50 Key Landmark Moments In Northern Soul History

[Derek Pearson]

My nominee for a key defining moment was when this man decided buying soul records to resell was gonna be his career.

John Anderson, Record Dealer Extraordinaire - come out of the shadows, step forward, take a bow and accept deserved massive applause and respect.

That man alone must've been responsible for importing tons and tons and tons (literally) of soul records onto these shores.

Now I imagine some people were probably bringing soul records into the UK before him but once he got into his stride he elevated it up to an industrial scale.

He helped fuel the rapidly expanding northern soul scene in the 1970's by his discovery of previously unheard off soul 45s which DJ's eagerly consumed to keep their playlists fresh and exclusive.

Can you ever get enough vinyl?

derek x

[Russ Vickers]

My nominee for a key defining moment was when this man decided buying soul records to resell was gonna be his career.

John Anderson, Record Dealer Extraordinaire - come out of the shadows, step forward, take a bow and accept deserved massive applause and respect.

That man alone must've been responsible for importing tons and tons and tons (literally) of soul records onto these shores.

Now I imagine some people were probably bringing soul records into the UK before him but once he got into his stride he elevated it up to an industrial scale.

He helped fuel the rapidly expanding northern soul scene in the 1970's by his discovery of previously unheard off soul 45s which DJ's eagerly consumed to keep their playlists fresh and exclusive.

Can you ever get enough vinyl?

derek x

Absolutely spot on......has got to be one of the key components that kept the scene fuelled with fresh exciting records on a WEEKLY basis for many years.

Nice one Derek

Best Russ

[Theothertosspot]

Strongly agree with last two entries. And after JA had serviced DJ's he din't rip you off with selling you the same vinyl at over-inflated prices

[Daved]

Feb 1997 - First Togetherness allnighter at the Kings Hall, Stoke opens, attracting more than 1500 people.

The line-up includes the top DJs in the country at that time in both northern and modern soul rooms. It was the start of a new type of brand of northern soul spawning weekenders and CD compilations. It attracted a huge number of returnees to the scene and also led to the continuation of popular oldies events. The modern room was great while it lasted!

January 2002 – The first allnighter at the Rocket, London opens to huge controversy. A bitter war of words ensued between the promoters of other London nights and the lead DJ of this event. After less than two years, it crashed and burnt.

[Russ Vickers]

Feb 1997 - First Togetherness allnighter at the Kings Hall, Stoke opens, attracting more than 1500 people, deliberatly clashing with Winsford, who incidently also had full house.

Russ

[Mike]

as always a wide wide range of suggestions

a few knocking round in my head, first issue of black echoes?, first official cd comp? first boot?, first reissue label, first tailormade, day most expensive 45 sold, first 4fig on ebay

first northern website ?

anyone wanna put the flesh on some of the above or come up with any more...

[Winnie :-)]

as always a wide wide range of suggestions

a few knocking round in my head, first issue of black echoes?, first official cd comp? first boot?, first reissue label, first tailormade, day most expensive 45 sold, first 4fig on ebay

first northern website ?

anyone wanna put the flesh on some of the above or come up with any more...

When I first typed northern soul into google in the nineties, the first web sites it came up with were Mick Fitzpatrick's Night Owl, which lead to KTF and Martin Thompson's soul-a-go-go, don't know if they were the first, but both were very influential at that time. Met some great people through both

[Mike]

When I first typed northern soul into google in the nineties, the first web sites it came up with were Mick Fitzpatrick's Night Owl, which lead to KTF and Martin Thompson's soul-a-go-go, don't know if they were the first, but both were very influential at that time. Met some great people through both

i think there was a german site who claimed to be the first - though memory say it was just a static one or three pages affair ?

northern-soul.de ?

glyn williams had one which was one of the first - I cant remember the name now

featured edwin starr interviews etc

[Winnie :-)]

i think there was a german site who claimed to be the first - though memory say it was just a static one or three pages affair ?

northern-soul.de ?

glyn williams had one which was one of the first - I cant remember the name now

featured edwin starr interviews etc

I vaguely remember the German site, not sure what you mean by static, but it never seemed to get updated

[Ady Croasdell]

as always a wide wide range of suggestions a few knocking round in my head, first issue of black echoes?, first official cd comp? first boot?, first reissue label, first tailormade, day most expensive 45 sold, first 4fig on ebay first northern website ? anyone wanna put the flesh on some of the above or come up with any more...

First Northern boot was Jeff King's Old Soul label The Poets She Blew A Good Thing about 1970/71, it came out when the Harboro nighter was running

[Citizen P]

May 4th-1956.

Me Born

If that had never happened, I'da missed an awful lot

T

[soulsalmon]

May 4th-1956.

Me Born

If that had never happened, I'da missed an awful lot

T

I thought you were knitted by the elven folk & left as a changeling on some doorstep

[Wiggyflat]

First Northern boot was Jeff King's Old Soul label The Poets She Blew A Good Thing about 1970/71, it came out when the Harboro nighter was running

Blues And Soul Sept 10th-23rd 1971 funnily enough the issue where Dave Godin visits the Mecca......I bet his replacements were all on black and white labels

Edited October 4, 2011 by wiggyflat

[MrsWoodsrules]

Black Echoes getting a bit of overhype here me thinks, I was a subscriber through the 70's & if my memory serves correct, had to go right to the back for about 2 small articles on the current northern scene, always hidden away and fairly cr@p most weeks, the homemade fanzines that used to crop up were always more informative & very humorous to boot!, can't remember the titles though?

Back on subject, key moments: not in any order & these are personal recollections.

1. First time I heard Dickie spin Cecil Washington (then Joe matthews) at the Casino.

2. The obvious split in the scene as encountered at the Ritz All Dayers with Levine & Curtis & co.

3. I heard a rumour of someone paying an obscene amount of money for The Jades & couldnt get my head round it.

4. The day Mrs Woods deemed me old enough to get in an all nighter, after previously being refused entry for an earlies session for underage & spending the evening on Wigan station while my mates went in.

5. Shaking hands with Edwin Starr.

Last, but no means least, getting a reply on this very site from a certain Lorraine Chandler, never thought that would happen when I was shuffling on my front room carpet, to I can't change, in me brogues, petrol blue parallels & Fred P @ the tender age of 14.

Happy days indeed.

[arnie j]

for me it would have to be the formation of the 60s mafia at stafford in the early 80s,those guys struck at the very core of my soul and gave me a passion and excitement that i will never forget,it was like a scene within a scene and a very magical time for me,i am fully aware that there are many,many more historical moments of this scene but this would be my personal defining moment

jason

[Guest welshruss]

Summer of 79 (i think ! ) watching Jnr Walker blowing everyone away at my teams ground - Wrexham Football Club - live to a full house..on a Sunday after a "hectic" night in Wigan....and we were all sat on the pitch (sic)...great day tho.

Edited October 4, 2011 by welshruss

[Geeselad]

I would say this wouldn't I

DECEMBER 9TH 1972,MAJOR LANCE LIVE AT THE TORCH

Not just because of the well documented atmosphere on the night --but the first time a live album had been cut from an act at a northern soul all nighter..

just what I was thinking, and I wasnt there!

[Guest keithh]

The year before Dave Godin visited the Wheel, in August 1970 he wrote an article entitled (I think) 'The Up North Soul Groove', in which he highlighted the tracks that were getting plays. As a fairly new Soul fan in London, more used to hearing the latest James Brown, I was intrigued by the sides he spoke of, none of which I was familiar with, and it made me go looking for them. This was the first time I had ever heard mention of a Northern scene.

[Ady Croasdell]

Blues And Soul Sept 10th-23rd 1971 funnily enough the issue where Dave Godin visits the Mecca......I bet his replacements were all on black and white labels

Funnily enough I didn't remember the anti-Jeff King campaign by B&S. Soul Sounds was his second label and was an interesting variety of coloured labels.

OOTP were black and white and came from Selecta Disc in Nottingham I think.

[Guest gordon russell]

The year before Dave Godin visited the Wheel, in August 1970 he wrote an article entitled (I think) 'The Up North Soul Groove', in which he highlighted the tracks that were getting plays. As a fairly new Soul fan in London, more used to hearing the latest James Brown, I was intrigued by the sides he spoke of, none of which I was familiar with, and it made me go looking for them. This was the first time I had ever heard mention of a Northern scene.

this is where a simple term coined by Mr Godin the soul they play up north or different soul to down south " northern soul " a rather daft name taken out of context.....which these days is synonomous with all things commercial about the music and scene

Edited October 5, 2011 by gordon russell

[Julianb]

1971 Dave Godin visits the Twisted Wheel, and writes a coulmn piece in Blues and Soul magazine.

Dave visited the Wheel on 12th Dec 1970 ( I have a postcard from him stating 'Will see you at the GoGo (TW) this saturday (12th) for sure! Right on now. Dave.

His article came out in Jan 1971

Julian

[Guest Barry Holland]

I recorded this at Yarmouth from the radio......some tracks from Butch as well

I've still got a couple of tapes myself from this weekender, recorded by Ian from Doncaster (sadly no longer with us), and his wife, Bev. Also went the year before, 1990. Great memories and a great times, Barry, KGB, KTF.

I once saw a video clip yonks ago but not a peep of it since. It had Keb dancing to Temptations - Forever In My Heart, fantastic who of dancing.

It's on a DVD with lots of other clips from soul nights or T.V. programmes, can't remember what it's called though. Barry, KGB, KTF.

[Guest keithh]

Funnily enough I didn't remember the anti-Jeff King campaign by B&S. Soul Sounds was his second label and was an interesting variety of coloured labels.

OOTP were black and white and came from Selecta Disc in Nottingham I think.

Not sure if this is true, but I was told that Major Lance and Otis Leaville were behind OOTP, Major had seen the Northern scene on his visit to the UK. Contempo, owners of B&S magazine used to sell these from their shop in Hanway Street. Did they turn a blind eye to the legality/morality of these records, I can't believe they weren't aware of it. The quality of these were awful.

[John Elias]

1997 my return to the scene

boxing night 1998 ritz Manchester niter

2011 hitsville spain first overseas all niter...2010 sorry

Edited October 5, 2011 by dancingcollector

[Geeselad]

Not sure if this is true, but I was told that Major Lance and Otis Leaville were behind OOTP, Major had seen the Northern scene on his visit to the UK. Contempo, owners of B&S magazine used to sell these from their shop in Hanway Street. Did they turn a blind eye to the legality/morality of these records, I can't believe they weren't aware of it. The quality of these were awful.

I've heard the same tale, Jez..... sure you told me about this!?

[Guest in town Mikey]

I dont think anyone has mentioned the 100 club allnighters? Apologies if I missed it.

Too often I think its taken for granted. For me the #1 spot in the - you dont know what you've got til its gone - chart.

The fact that during the post Stafford era, it was one of a few allnighters that kept the scene going, and the results are on show today. But for me what makes it #1, is the music has never compromised. Its one room. You know you are going to get imaginitive oldies and brand new discoveries alongside some RNB, and if Mick has had enough to drink, an hour of disco ;-)

Its something that the Northern Soul scene is very proud of, and rightly so.

[Julianb]

I've heard the same tale, Jez..... sure you told me about this!?

Not sure if this is true, but I was told that Major Lance and Otis Leaville were behind OOTP, Major had seen the Northern scene on his visit to the UK. Contempo, owners of B&S magazine used to sell these from their shop in Hanway Street. Did they turn a blind eye to the legality/morality of these records, I can't believe they weren't aware of it. The quality of these were awful.

Thought Chris Burton was behind OOTP - I know I used to get them wholesale from him and gave them to Twink to sell at Wigan!

Julian

[Jez Jones]

mmm sure it went via a certain Liverpool DJ.......

....multi quote --doh!!

Edited October 5, 2011 by jez jones

[Dave Moore]

2011 hitsville spain first overseas all niter

That was 2010 you loon!

Regards,

Dave

[John Elias]

That was 2010 you loon!

Regards,

Dave

O.A.P MOMENT :D :D :D :D

[Geeselad]

I dont think anyone has mentioned the 100 club allnighters? Apologies if I missed it.

Too often I think its taken for granted. For me the #1 spot in the - you dont know what you've got til its gone - chart.

The fact that during the post Stafford era, it was one of a few allnighters that kept the scene going, and the results are on show today. But for me what makes it #1, is the music has never compromised. Its one room. You know you are going to get imaginitive oldies and brand new discoveries alongside some RNB, and if Mick has had enough to drink, an hour of disco ;-)

Its something that the Northern Soul scene is very proud of, and rightly so.

Totally agree, without a doubt the most significant venue over the last 25 years and beyond. someone did put down the first kent LP, its hard to divide the two entities.

[Guest Perception]

this is where a simple term coined by Mr Godin the soul they play up north or different soul to down south " northern soul " a rather daft name taken out of context.....which these days is synonomous with all things commercial about the music and scene

Edited October 8, 2011 by Perception

[Steve L]

Er, did we get 50 key landmark moments?

Any volunteers to summarise and put in chronological order?

[Ady Croasdell]

Owzabout the first Northern Weekender run by TAC at Great Yarmouth circa 1990, it started a huge amount of events that go on and multiply to this day.

[Chalky]

Owzabout the first Northern Weekender run by TAC at Great Yarmouth circa 1990, it started a huge amount of events that go on and multiply to this day.

Good shout Ady. First one was 1989. 1990 was first northern soul one, Chuck Jackson etc. still have all the flyers.

[Guest ritchie]

1973 John Peel playing love on a mountain top on his show, 15 year old Londoner listening ......" People in the north of England have been paying extraordinary amounts of money for this record".... Ears prick up ...Journey begins

[Goldsoul]

SoultripUSA

2004 Alexander Patton, Freddie Hughes, The Younghearts, Miles Grayson, Jerry Williams, Frank Wilson, The Sequins, Evie Sands, Jesse Davies, Gwen Owens, Lou Ragland, Jimmy Raye, Greg Perry Sandy Wynns, Dean Courtney, Ernie Andrews, Patti Brooks, Jewel Akens, Fred Smith(Keymen), Sherlie Matthews, Marva Holiday, The Olympics, Jimmy Conwell, Pat and Lolly Vegas(Chartmaker/AGC), Howard Johnson.

06 The Intruders, Timothy Wilson, The Persuaders, Tymes, Escorts, Louise Murray, Cindy Scott, Harthon Productions, Del-Larks, Connie Questell, Soul Shakers, Spellbinders, Ad Libs, Adams Apples, Don Gardner, Kenny Gamble, Orlons, Four Perfections, Joe Tarsia, Ray Dahrouge, Billy Terrell, Sandra Philips, Trade Martin, Laura Lee.

09 Mel Britt, Jackie Ross, Sonny Sanders, Willie Henderson, Mill Evans, Lou Pride, Jimmy Burns,Jo Ann Garrett, Carl Carlton, Contours, Capitols, Notations, Trends, Channel 3, Visitors,

Martha Reeves, Frances Nero, Deon Jackson,

John Colley, Steelers, Samotta Acklin, Carl Davies.

011 The Embers, Epitome of Sound, Timmy Thomas, Glories, Willie Clarke, Detroit Soul, Jock Mitchell, Spyder Turner.

Plus around 100 additional Northern Soul producers and artists.

Promoted by Goldsoul.

Worth an inclusion?

[Derek Pearson]

Back on subject, key moments: not in any order & these are personal recollections.

1. First time I heard Dickie spin Cecil Washington (then Joe matthews) at the Casino.

Would have loved to have been there that night when Cecil first came out of the box.

I was attending regularly around this period (1979-81) and I know the effect this record caused when the intro kicked in.

First night play! Damn I'm slightly jealous.....

Would love to hear Richard's side of the story regarding its purchase.

Summat like this I guess:

John Anderson on the phone to Mister Searling "Er Richard I've got this unknown northern record that I think you'll like....."

Wouldn't you love to have been there and seen the reaction when JA first played it to RS.

Phew hose me down with cold water.

Derek

Assuming it was JA that sold CW To RS....

[Missing Link]

Thought Chris Burton was behind OOTP - I know I used to get them wholesale from him and gave them to Twink to sell at Wigan!

Julian

I'm pretty sure you're right with that. Wasn't it part of his 'International Soul Club' set-up?

The Out Of The Past labels, as far as I can remember, were either bluey green, blue or orange colours for the initial batch with a shooting star logo. Later releases were white labels were simply called 'OOTP' and had no design.

[Pete S]

I'm pretty sure you're right with that. Wasn't it part of his 'International Soul Club' set-up?

The Out Of The Past labels, as far as I can remember, were either bluey green, blue or orange colours for the initial batch with a shooting star logo. Later releases were white labels were simply called 'OOTP' and had no design.

Also a vivid green for a couple of releases.

Not sure about them being dodgy quality as someone said above - most of them were spot on.

[Missing Link]

Also a vivid green for a couple of releases.

Not sure about them being dodgy quality as someone said above - most of them were spot on.

Yeah that's right - forgot that one. Seem to remember Little Johnny Blair being bright green (the record not him!!).

[MrsWoodsrules]

Would have loved to have been there that night when Cecil first came out of the box.

I was attending regularly around this period (1979-81) and I know the effect this record caused when the intro kicked in.

First night play! Damn I'm slightly jealous.....

Would love to hear Richard's side of the story regarding its purchase.

Summat like this I guess:

John Anderson on the phone to Mister Searling "Er Richard I've got this unknown northern record that I think you'll like....."

Wouldn't you love to have been there and seen the reaction when JA first played it to RS.

Phew hose me down with cold water.

Derek

Assuming it was JA that sold CW To RS....

Yeah, the effect of those first few slow guitar strums at the start would start a stampede onto the floor, the only other track that ever had the same effect was Construction (then cu as Del Capreez I think) Hey Little Way Out Girl, can't underestimate how big that was too, those two were massive. Richard certainly knew how to push the buttons in the main hall, I was always mithering him on stage, he was a patient man for sure, tried to buy Billy Arnell Tough Girl off him once, he'd sold it the week before, said I could have had it for what i was offering too, which was a weeks wages for me at the time.

[Pete S]

Yeah that's right - forgot that one. Seem to remember Little Johnny Blair being bright green (the record not him!!).

Yeah there's Rozetta Johnson, thats a green one, quite rare

[Goldsoul]

With the full story of OOTP in Chris's book due next year.

[Dave Moore]

SoultripUSA

2004 Alexander Patton, Freddie Hughes, The Younghearts, Miles Grayson, Jerry Williams, Frank Wilson, The Sequins, Evie Sands, Jesse Davies, Gwen Owens, Lou Ragland, Jimmy Raye, Greg Perry Sandy Wynns, Dean Courtney, Ernie Andrews, Patti Brooks, Jewel Akens, Fred Smith(Keymen), Sherlie Matthews, Marva Holiday, The Olympics, Jimmy Conwell, Pat and Lolly Vegas(Chartmaker/AGC), Howard Johnson.

06 The Intruders, Timothy Wilson, The Persuaders, Tymes, Escorts, Louise Murray, Cindy Scott, Harthon Productions, Del-Larks, Connie Questell, Soul Shakers, Spellbinders, Ad Libs, Adams Apples, Don Gardner, Kenny Gamble, Orlons, Four Perfections, Joe Tarsia, Ray Dahrouge, Billy Terrell, Sandra Philips, Trade Martin, Laura Lee.

09 Mel Britt, Jackie Ross, Sonny Sanders, Willie Henderson, Mill Evans, Lou Pride, Jimmy Burns,Jo Ann Garrett, Carl Carlton, Contours, Capitols, Notations, Trends, Channel 3, Visitors,

Martha Reeves, Frances Nero, Deon Jackson,

John Colley, Steelers, Samotta Acklin, Carl Davies.

011 The Embers, Epitome of Sound, Timmy Thomas, Glories, Willie Clarke, Detroit Soul, Jock Mitchell, Spyder Turner.

Plus around 100 additional Northern Soul producers and artists.

Promoted by Goldsoul.

Worth an inclusion?

Absolutely.

The event in the Smoke Lounge in Detroit with Mel Britt in attendance deserves a landmark event tag all of it's own too. In my top 5 'soul moments' ever. FANTASTICO!

Regards,

Dave

[Guest turntableterra]

name='Malc Burton' timestamp='1317445745' post='1641418']

The venue was The Wheel , and I think Bri Phillips was involved if not the actual DJ

maybe one of the american guys can answer this in a bit more detail. as i understand it from a newspaper article on a local underground music scene in pitts/penn/phill/ not sure where)the dj used to tear the labels of his records so that the crowd could not copy his sets. mid sixties and something to do with itzy klien who bought the right to the records he released on his itzy lable to feed this demand, about 30 i think, showmen is one and mickey lee lane another

[Chalky]

Off topic posts removed

[Jim G]

The arrival of the internet.

The exponential growth of Information & Knowledge of the Northern Soul has a profound effect on the scene today. This would never have happened without the internet.

Record values have altered, more people coming back to the scene, the crossover to mainstream advertising, music, tv and film may never have happened without www.com

Edited November 29, 2011 by jim g

[Chalky]

If you wish to discuss the okay cokey then do so on the relevant topic, do not spoil another topic.

[Haydn]

1970, The Birth of Popcorn!

https://www.laid-back.be/blog/?p=4234

Edited November 29, 2011 by Haydn