Motown and northern soul are often mentioned together, but they make for different nights. Knowing the difference helps you book the right act.
What is Motown?
Motown is the Detroit record label that brought the world The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and The Four Tops. A Motown night is about well-known hits, harmony and singalongs. Most guests will know the words to My Girl or Baby Love.
What is northern soul?
Northern soul is a music and dance scene that grew up in the north of England in the late 1960s and 1970s. DJs played rare, fast American soul records, and dancers developed spins, kicks and backdrops. It's built around rare records and dancing rather than singalongs.
Which suits your event?
- Mixed crowd or wedding: Motown, because everyone knows the songs.
- Dancers who love the scene: a northern soul DJ, with rare records played loud.
- Both: a live Motown act, followed by a northern soul DJ for the late slot.
Live acts for a Motown night
- Angelettes perform the songs of The Supremes and Martha Reeves, with choreography and costume changes.
- The Trilogies are a three-piece harmony group with soulful vocals.
- The Jailhouse Blues Brothers mix soul, Motown, blues and swing.
- Alex Slater is a vocalist and entertainer.
Quick answers
Can a live act play northern soul?
Some will include northern soul favourites. Ask about the act's set list.
What should guests wear?
Motown: 60s glamour. Northern soul: smart, practical clothes for dancing.
Next steps
Ask for a quote for a Motown or soul night.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
