Category Soul

“September” (Earth, Wind & Fire)

September, Earth, Wind & Fire

On this, the 21st of September, it’s only fitting that our classic song of the day is “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. It’s right there in the lyric: Do you rememberThe 21st night of September?Love was changin’ the minds of pretendersWhile chasin’ the clouds away Or maybe you remember the nonsense lyrics in the chorus, all those “Ba-du-das?” Co-songwriter…

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“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell/Diana Ross)

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

This is the last day of Motown week here at the classic song of the day blog, and our final classic Motown song of the day is “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” a song great enough to be a hit for two different Motown artists within the span of three years. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was first released by…

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“The Tears of a Clown” (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles)

Tears of a Clown, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Today’s classic Motown song of the day comes from one of Motown’s top composers and performers. It’s “The Tears of a Clown” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. This one was initially released on the Miracles’ 1967 album, Make It Happen, but not released as a single. Motown released it as a single in England in 1970, where it rose…

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“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” (The Four Tops)

I Can't Help Myself, the Four Tops

Today’s classic Motown song of the day is my favorite Motown tune, period, and I know it’s probably one of yours, too. I’m talking about “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” sung by the inimitable Levi Stubbs and the Four Tops. Released in April of 1965, this tune topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and Billboard’s…

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“Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” (Frank Wilson/Bruce Springsteen

Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) Frank Wilson

Today’s little-known classic soul song of the day is “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do),” originally released by Frank Wilson and most recently covered by the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. Frank Wilson was a songwriter and producer for Motown Records in the ’60s and ’70s. In 1965 he was recruited, along with a handful of others, by Berry Gordy…

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“Love Land” (Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band)

Love Land, Charles Wright

Your classic 1970 soul song of the day is “Love Land” by Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. The track was recorded late in 1969 and released in January 1970. The tune hit #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 (and #23 on Billboard’s R&B chart) the week of July 18. Like all of the band’s music, “Love…

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