Kev Roberts: The Maestro of Northern Soul and His Definitive Top 500
In the world of Northern Soul, few names command as much respect as Kev Roberts. A DJ, promoter, and author, Roberts has been a driving force in keeping the spirit of the Northern Soul movement alive for decades. His influence extends far beyond the dancefloors of the UK, cementing his place as a leading voice in the genre’s global legacy.
One of Roberts’ most enduring contributions to the scene is his Northern Soul Top 500, a definitive list of the greatest Northern Soul tracks ever recorded. For fans and collectors alike, it’s both a guide and a treasure map, capturing the essence of a culture built on rare records, passionate dancing, and an unwavering love for soul music.
Who Is Kev Roberts?
Kev Roberts was born into the Northern Soul scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period when venues like the Twisted Wheel in Manchester and Wigan Casino were the beating heart of the movement. As a DJ, he became synonymous with the scene’s most iconic clubs, spinning rare soul tracks to packed dancefloors and shaping the musical tastes of an entire generation.
Over the years, Roberts evolved from DJ to promoter, organizing events and all-nighters that celebrated the Northern Soul ethos. He was instrumental in creating The Northern Soul Top 500, a project that encapsulated his encyclopedic knowledge of the genre and its history.
Roberts’ commitment to the scene goes beyond the decks. As an author, he penned several books on Northern Soul, chronicling its history and celebrating its artists. His work as a broadcaster and event organizer continues to keep the spirit of Northern Soul alive, ensuring it resonates with new generations.
The Northern Soul Top 500: A Collector’s Dream
First published in 2000, Kev Roberts’ Northern Soul Top 500 quickly became a bible for fans and collectors. The list ranks the greatest Northern Soul records of all time, based on factors like popularity on the dancefloor, rarity, and cultural impact.
At its core, the Top 500 reflects the obsessive passion that defines Northern Soul. Many of the tracks on the list are obscure, rare, and valuable—a testament to the movement’s ethos of uncovering hidden gems.
The Top 10 Tracks
Here are the crown jewels of Roberts’ list, showcasing the diversity and energy that define Northern Soul:
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Frank Wilson – Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) (1965) – The ultimate Northern Soul anthem, combining an irresistible beat with heartfelt lyrics. Its rarity and Motown pedigree make it iconic.
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Dean Parrish – I’m On My Way (1967) – A euphoric track that became famous as the final song at Wigan Casino all-nighters.
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Dobie Gray – Out On The Floor (1966) – A dancefloor classic with infectious energy and a timeless groove.
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Gloria Jones – Tainted Love (1965) – Long before it was a pop hit for Soft Cell, Jones’ original version electrified Northern Soul audiences.
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Al Wilson – The Snake (1968) – A playful, story-driven track that remains a favourite for dancers.
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Tobi Legend – Time Will Pass You By (1968) – Another Wigan Casino classic, known as part of the venue’s famous “3 before 8” closing set.
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Jimmy Radcliffe – Long After Tonight Is All Over (1964) – A stirring ballad that found new life on Northern Soul dancefloors.
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The Seven Souls – I Still Love You (1967) – A rare gem celebrated for its raw emotion and driving beat.
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Tony Clarke – Landslide (1965) – A track that epitomizes the powerful, uptempo sound of Northern Soul.
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R. Dean Taylor – There’s a Ghost in My House (1967) – A Motown hit that became a staple of the scene.
Why the Top 500 Matters
Kev Roberts’ Top 500 is more than a list—it’s a historical document that captures the essence of Northern Soul. For collectors, it’s a guide to some of the rarest and most valuable records ever pressed. For DJs, it’s an indispensable tool for crafting sets that resonate with dancers. For fans, it’s a celebration of the music they love.
The list also underscores the deep knowledge and passion that fuel Northern Soul. Many of the tracks were recorded by little-known artists who, without the movement, might have faded into obscurity. By elevating these songs, Roberts and the Northern Soul community have ensured their place in music history.
The Legacy of Kev Roberts
Kev Roberts has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Northern Soul. His DJ sets, books, and events continue to inspire a sense of community and shared passion among fans. Through the Top 500, he has given the movement a definitive record of its greatest achievements—a list that will continue to guide and inspire for generations.
Roberts’ impact on the scene is immeasurable. Whether behind the decks, on the pages of his books, or at the helm of a packed dancefloor, he has dedicated his life to Northern Soul. Thanks to his efforts, the music and its stories will remain vibrant, relevant, and cherished.
Conclusion
Kev Roberts’ Northern Soul Top 500 is a love letter to a movement built on rare records, passionate dancing, and a deep sense of belonging. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of Northern Soul, a genre that continues to inspire and unite music lovers around the world.
For those seeking to understand or deepen their appreciation of Northern Soul, the Top 500 is an essential starting point. And for the dedicated fans who already know every track by heart, it’s a reminder of why they fell in love with the music in the first place. As long as Kev Roberts is around, Northern Soul’s heartbeat will never fade.
Kev Roberts – Northern Soul Top 500
Frank Wilson – Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
