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We salute 10 soul brothers whose music creates the perfect atmosphere for love

Luther Vandross (1951-2005)

HIS distinctive smooth vocals and timeless hits earned him eight Grammy awards – and, of course, a legion of female fans.

His debut album Never Too Much spawned the number one hit of the same name, as well as his classic version of the romantic ballad, A House Is Not A Home.

CLASSIC LUTHER LOVE SONGS

So Amazing

Take You Out

Always and Forever

Marvin Gaye (1939-1984)

DUBBED ‘the prince of Motown’, Marvin Gaye is well-remembered for his work with fellow singer, Tammi Terell. Together, they recorded hits including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and You’re All I Need to Get By.

Though he found fame with his socially conscious smash hit, What’s Going On, he was soon established as a sex symbol thanks to his 1973 album, Let’s Get It On.

CLASSIC MARVIN LOVE SONGS

Let’s Get It On

Sexual Healing

I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Barry White (1944-2003)

HIS unmistakeable baritone vocals made him a ladies’ favourite and earned him the nickname ‘the walrus of love’.

With his romantic image – often personified by the steamy spoken intros of his songs – White's greatest success came in the 1970s as a solo singer and with his Love Unlimited Orchestra.

CLASSIC BARRY LOVE SONGS

Just The Way You Are

Can’t Get Enough of Your Love

You're the First, the Last, My Everything

Teddy Pendergrass (1959-2010)

LOVINGLY known as TP, Teddy P and Teddy Bear, the soul star touched a legion of fans with a string of passionate love songs.

His deep, sexy voice made him hugely popular with the ladies, and knowing this, Pendergrass catered for them specifically at his "For Women Only" concerts.

CLASSIC TEDDY LOVE SONGS

Love TKO

Turn Off The Lights Close The Door

Smokey Robinson

INITIALLY the lead singer of The Miracles, Smokey Robinson was one of Motown’s first signings.

His skill at penning romantic ballads – not only for The Miracles, but also for acts including Mary Wells and The Temptations – earned him the title ‘America's poet laureate of love’.

CLASSIC SMOKEY LOVE SONGS

Being With You

I've Made Love To You

A Thousand Times

The Tracks of My Tears (with The Miracles)

Isaac Hayes (1942-2008)

THE flamboyant, deep-voiced performer shot to fame in 1969 with the release of the groundbreaking album Hot Buttered Soul. He went on to win an Oscar for the unforgettable 1971 hit Theme From Shaft.

Also remembered for voicing the character Chef on US cartoon South Park, Hayes is credited for laying the groundwork for the Memphis soul sound through his work with Stax Records.

CLASSIC ISAAC LOVE SONGS

Joy

Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight

A Few More Kisses to Go

Sam Cooke (1931-1964)

WELL-KNOWN for his smash hit A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke is considered to be one of the pioneers of soul music.

Originally a gospel singer with the group The Soul Stirrers, Cooke is considered one of the greatest soul singers of all time, thanks to his soft yet intense vocals.

CLASSIC SAM LOVE SONGS

Cupid

Nothing Can Change This Love

You Send Me

Al Green

RISING to fame in the 1970s, Al Green was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and was described as "one of the most gifted purveyors of soul music."

He went on to be included in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the '100 Greatest Artists of All Time' in 2005.

Known for his sultry voice and songs laced with falsetto crooning, Green has sold over 20 million records to date.

CLASSIC AL LOVE SONGS

Let’s Stay Together

Love and Happiness

You Ought To Be With Me

George Benson

US singer and guitarist George Benson enjoyed huge popularity in the UK in the 1980s. In 1976 his hit song This Masquerade earned him a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and the live take of his hit On Broadway also won a Grammy.

CLASSIC GEORGE LOVE SONGS

Give Me the Night

In Your Eyes Lady Love Me (One More Time)

Donny Hathaway (1945-1979)

THE Chicago-born soul star is remembered for hits including Giving Up and Someday We’ll All Be Free. Known for his powerful voice, Hathaway is also celebrated for his collaborations with fellow singer Roberta Flack, including the gorgeous ballad, The Closer I Get To You.

CLASSIC DONNY LOVE SONGS

Take A Love Song

A Song For You

Love Love Love

Published: 08 February 2010
Issue: 1409

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