Rock and roll in the 70s was Southern, hard, Urban, and or California in nature, but we rarely salute the great Soul Rockers of the 70s. We’re going to take two days to recognize the incredible contributions of ‘Soul Rockers From the 70s.’
The Chicago born Earth Wind and Fire was so far ahead it’s time, driven by a horn section that only rivaled their natural born competitors ‘Chicago.’ ‘EWF’ could lay down those guitar riffs (‘Got to Get You Into My Life” and “Shining Star” are great rock-soul examples.
‘Sly & The Family Stone’ was at the top of the list, with “Take you Higher” and ‘Dance to the Music” were rocking songs that made all the British bands take notice. “Higher” was the envy of every garage band in Rockford, IL.
Sure, the Motown era started to cool in the 70s with its move to Los Angeles, but the ‘Temptations’ took new rock production values and gave us “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and “Psychedelic Shack” were as much rock songs as they were soul tunes. Thank Norman Whitfield for the sound. His ear took the soul 70s by storm.
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