I got my first taste of Northern Soul at our local soul club - Cloud Nine in Peterborough. What a great time it was, growing up in the sixties, with all the mod fashions and cool soul tunes around.

There we were - cropped hair, Prince of Wales Check Harringtons, Levi Stay Press and Cherry Red Loafers all ready for the Friday and Saturday night discotheques.

First Impressions...

We were all listening to stuff like Desmond Decker and Dave & Ansill Collins, while some of the older lads were playing Doris Troy, Homer Banks and Archie Bell.

I got listening to these records and heard stories about the clubs up north with the acrobatic dancing and particular style of soul music - JJ Jackson and The Impressions were early additions to my record collection.

Like so many of my pals, I started travelling regularly to Northern soul nights at places with great names like The Torch and Samantha's in Sheffield. The music was so good and I've been hooked on it ever since.

Doris Troy

When Did You Start DJ'ing?

Blimey - that was 34 years ago and I did a guest spot with Ian Freeman at The Carousel Disco in Peterborough at the Wirrina.

And Your Most Memorable Soul Event?

The first anniversary at Wigan Casino, September 1974, it was awesome. From start to finish the place was heaving.

The DJ's were at it with loads of new discoveries, dancing competitions - the whole package.

 

“Crash Bang Wallop - It has everything”

 

Tell Us About Your Top Five Favourite Records

It's impossible to give a definitive top five, however these five records have a special place in my heart...

The Cautions - No Other Way - Shrine

Crash bang wallop, it has everything and it took me 9 years to track down a copy for my own collection

The Charades - Key To My Happiness - MGM

Memories of The Highland Room and so many peoples favourite at one time or another, it has everything you could want from a record

Lee Andrews & the Hearts - Can't Get Along Without You - Lost Nite

This gives me goose pimples, technically the nearest thing to Northern Soul perfection and only a fiver!

The Jades - I'm Where It's At - Nite Life

You can smell The Casino when this is played

Johnny Wyatt - This Thing Called Love - President

Still the best ten bob I ever spent