The Best Soul Groups From the 70s

Here are the best ‘Soul Groups from the 70s’ that we believe deserve recognition today.

Earth Wind & Fire is the quintessential group from the late 60s and early 70s, originally from Chicago. Maurice White, one of the original members of the band, passed away not long ago. The band earned countless Grammy and Billboard awards, BET and Soul Train accolades, selling nearly 100 million albums. The band’s original name was ‘The Salty Peppers,’ but thankfully Maurice was fascinated with the signs of the Zodiac.

The band’s saxophonist Don Myrick was mistakenly shot by a police officer in 1993.

Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes from Philadelphia was one of the best 70s soul band around, with hits like “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “The Love I Lost,” and “Wake Up Everybody” leading the way to fame and fortune. Teddy Pendergrass was the original ‘Blue Notes’ singer, but died in 2010 due to the effects of a tragic car accident which left him in a wheel chair; Harold replaced Teddy in the 70s.

Chaka Kahn and Rufus had tons of hits in the early 70s, from “Sweet Child,” “Once You Get Started,” and “I Feel For You.” Chaka was born Yvette Marie Stevens so we appreciate the name change.


Photo credit: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com