In over sixty years the Northern Soul scene has becomeBritain´s longest surviving dance culture. Its rise in popularity has beenphenomenal, all thanks due to a network of clubs and hardworking knowledgeable,passionate deejays, who have championed early American rhythm and blues musicthat eventually became Northern Soul. In Swinging 60´s London the 100 Club, theFlamingo club, the Bag O Nails club and the Scene club together laid thefoundations for the future Northern Soul scene that found a ready home in thenew clubs Up North. The Catacombs in Wolverhampton, the Twisted Wheel inManchester, the Golden Torch in Tunstall Stoke on Trent, the Highland Room inBlackpool and the Wigan Casino. Now, nothing more than cherished memories, butwhat memories for all of us who were there back in the day. A time when Keepingthe Faith meant so much more than a well-worn phrase. It was a way of life. Andthe Northern Soul scene of today is going stronger than ever, attracting moreand more young people. Ironically enough the headquarters of soul is back inthe 100 Club in Soho, where it all began, celebrating a magnificent run of overforty years of hosting continuous Northern Soul all-nighters, making it withouta doubt the most influential and respected club on today’s scene. Theauthor takes a closer look at the soul scene in the UK, making it what it istoday – music made in America, and played in Britain.
