Video: Northern Soul

When we think of soul, cities like Detroit, Memphis, Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles come to mind. But while soul is most assuredly an American art form, Britain also fell in love with the music in the late 1960s and early 1970s, developing a club scene with dance moves and fashion that lay the groundwork for glam and synth pop. Known as Northern Soul, the Brit movement was the reverse of the British Invasion as American vinyl by soul artists became highly prized. The passion, in some respects, was a response to the flood of commercial pop music in the U.K. during this period that was heavy on hooks but light on earthy passion and message. Fans in northern England chased after little-known American R&B singles that had a heated, up-tempo beat.

Here's a terrific BBC documentary on the social phenomenon and scene that grew out of the mod culture and became known as Northern Soul...