We're travelling back to 1976 — arguably the commercial and cultural peak of Northern Soul.

Wigan Casino was at the centre of the phenomenon, with packed all-nighters, coachloads of dancers travelling from across Britain and a growing obsession with rare American soul records. Blackpool Mecca, the legacy of the Twisted Wheel and venues across the North and Midlands were all part of a scene that had become a fully formed youth culture.We'll look at the records, the reissues, the labels and the changing sound of Northern Soul, as crossover soul, disco and some rather unexpected records began finding their way onto the dancefloors.But 1976 was also the year another musical revolution arrived.Punk.We'll explore the growing tension between the established Northern Soul culture and the raw new sound emerging from London and Manchester — including the legendary Sex Pistols appearance at the Lesser Free Trade Hall.And I'll share one of my own memories from that extraordinary year, when I found myself chatting to a young Tony Wilson shortly before he headed off to see the Sex Pistols

1976 was the year Northern Soul reached its golden peak.It was also the year the future arrived.

1975 — The Year Northern Soul Changed1975 was a pivotal year for Northern Soul. The secret was beginning to get out, the media were taking notice, and the scene was growing rapidly.From the legendary dance floors of Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca to the all-nighters at Cleethorpes Pier, new sounds were emerging. Seventies soul was beginning to sit alongside the classic sixties stompers, disco was appearing on the horizon, and DJs were pushing the boundaries of what could work on a Northern Soul dance floor.In this episode, we look at the records, the venues, the DJs, the dancers and the changing culture of 1975.And there's a personal connection too. I was there — running our family record shop, travelling to Manchester to source imports from Global Records, and working as a club DJ during one of the most exciting periods in the story of Northern Soul.1975 wasn't just another year.It was the year Northern Soul began to change.

1974

In this episode of The Northern Soul Years, we step back to 1974 — a year for Northern Soul, disco and British music.Wigan Casino was beginning to establish itself, Blackpool Mecca was developing its own distinctive sound, and the influence of the Golden Torch was still being felt. Record companies were starting to recognise the growing demand for rare soul, with Pye’s Disco Demand series helping bring some of those records to a wider audience.But 1974 was also a very personal year for me.It was the year I went abroad for the first time, travelling to Spain with two friends — all three of us Northern Soul fanatics, armed with soul cassettes, two unnecessary leather jackets and absolutely no sun cream.It was also the year my family opened our first independent record shop, giving me the chance to discover music through the records and people coming through the door.And then came the Soul Cellar, where I began my first proper weekly all-night DJ residency.Add in mobile DJ work, the explosion of disco, record collecting and the people who broadened my musical horizons, and 1974 becomes much more than just another year.It was the year everything started to come together.

WHAT MAKES NORTHERN SOUL NORTHERN?

What actually makes Northern Soul… Northern?

Is it the beat? The speed? The emotion? The rare records? Or is it something much harder to define?

In this episode of This Is Northern Soul, we go back to basics and explore the question at the heart of the music.

From the Twisted Wheel in Manchester and Samantha's in Sheffield, to Va Va's in Bolton, the Catacombs in Wolverhampton, the Hi-Fi Club in Leeds, the Golden Torch, Blackpool Mecca and Wigan Casino, we follow the clubs, DJs and dancers who helped turn obscure American soul records into something completely new.

We look at the crate diggers searching for forgotten records, the all-nighters that kept the dance floors moving until morning, and the DJs who could transform an unknown record into a dance-floor anthem.

And there's a personal journey too.

The first time I heard the term Northern Soul, I assumed it meant Northern America. Then, in around 1975, I walked into Blackpool Mecca and discovered a very different side of the scene — modern soul, Philadelphia influences and a sound that was already evolving.

Most of the music had been recorded in the mid-1960s.

Yet more than sixty years later, those records are still being played, still being danced to and still creating waves.

So perhaps Northern Soul isn't simply a place.

Perhaps it's a feeling.

Beneath the bright lights of Oxford Street lies one of the most important venues in Northern Soul history—the legendary 100 Club.In this episode of This Is Northern Soul, we step down those famous stairs to uncover the stories behind the club that became London's home of rare soul. Discover how forgotten American records were rescued from obscurity, how legendary DJs and unforgettable live performances shaped its reputation, and why the 100 Club continues to inspire soul fans from around the world.Featuring the iconic Melba Moore – "The Magic Touch", along with a collection of rare and unforgettable Northern Soul classics, this is a journey into the basement where music history was made.Because every great Northern Soul record has a story... and tonight, that story begins at the 100 Club.

Tracks :

Reggie Alexander it's better

The magnificent men I've got news

Ronnie MC Neir isn't she a pretty girl

Jimmy mack my world on fire

Florence devore kiss me now

Melba Moore the magic touch

Margret mandolph something beautiful

Mamie lee I can feel him slipping away

Lillie Bryant meet me halfway

This Is Northern Soul: Back To Basics – The Greatest Discoveries

Welcome to a new chapter of This Is Northern Soul.

After exploring some of the more familiar Northern Soul favourites, it's time to go back to where the magic began — discovering the unknown, the overlooked and the forgotten.In this episode, we leave the obvious classics behind and dig deep into the world of rare soul. Featuring artists whose names may not be familiar, but whose music deserves to be heard, we'll uncover the stories behind the records, the small labels, the hidden gems and the incredible voices that time almost forgot.From mysterious American soul singers to forgotten British talents, every track has a story. These are the records that collectors searched for, DJs championed and dancers fell in love with.Because Northern Soul has never only been about the biggest names...It's about the greatest discoveries.

Was 1969 the year Northern Soul truly came of age?

In this episode of This Is Northern Soul, we journey back to one of the most remarkable years of the twentieth century.As the world watched the Apollo 11 moon landing, Concorde took to the skies, The Italian Job became a British cinema classic, and The Beatles released Abbey Road, another revolution was quietly taking place on dance floors across Britain. Colin explores the music, the artists and the stories behind two legendary record labels—Okeh Records and Cameo Parkway. Featuring unforgettable tracks from Major Lance, Billy Butler, Bunny Sigler, Yvonne Baker, Bobby Paris, Evie Sands, Curtis Mayfield , Bunny Sigler ,Major Lance and more, this episode celebrates the records that became the heartbeat of the Northern Soul movement.Discover how overlooked American soul singles found a second life in Britain's all-night clubs, becoming timeless anthems for generations of dancers and collectors.Keep the faith, and enjoy another journey into the music that never stopped moving.

The Soul Cellar – The Soundtrack of a Legend

In this special episode of This Is Northern Soul, we step back into one of Greater Manchester's most legendary soul venues—the Soul Cellar beneath the Birch Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne.

From 1974 to 1978, I had the privilege of DJing in this iconic underground place , where the music, the people and the atmosphere created unforgettable nights. The Soul Cellar wasn't just about Northern Soul. It embraced the very best of Detroit soul, Chicago soul, deep soul, funk, and the occasional touch of reggae and blue beat. If it had soul, it belonged on the turntable.

Many of the tracks featured in this episode was played in the Soul Cellar during its heyday. Some were favourites from my own DJ sets, while others were championed by fellow resident DJs. Together, they recreate the soundtrack of a club built on passion, friendship and a shared love of great music.

Although the Soul Cellar was eventually lost to redevelopment during the construction of the M60 motorway, its spirit lives on through the memories of those who danced there and the timeless records that continue to inspire soul fans today.

So come with me as we descend those familiar steps once again and relive the sound, the feeling and the magic of the Soul Cellar.

Step beneath the bright lights of Oxford Street and into one of the most iconic venues in British music history. In this episode of This Is Northern Soul, we explore the legendary 100 Club—the London basement venue that proved Northern Soul wasn't just a movement of the North.Discover how the famous 6Ts All-Nighters transformed forgotten American soul records into timeless classics, while DJs such as Ady Croasdell and Randy Cozens unearthed some of the rarest and most sought-after 45s ever pressed.We'll also celebrate the unforgettable live performances that made the 100 Club so special, with appearances from soul legends including Doris Troy, Tommy Hunt, Barbara Acklin, Ray Pollard, Lou Ragland, Terry Callier, Tony Middleton, and The Flirtations—artists who found a second home and a devoted audience in Britain.Featuring the music, the memories, and the remarkable story behind one of the world's longest-running Northern Soul venues, this is the story of the club that kept the faith and carried the movement into a new era.Keep the faith... and welcome to the 100 Club.

We've saved the best until last.

In the final part of our Mod Soul series, we celebrate the records that defined a generation of style, dance and musical discovery. From Motown gems and deep soul classics to rare American releases that became legendary on Britain's Mod club scene, this episode captures the sound that paved the way for Northern Soul.Featuring unforgettable tracks from Stevie Wonder, Percy Sledge, Brenda Holloway, Johnnie Taylor, Sam Dees and many more, we'll explore the music, the artists and the stories behind the records that kept dancefloors moving from London's underground clubs to the all-night venues of the North.Join me as we bring the Mod Soul story to a fitting close, celebrating the movement that changed British youth culture forever and left a musical legacy that still inspires soul fans today.