- Move on Up – Curtis Mayfield
- Let’s Wade In The Water – Marlena Shaw
- (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Jackie Wilson
- This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)
Do you need a DJ?
Do you need an excellent, experienced DJ who can rock your wedding party, birthday party, or corporate event with all the best Northern Soul bangers? If so, please do get in touch, I would love to have a chat with you.