History of Sheffield Soul Scene

[Sheffieldsoulg]

Hello, 

I just wondered whether anyone here might have any information/playlists/flyers or stories about venues in Sheffield, I’ve been looking up Mojo’s, Samantha’s, KGB and Davy’s and would love to find out more about Sheffields rich soul scene. 
I know people on here are really knowledgeable, and I enjoy hearing anecdotal stories and was intrigued to gain more perspectives. It’s not for anything in particular just to gain more insight really. 
 

thanks in advance KTF 

[Roburt]

I used to attend nights @ the King Mojo and have written about it in the past. Ahead of the Mojo, there was the Esquire (in the same building as the Leadmill). That was the 1st venue to book / play blues / R&B in Sheffield to my knowledge. The Leadmill crowd didn't like the Mojo lot. If an act they wanted to see was on at the Mojo instead of the Esquire, they'd rather go see them a few days earlier / later at the Wheel.

There are books about the Esquire & Mojo and a couple of Facebook pages related the the Mojo. You'll find lots of info about the Sheffield soul scene on those. Of course, after the Mojo, the Stringfellows opened Down Broadway and the Penthouse, which both played soul stuff. 

The Mucky Duck (Black Swan pub) also used to host soul nights in the late 60's (after playing host to lots of Joe Cocker live R&B shows earlier in the 60's). The FABULOUS PLATTERS (really the Steinways) played live @ the Black Swan around 1968 (it'd be good if someone local to Sheffield would search thru old editions of the Sheffield Star.

I'm sure many on here will have stories about Samanthas.

Edited Wednesday at 08:21 by Roburt

[Zoomsoulblue]

Back in the 80ts I use to attend the KGB on numerous times - remember arriving at Sheffield station at night and trying to find the club pre Google which was daunting I remember internally sitting on the floor and couldn’t understand why the bloke on the other side kept looking at me , I looked away then looked at him again - it was then I discovered mirrors were on one side sent me paranoid as f&£@

They say never wish for what you want one night they had a 100% Motown night - trust me at 5 in the morning and listening to This old heart of mine for the 10th time ain’t no fun  - then you had the long walk back to the station - one of life’s growing up experiences 

[Magpie69]

Not quite Sheffield, Amy, but worth looking up the Rotherham scene too. Late 60’s - early 70’s venues like The Pendulum, Charade, Assembly Rooms, Up and Up, and later on, Clifton Hall were quite influential by all accounts. 
There is a thread on here, Charade Rotherham, from a while back that you might find of interest.

There’s also a little book about the Charade’s story that’s worth a read, although in the 70’s it turned into more of a rock venue.

[STEFAN BURLAK]

I am from Sheffield and used to go to a small upstairs Soul Club called 'Highway 61' at the bottom of Broadfield Road, that was about 67/68.   Also there was 'The Ark' at Pitsmoor, a small, church vestry hall type place, used to get rammed.              Favourite records there at the time were 'Give a little, take a little' Jimmy Cliff.  Everybody dancing on the stage, the wooden floor of the stage bouncing up and down about 1ft.  Also Pete Stringfellow's  'Down Broadway' Bistro/Soul Club in High Street, Sheffield centre 69/70ish.   Absolutely Brill.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4k2elq 

[Tykebike]

Stef, your memory is playing tricks on you or your keyboard fingers are in need of refreshement, The Ark wasn't in Pittsmoor but at the junction of Crookesmoor Road and Crookes Valley Road.

[STEFAN BURLAK]

https://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/topic/35922-who-remembers-the-ark/

Found this on Sheffield Forum.

[STEFAN BURLAK]

Quote

19 hours ago, Tykebike said:

Stef, your memory is playing tricks on you or your keyboard fingers are in need of refreshement, The Ark wasn't in Pittsmoor but at the junction of Crookesmoor Road and Crookes Valley Road.

 

The Ark, Soul club in Sheffield, was at the Vestry Hall, situated on the corner of Crookesmoor Road and Roebuck road.      I used to go there with my pal Russ Davy, just about every week 1967ish.

Edited yesterday at 09:28 by STEFAN BURLAK

[Clee93]

Gary Smelt would be a good person to talk to who still runs the Samantha's reunion events. Great guy, loads of ace photos of the formative days in Sheffield.