Top 100 Best Selling Soul Songs from the 60s

The Golden Era of Soul Music

The 1960s marked a period of significant cultural and musical evolution. Soul music emerged as a powerful genre, capturing the emotions and struggles of the time. Known for its deep emotion and rhythm, soul music became a staple in the music industry, producing some of the most memorable hits that continue to resonate today.

This decade saw the rise of iconic artists whose influence is still evident in modern music. The fusion of gospel, R&B, and jazz created a unique sound that defined the era. From heartfelt ballads to energetic anthems, the best-selling soul songs of the 60s featured a wide array of themes and styles.

Iconic Artists and Their Hits

Several artists dominated the soul music scene in the 1960s. These musicians not only shaped the genre but also left a lasting impact on the music world at large. Here are some of the most influential artists and their top hits:

• Aretha Franklin – Known as the "Queen of Soul," her powerful voice and emotive delivery made songs like "Respect" and "Chain of Fools" timeless classics.
• James Brown – Often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul," his dynamic performances and hits like "I Got You (I Feel Good)" defined the energetic spirit of soul music.
• Marvin Gaye – His smooth voice and socially conscious lyrics in songs like "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" made him a beloved figure in the genre.

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The Influence of Motown

Motown Records played a pivotal role in the popularity of soul music during the 60s. Known for its distinctive sound, Motown produced numerous hits that climbed the charts. The label's roster included legendary groups and solo acts that contributed significantly to the genre's success.

Some of the most notable Motown artists included The Supremes, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. Their contributions not only defined soul music but also bridged cultural divides, bringing different communities together through music.

The Timeless Appeal of 60s Soul

Even decades later, the best-selling soul songs from the 60s continue to touch hearts and inspire new generations of musicians. The universal themes of love, struggle, and triumph, combined with masterful musical arrangements, ensure that these songs remain relevant and cherished.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the genre, exploring the top 100 best-selling soul songs from the 60s offers a rich tapestry of musical history. Each track tells a story, reflecting the era's cultural and social dynamics.

Reviving these classics not only honors the talented artists who paved the way but also keeps the spirit of soul music alive. As you delve into these songs, you'll discover the enduring power of music to move, unite, and inspire.

 
 Top 100 Soul 45s: 1960 – 1969
Ranked by R&B Chart Impact

 
🥇 R&B #1 Singles (Ranked by crossover strength)
Respect – Aretha Franklin (1967) – Atlantic
My Guy – Mary Wells (1964) – Motown
I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye (1968) – Tamla
Reach Out I’ll Be There – Four Tops (1966) – Motown
When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge (1966) – Atlantic
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding (1968) – Volt
You Keep Me Hangin’ On – The Supremes (1966) – Motown
I Want You Back – Jackson 5 (1969) – Motown
Tighten Up – Archie Bell & The Drells (1968) – Atlantic
Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone (1968) – Epic
Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag – James Brown (1965) – King
I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown (1965) – King
Cold Sweat – James Brown (1967) – King
Love Child – The Supremes (1968) – Motown
Hold On, I’m Comin’ – Sam & Dave (1966) – Stax
My Girl – The Temptations (1964) – Gordy
Shotgun – Jr. Walker & The All Stars (1965) – Soul
Knock on Wood – Eddie Floyd (1966) – Stax
Higher and Higher – Jackie Wilson (1967) – Brunswick
Too Busy Thinking About My Baby – Marvin Gaye (1969) – Tamla
 
🎶 Major R&B Top 3–5 Hits
Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1968)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967)
Stop! In the Name of Love – The Supremes (1965)
Baby Love – The Supremes (1964)
Dancing in the Street – Martha & The Vandellas (1964)
Try a Little Tenderness – Otis Redding (1966)
In the Midnight Hour – Wilson Pickett (1965)
Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett (1966)
634-5789 – Wilson Pickett (1966)
People Get Ready – The Impressions (1965)
I Wish It Would Rain – The Temptations (1967)
Get Ready – The Temptations (1966)
For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder (1968)
My Cherie Amour – Stevie Wonder (1969)
Tell It Like It Is – Aaron Neville (1966)
Slip Away – Clarence Carter (1968)
Expressway to Your Heart – The Soul Survivors (1967)
Bring It On Home to Me – Sam Cooke (1962)
Chain Gang – Sam Cooke (1960)
Stand by Me – Ben E. King (1961)
 
🔥 Core 60s Soul Essentials
A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke (1964)
Land of 1000 Dances – Wilson Pickett (1966)
Rescue Me – Fontella Bass (1965)
Sweet Soul Music – Arthur Conley (1967)
Back in My Arms Again – The Supremes (1965)
Since I Lost My Baby – The Temptations (1965)
Ask the Lonely – Four Tops (1965)
Ooo Baby Baby – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1965)
The Tracks of My Tears – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1965)
Heat Wave – Martha & The Vandellas (1963)
 
🎺 Stax / Southern Soul Power
I Thank You – Sam & Dave (1968)
Soul Man – Sam & Dave (1967)
Cry to Me – Solomon Burke (1962)
Got to Get You Off My Mind – Solomon Burke (1965)
Time Is Tight – Booker T. & The MG’s (1968)
Green Onions – Booker T. & The MG’s (1962)
Soul Serenade – King Curtis (1964)
The Snake – Al Wilson (1968)
Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy – The Tams (1968)
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted – Jimmy Ruffin (1966)
 
💃 Crossover & Dance Floor Staples
Dance to the Music – Sly & The Family Stone (1968)
Baby I Need Your Loving – Four Tops (1964)
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – The Temptations (1966)
We’re a Winner – The Impressions (1967)
My Girl Has Gone – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1965)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin (1967)
Think – Aretha Franklin (1968)
I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin (1968)
Baby It’s You – The Shirelles (1961)
Harlem Shuffle – Bob & Earl (1963)
 
🎼 Late-60s Heavyweights
I Can’t Get Next to You – The Temptations (1969)
I’m Gonna Make You Love Me – Supremes & Temptations (1968)
What Does It Take (To Win Your Love) – Jr. Walker (1969)
Grazing in the Grass – Hugh Masekela (1968)
Compared to What – Les McCann & Eddie Harris (1969)
Since You’ve Been Gone – Aretha Franklin (1968)
Baby I Love You – Aretha Franklin (1967)
You’ve Made Me So Very Happy – Brenda Holloway (1967)
Needle in a Haystack – The Velvelettes (1964)
Yes I’m Ready – Barbara Mason (1965)
 
🎵 Deep Chart & Cultural Impact
B-A-B-Y – Carla Thomas (1966)
Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing – Lou Rawls (1966)
Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.) – Edwin Starr (1968)
I Can’t Turn You Loose – Otis Redding (1965)
River Deep – Mountain High – Ike & Tina Turner (1966)
Money (That’s What I Want) – Barrett Strong (1960 chart impact)
Cupid – Sam Cooke (1961)
The Love You Save – (Excluded – 1970 release)
This Old Heart of Mine – The Isley Brothers (1966)
It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World – James Brown (1966)
A Lover’s Concerto – The Toys (1965)

 
🎶 Final 10 – Essential 60s Soul Singles
634-5789 – Wilson Pickett (1966)
I Got the Feeling – James Brown (1968)
You Send Me – Sam Cooke (1960 chart presence)
I’m a Road Runner – Jr. Walker (1966)
Love Makes a Woman – Barbara Acklin (1968)
What a Man – Linda Lyndell (1968)
Who’s Making Love – Johnnie Taylor (1968)
Rainy Night in Georgia – (Excluded – 1970)
I’ll Take You There – (Excluded – 1972)
What’s Going On – (Excluded – 1971)
Just My Imagination – (Excluded – 1971)
My Girl – The Temptations (1964)
Soul Finger – The Bar-Kays (1967)
 
✅ Final Notes
• Every included title = original US single released 1960–1969
• All 1970+ releases excluded
• Ranked primarily by R&B #1 dominance and crossover impact

And as we close this chapter on the golden era of 1960s soul, it’s important to remember — this isn’t just nostalgia.

Soul music wasn’t simply a soundtrack to a decade. It was a movement. It carried the voice of a generation through civil rights struggles, social change, heartbreak, joy, unity and identity. From the polished brilliance of Motown to the raw power of Stax, from Chicago’s grit to Philadelphia’s elegance — soul music told the truth.

What makes it extraordinary is that it still does.

The revival of soul isn’t about looking backwards — it’s about recognising timeless music. These records weren’t manufactured moments. They were lived experiences pressed onto 45rpm vinyl. They were played on pirate radio ships off the British coast, spun in smoky London clubs, and cherished in bedrooms with transistor radios pressed to one ear.

And that spirit lives on.

At Love Soul Radio London, the mission isn’t just to play songs — it’s to preserve a culture. To keep the groove alive. To honour the artists, musicians, producers and communities who built something that still resonates across generations.

Because soul music doesn’t date.
It connects.
It heals.
It unites.

And as long as there’s a turntable spinning somewhere in London…
Soul will never fade.

This is Love Soul Radio London — keeping the faith, keeping the sound, and keeping soul alive.