Library Dissertation Showcase

How music and culture influenced the development of northern soul in the 1960’s and 1970’s

  • Year of Publication:
  • 2018

This dissertation provides information of the elements what have influenced Northern Soul culture. Therefore, the research question to this text is: How did Motown influence the development of the Northern Soul scene in the United Kingdom during the 1960s-1970s? There is a gap in the study between Motown and Northern Soul culture and this dissertation suggests the link between the two factors. The research question has led to finding the connection between Motown and Northern Soul, and the discovery of supporting elements towards the Northern Soul scene. Supporting elements include: The Civil Rights Movement, 60s British music, Mod culture, fashion, underground club venues, along with Motown and Northern Soul culture. Northern Soul became a trend youths followed during the late sixties and seventies, however, this text explains how and why Northern Soul was created. The methodology used is literature-based research; research has been obtained from books, articles and documentaries to have an understanding of Northern Soul and its supporting factors. Through the literature, it has been discovered that there are multiple relevant elements to Northern Soul. This dissertation draws the links between the elements and suggests how this created Northern Soul culture. The text explores the links between Motown and Civil Rights Movement and how British culture simultaneously had interest for Motown, which became a secluded music genre in the UK. The isolation of Motown created an underground dance scene which initiated the Northern Soul scene.

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