70's Soul: The "Other" Music from the Disco Era

Major Contributions of Black Music in the 1970's

Sep 25, 2009

During the 1970's, disco music was all the rage. Disco dominated the decade so heavily, until people forget the important, and still relevant contributions of 70's Soul.

"I love music, any kind of music," just as the O'Jay's sang, people around the world love music. However, it seems that music from the 70’s is held in low regard. Surely, this lack of respect for 70’s music is directly related to the perceived “cheesiness” of disco. Although disco is the music genre that dominated the 70’s, disco was not the only game in town. 70’s soul music was alive and thriving, in a higher, multi-dimensional class.

Major Players of 70’s Soul Music

70’s soul music performers like Al Green, Barry White, and Bobby Womack, and groups like The Delfonics, Earth, Wind & Fire, and The Stylistics, helped to sketch out a portrait of the black experience in America during the 1970’s. Groups like The Spinners and The O’Jays carried over well from the 60’s to the 70’s, while other groups like The Temptations and The Four Tops were not quite as successful during the transition.

Philadelphia Sound in 70’s Soul Music

At the heart of 70’s soul music was two distinct musical styles, Philadelphia Sound was one of those styles. Philadelphia Sound, or Philly Soul , can be distinguished by its hallmark strong male lead supported by a lavish instrumental arrangement, and a melodic tune. The Philadelphia Sound can be heard clearly on The Stylistics 1971 hit, “You Are Everything,” The Spinners 1973 hit, “I’ll Be Around,” and The O’Jays 1972 hit, “Back Stabbers.”

Funk in 70’s Soul Music

The other musical style at the heart of 70’s soul music was Funk. Funk was much like Philadelphia Sound, but in addition to the male lead and instrumental arrangement, Funk emphasized a pulsating beat, and a powerful horn section. No other 70’s soul group captured the essence of Funk like Earth, Wind & Fire. If you listen to the group’s 1976 hit, “Getaway,” you will discover what Funk is all about.

To be fair, soul music gave birth to disco. Disco was not “bad” music perse, the issue was with its culture. Disco was closely related to the gay nightclub scene, and people were not as culturally diverse then as they are now (such that they are); whatever the reason, 70’s music often illicits a dismissive response. Still, for many people, 70’s music represents 70’s soul, and 70’s soul is among the most beloved and influential music genres of all time.

The copyright of the article 70's Soul: The "Other" Music from the Disco Era in Soul Music is owned by Rachelle Williams. Permission to republish 70's Soul: The "Other" Music from the Disco Era in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.