Sweet Soul Music

Arthur Conley

About Sweet Soul Music

"Sweet Soul Music" is a soul song, first released by Arthur Conley in 1967. Written by Conley and Otis Redding, it is based on the Sam Cooke song "Yeah Man" from his posthumous album Shake; the opening riff is a quote from Elmer Bernstein's score for the 1960 movie The Magnificent Seven. In the US, "Sweet Soul Music" reached the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 (behind "The Happening" by The Supremes), and number two on the Billboard R&B chart. Overseas, it peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart. "Sweet Soul Music" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. J. W. Alexander, Cooke's business partner, sued both Redding and Conley for appropriating the melody. A settlement was reached in which Cooke's name was added to the writer credits, and Redding agreed to record some songs in the future from Kags Music, a Cooke–Alexander enterprise. 


Year:
2003
2:19
22 
#2

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Do you like good music
That sweet soul music
Just as long as it's swingin'
Oh yeah oh yeah

Out here on the floor now
We're going to a go go
Ah dancin' to the music
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spotlight on Lou Rawls y'all
Ah don't he look tall y'all
Singin' loves a hurtin' thing now
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spotlight on Sam and Dave now
Ah don't they look boss y'all
Singin' hold on I'm comin'
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spot light on Wilson Pickett
That wicked picked Pickett
Singing Mustang Sally
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spotlight on Otis Redding now
Singing fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spotlight on James Brown now
He's the king of them all yeah
He's the king of them all y'all
Oh yeah oh yeah

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Arthur Conley

Arthur Lee Conley (January 4, 1946 – November 17, 2003) was an American soul singer, best known for the 1967 hit "Sweet Soul Music". more »

1 fan

Written by: Arthur Lee Conley, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Abkco Music Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Recording Artist
"Sweet Soul Music" is a song performed by American soul singer Arthur Conley.
Release Date
The song was released in 1967 on Atco Records.
Chart Performance
It proved to be a major hit, reaching number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
Co-writers
The song was co-written by Arthur Conley and his label mate, the infamous Otis Redding.
Song Inspiration
"Sweet Soul Music" borrows heavily from Sam Cooke's "Yeah Man" – even the melody resembles Cooke's music. Conley did later acknowledge this influence and received permission from Cooke's label to use elements of the song.
Soul Legends Tribute
The lyrics pay tribute to several legends of soul music like Lou Rawls, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and James Brown.
Significance
The song has been recognized as one of the most well-regarded songs in the genre of rhythm-and-blues (R&B), due to its catchy, upbeat sound and celebratory lyrics about soul music itself.
Cover Versions
Various other musicians have covered "Sweet Soul Music," including Rod Stewart, The Jam, and Bruce Springsteen.
Legacy
Today, "Sweet Soul Music" is often associated with the 1960s soul scene and continues to be popular on oldies radio stations.
Awards
In 2020, the song was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

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    Sweet Soul Music

    3.2M
    19,737     613

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1967

    Billboard #2


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