Top Classic 60s And 70s Soul Songs For Your Wedding Playlist

Since the beginning of my journey as a wedding DJ, I've always put my focus on the music. I've always consulted with my clients and let them know that the music they should choose for their wedding day should be based on their musical preferences. That being said, even in the second half of 2024, I still get clients inquiring about having a classic or vintage vibe at some point during their wedding day. Back in 2019, I recall one of my clients putting their trust in me in creating a playlist for their cocktail hour that highlighted some of the best 60s and 70s soul music. I've actually had a screenshot reminder in my phone for many months to put this blog post together for you.  Hiring a wedding DJ who is truly passionate about the music is the best investment you could make for the most special day of your life. No one will remember the lighting, the photobooth, or even the food for that matter,  but they will remember all of the music that made you and your fiance and friends stay out on the dance floor all night long. Enjoy this trip back to an era of amazing 60s and 70s soul music. 

When you hire a professional wedding DJ whose sole focus is not to sell you every upgrade under the sun, you get someone who is experienced at designing the perfect mix of music for your wedding reception. Your wedding day is a series of different vibes and I love to speak to my clients about which vibe it is they want to have throughout their wedding day. A lot of the songs you'll see on this playlist might be able to go into the "wedding Hall Of Fame" category.  Perhaps the best songs of Motown are more for you? Click here to be taken to the Best Motown Songs For Your Wedding Playlist. And as always, you'll be able to find the songs on this playlist over on my Spotify. All you need to do is open your app and search for DJ Mike Bills.

"The Way You Do The Things You Do" | Temptations
Speaking of Motown, we kick off this playlist with something from that epic label by the Temptations. Released in 1964, the song would make it all the way to #11 on Hot 100. If you totally love this song and are looking for a more modern, reggae version, check out UB40's version. by clicking HERE

"Will It Go Around In Circles" | Billy Preston
I don't believe any wedding DJ should be curating a playlist of the Best 60s and 70s Soul Songs without at least one Billy Preston song.  In 1972, Billy Preston would release his album Music Is My Life. 'Will It Go Round In My Circles" was released as a single in March 1973 and would peak at #1 on the Hot 100. 

"Green Onions" | Booker T. & The MGs"
Over 60 years ago, one of the most popular and recognizable instrumental songs was released. Released back in August of 1962, the song would peak at #3 on Hot 100, but would make it all the way to Number 1 on the R&B singles chart.

"Barefootin'" | Robert Parker
This classic from the great Robert Parker is perfect for a cocktail hour that specializes in the best soul songs of the 60s and 70s.  Released jsut in time for the summer of 1966, "Barefootin'" would become a summer hit for Robert Parker.  The song would peak at #2 on the hot R&B chart, and #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Land of 1000 Dances" | Wilson Pickett
Originally written and recorded by Chris Kenner in 1962, Wilson Pickett would release his version in the summer of 1966.  His version would make it all the way to #1 on the Hot R&B singles chart, and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. If you should throw this on your cockail hour playlist, it'll be the perfect song to loosen folks out before the real dancing begins later in the evening :).

"The Locomotion" | Little Eva
"The Locmotion" was so popular that it would be covered by 70s classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad in 1974, as well as Kylie Minogue in 1988. For more of the best songs from 1988 <--CLICK HERE. Little Eva would make it all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963.

"Everyday People"  Sly & The Family Stone
In 1968, Sly & The Family Stone would release their album Stand.  "Everyday People" was the first single by Sly & The Family Stone to make it all the way to #1 on the Hot Soul singles chart, as well as the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"The Hump" | Patrice Rushen
Long before her release of Forget Me Nots in the early 80s, Patrice Rushen was getting quite a bit funky with this track. You can find this track on her album Shout It Out.

"Sweet Soul Music" | Arthur Conley
Arthur Conley starts out this song by asking the question: "Do you like good music, that sweet soul music? Absolutely we do, and this classic upbeat track by Arthur Conley is the perfect addition to this playlist. Arthur Conley actually wrote this song with the great Otis Redding.  Released in March of 1967, "Sweet Soul Music" would make it all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"It's Your Thing" | Isley Brothers
By the late 60s after the Isley Brothers would leave the Motown label, they would get a little more funky. The song would be released in February of 1969 and make it all the way to the top of the R&B charts, and #2 on the Hot 100 chart.

"Mr. Big Stuff" | Jean Knight
If there were to be a playlist of One Hit Wonders of the 70s, this song would certainly be close to the top of the list. Jean Knight came from New Orleans and recorded this song in Jackson, Mississippi in 1970. Released in May 1971, the song would become one of the most popular that summer peaking at #2 on the Hot 100, and becoming one of the Top Soul singles of the year.

"Hold On I'm Comin'" | Sam & Dave
Like Jean Knight, the soul duo Sam & Dave would release on the Stax label. Released in 1966, the song became a Number 1 hit on the Hot R&B chart.

"Mickey's Monkey" | The Miracles
In the early 60s, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles were on a tear. "Mickey's Monkey" would become their million-selling album. "Mickey's Monkey" was rercorded and released by Motown's Tamla Label in 1963 and would make it all the way to Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Doo Wah Diddy Diddy" | Manfred Mann
Originally recorded by The EXciters, British R&B and pop band, The Mannfred Mann Band would record and release this song in 1964.  Released in the summer of 1964, "Doo Wah Diddy Diddy" would spend a few weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1964.

"Get Up Offa Thing" | James Brown
This next track by the great James Brown invaded the R&B charts in 1976.  While the song did not manage to break into the Top 40 on the Hot 100 chart, the song managed to break into the Top 5 on the R&B chart. I've had couples in recent years ask to use this song for their grand entrance (Bridal Introduction) . For more ideas on the Best Grand Entrance Songs <---CLICK HERE.

"Love Train" | The OJays
Beware if you should have your wedding DJ cue this song up during cocktail hour, you may several of your guests begin to assemble in a line and create their own "love train" and walk around your venue.  "Love Train" was released in December of 1972 and would make it all the way to #1 on the R&B and Hot 100 charts.

"Higher Ground" | Stevie Wonder
Nothing says "wedding music" like Stevie Wonder. And for this very reason, I actually put together  a Best Of Stevie Wonder Wedding Playlist a years ago.  The Red Hot Chili Peppers would cover this classic by Stevie over 30 years after the original in 1973.  Released in May of 1973, "Higher Ground" would make it all the way to #4 on the Hot 100, and #1 on the Hot R&B chart.

Ready To Speak With Top Wedding DJ Mike Bills About Your Wedding?
I honestly don't know if I could ever tell you how much I love to put together playlists.  There are endless possibilities when it comes to the music for your wedding. Maybe the best soul songs from the 60s and 70s is not your thing? What you need to understand above all is that you call the shots for music at your wedding.  You will want to hire a true professional wedding DJ who comes to a client meeting or phone call with extensive experience with music.  I've actually been on the receiving end of phone calls with prospective clients recently where they were relieved that I was not pressuring them into making a decision on their music.  True professional wedding DJs will always guide their clients in the right direction, but not force them to make decisions. I wanted to thank you for making it all the way to the end of this post. And congratulations once again on your engagement! I would love to speak with you about becoming your wedding DJ on your most special day. All you need to do is click the Contact link on my website, fill out some basic details about your day, and we'll arrange a time to speak. Thank you so much for reaching out to me! I look forward to hearing from you.