Soul II Soul | A Music Story | The rise, the success, tragedies and where are they now?
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- Опубліковано 23 гру 2020
- Soul II Soul are an iconic R'n'B, Neo-Soul and Dance group from the UK.
Their breakthrough hits 'Keep on Movin' and 'Back to Life' not only did massively well in the UK, but made them an international success.
This video chronicles how the group started, their success, things that happened in between and what they're up to currently.
Hope you enjoy xoxo
This group was so ahead of the neo soul movement, they never really got their prestige. Very talrnted!
I view Caron Wheeler as the first true NeoSoul artist. Not really Soul II Soul, but Caron Wheeler. Any neo-soul vibe you got from Soul II Soul was compliments of Caron Wheeler.
Soul II Soul wasn’t neo soul at all. They were British soul, hip-hop, and R&B which is a different sound that American music
@@A_Ken she would be the first neosoul female singer who had some level of major record industry-backed push and some level of success and notoriety. But your point is well taken. Quite frankly, "neo-soul" by definition is not really new.
@@A_Ken oh wow. Cool. Are you a van of Caron wheeler? Have you ever met her or seen her live? What is her reputation on the Brit Soul world that you are so familiar with? Did you know her before Soul II Soul?
keep on moving is an iconic song
Back To Life was TREMENDOUS in NYC in the summer of 1989. I mean HUGE! Every car that drove by was rocking this album. I still have the cassette. I was at the Palladium when they preformed with Ten City and SKYY, still the best party I’ve ever been to! Memories……
I was there too from New Jersey
They were the hottest in the club in 1989
Well said. I boomed it in my car repeatedly everyday and night in the Bronx.. There is such and indescribable musical and spiritual vibe to these songs. I actually feel sorry for anyone who didn't experience it.
I've always been aware of Caron Wheeler since 'Brown Sugar' days and HV seen her overall consistency in the music industry, STILL going strong well over 40 years and she should be given an lifetime achievement award, Big up our UK Sister, Caron Wheeler yeeeeaaaahhhh
Exactly my Brother....back in the day knowledge 🙏🏾...Wasn't Soul II Soul a sound system to begin with?...I know fairplay was known by everyone way before it was released.
@@Curvesohyeah Hi yes my Sister, it was, The fridge in Brixton was a regular spot where that tune buss and Funky dreads all hang out, that was the place to be don't get it like that now tho'
YESYESYES 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Are you aware of her in culture clubs video?
I loved their afro centric, soul, funk vibes. Loved Back to Life, Keep on Moving and Get a Life ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
we still dance to their music even today. they were huge in SOUTH AFRICA
They are so great. one of my favorite groups. they sound so much better than what music we have in the US today.
This music was unique and different from everything during that period. They were visionaries and trend setters…I wish we had more of this back….
I agree 💯 The sub bassline was introduced into Soul music putting the Black UK Urbaness on the map especially when "Keep on moving" got released
@@winstonandmargaret7688 Man I agree 💯 percent. That song keep on moving really touched our hearts here in America 🇺🇸 black folks needed to hear that. After all the pain and struggles we have gone through here in America. That song keep on moving reaches deep down in your soul and make you pull yourself up by your bootstraps. And keep on moving. God bless Soul 2 Soul ✊🏽lavishly forever and ever.
It's November 15/2023 an I'm still hooked to this music. Jut totally iconic. Timeless. Soul moving music that touches yours innermost living parts...just love it...🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
When I fell to party in my house I played the super extended version.....
I loved this group as a kid. Keep on Moving is feel good anthem for the ages.
Keep on moving is a true inspirational song, I love it! It's still gets played often on my playlist.
Nice video. There are tons more layers to the behind the scenes story on Soul II Soul, alot of which is not readily available by a quick internet search; not even with a thorough internet search. But I appreciate this video because it covers the surface of Soul II Soul. The story behind the musical career of Soul II Soul is very complicated. I wish Caron Wheeler and Nellie Hooper and others would tell more of the behind the scenes stories of the making of the music of Soul II Soul. From what I have researched over the past 3 decades, in a nutshell, Jazzie B made himself the face of Soul II Soul, but he was essentially a DJ and engineer; not a songwriter, singer or arranger. He really had nothing to do with the creative forces behind Soul II Soul's two hits, Keep on Moving and Back to Life. He didn't write them, he didn't compose or arrange them, not his lyrics, not his vocal arrangements, not his instrument playing on either of these songs. Yet, he's on every interview explaining how these songs came together. For the musicians who are doing the real work of putting these songs together (writing, arrangement, singing, etc.), its hard to stay in a group when the engineer is the face and taking all the credit (and money) for the group's success. Why stay in a group like that, and not get paid properly or even given credit properly.
Omg thank you for the extra info. Very interesting!! As you say it's not that easy to find info about Soul II Soul! But yes hopefully one day Caron Wheeler or Nellie Hooper should tell all the behind the scenes stories because there's definitely more to the story!!
Sounds like you have a problem with Jazzy B?
@@natty.roots.423 Not at all. I'm just a huge Caron Wheeler fan. I believe her voice and her vocal production; more than anything or anyone else, is what made Soul II Soul a worldwide musical success.
Well said. I was there from Rose Windross days... Jazzie B wasn't nice at all. I have so much piping hot tea on him! lol
@@TaiwoWilliams wow. Give us a lil T. 🤔
Damn I still love Soul II Soul. They're music is timeless. ... J
So sad about the vocalists that passed but I'm glad Karen stepped up and took over her spot again as vocalist she reminds me of Maysa from incognito the smooth jazz group ...Maysa is solo but she still sings with incognito when called upon that's really nice
When I think of Soul to Soul I only think of Jazzy B and Caron Wheeler. God I was in love with her voice!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I always said Jane Eugene or Caron Wheeler were responsible for the sub-genre we call Neo Soul.
Great video!
Back to life is my all time favorite.
This is my favorite group after Earth, Wind & Fire
I still love and listen to Soul ll Soul. I was stationed in Aschaffenberg Germany at the time. I never made it to the UK unfortunately but it was a wonderful club scene still.
This is one of the best informative podcasts of a group I've ever watched. Cheers to you and continued success to your podcast and Soul ll Soul.
@@I_Love_my_adblock4408 Thank you so much 💜
Hey what unit?? I was in B Co 4th/12 infantry back in 89 that soul 2 soul sound was popular in Germany
I was HHC 4/7th 3ID Aschaffenberg. I'm currently retired and I live near Regensburg in Germany.
One time for A burg. I lived there while stationed at Babenhausen 2000-2003. Great Times.
Thank you 🙏 for making this vlog and chronologically going through the recordings and time span of Soul ll Soul. Classic neo soul music will never die.
Brilliant and Wonderful documentary. I had no idea about the other ladies who had passed away. They need to be inducted into the BET and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. My favorite songs are Back To Life and Get A Life.
The only iconic soul and R&B group coming out of Europe!
Ever!
The sound is rich, golden and warm, vibrant and sexy yet spiritual.
There will never be another group and ear like them.
Loose Ends also.
WRONG! Loose Ends, Junior, 52nd Street, and Total Contrast came before they did. You need to do research before commenting.
@@humanitiesprofessor1912
I didn't say they came first!
They reached an iconic status WORLDWIDE! None of those acts were even comparable to what Soul II Soul achieved!
Can't you read before you comment?
I can see your point if view, but Loose Ends should be in that too!
Their Catalogue is enormous with worldwide acclaim with many chart topping hits and club bangers! 🔥
Please do a video on Caron Wheeler, I would gladly appreciate it and I'm sure a lot of people would two too.
@Robert Jackson I'll add Caron Wheeler to my list and will put something together.
@@Sephsaysso Thank u!... So much.. glad you have her in thought. I'll be waiting ❤️
Love your work keep going 💪🏿💯❤️
@@GearsinMotionGraphics qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq
I would love this as well. Although I consider myself a Caron Wheeler biographer. I would be very critical of the accuracy and what is said and left unsaid.
I met Caron Wheeler years ago and she was kind enough to sign an autograph for
me addressing it to my daughter.
Great video, I learnt one or two things i didn't know. I remember going to their shops in Camden and Tottenham Court Road.
I went to the USA in 1989, my mother had a gathering for my birthday and I played 'keep on movin'. No one knew the song at that time and did not believe it was a British group. I felt so proud - just like a DJ breaking a new song.
I attended their concert in Downtown Charleston, SC in 1990 hands down it was the best concert I’ve ever attended in my life. The music and performance was so ahead of its time.
Sounds like when she died, she saw heaven and she didn't want to return to earth.
I have heard that same story from a kayaker who got trapped underwater, was finally dragged out & brought back to life. But where she had been made her upset her life had been saved. She wanted to stay where she had gone.
Yep that's the same vibe I got too whilst listening to the interview
Wow, I love The songs "Keep on Movin", "Back to life" and also "Jazzy's groove" So many Def Jams .. I also discovered from this video that other songs they have sound good, they had so many members all talented , it's sad about some of them passing away. This is such a Dope video Thank you.
Thank you for this. I had three soul 2 soul cds. Car, crib, and job..💪🔥 "Elevate your mind, free your soul, let your body take control"🔥🔥
No worries at all ❤
Back 2 life always felt like a gospel song to me. So learning the meaning behind it was because Caron almost died is really interesting and makes the song make so much more sense.
I'll bet Caron Wheeler has left and rejoined Soul II Soul 7 more times since this documentary was made 🙂.
Man, she is a great singer, but she must hold the record for number of times any band member has left and rejoined!
I love Soul II Soul. May God continue to bless them.
And rest in peace to the three beautiful ladies of the group who have passed away🙏😌.
They should have done a Documentary on Unsung which is like a R & B Version VH1's Behind The Music. They have done documentaries on Debarge, The Sylvers, The Spinners, and The Marvelettes. I think one of the former Members is the Mother of Alexandra Burke former Winner of The X Factor.
you know what's funny? i thought they HAD their own unsung episode...i just didn't see it yet. you would think unsung would have done that one....
My favorite Soul 2 Soul song would have to "Missing You". It's just one of those songs you could play to make you feel good. It just kills negative energy.
Excellent work. Learned about the overdue recognition by the mainstream (white) UK establishment and the unfortunate passing of the 3 singers. Glad to hear they're still at it and hope they hit the USA on tour, keep on movin'!
Great video, that will always be an iconic song, did not know the story behind it!
@ Elisia's Evolution Thank you so much 💓 I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
@@Sephsayssotwo years ago I would like to thank you for this video you did a wonderful job. All my greetings all the way from Paris France
The attention to detail done on this video is bar none. I love UK RnB and soul it doesn’t get as much credit in the US as it should. The influence has been critical in creating neo-soul. I remember the Source magazine doing an article talking about the new genre and half of the artist were from the UK.
A humble request, could you do Omar Lye Fook and Incognito.
Thank you so so much!! Yes I'll add them to the list and put something together soon!!
I always dugg wheeler's song writing/vocal style. Us Blacks here in Chicago love their hits.
Close but no. I was already a solo artist, and went back to tour my EMI Records contract from 1989. Also co-wrote Missing You. etc. Also you're showing Charlotte's photo and not Doreen. Quite a few inaccuracies on the timeline etc. However. God bless. Thank you. 🙏🏾 all the best.
I loved and still love Missing You (Healer Mix) your voice gives me a feeling at 17yo I can’t put into words. Thanks for the great vibes, much love to you from DC ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
@@MisanthropistPOV Thank you Robert 😊🙏🏾 my pleasure.
@@kymmazelle8424 I love Missing You. My favorite Soul 2 Soul song.
@@bluetheory2 Thank u 😊
@@kymmazelle8424 welcome
Caron Wheeler bodied Back To Life!! To hear the meaning behind the song gives a whole new perspective on it
Wow I love this group my number one favourite British group please should done tour in new York maybe they did l would love to see them in concert plus loose end 52nd street best music era great post
From day one, Caron Wheeler always brings life to soul to soul, as long as she step on the stage, here we go.
I often wonder why she and Jazzy B, always used to have this back and forth, it almost seems they were lovers.
All these break up to make up, slowed down the group success, she such a beautiful sister, and also the wonder singer.
My favorite song, back to life, soul to soul, featuring Caron Wheeler. More🔥🔥🔥
This is going to sound crazy, I have always thought, Jazzy B put his personal success before the group, he always wanted to be seen and be heard.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful memories, will another black British R&B group get to their level, that's open to question, I have yet to see one.
Caron was very frustrated with Jazzy B, because she contributed far more to the success of Soul II Soul than Jazzie B would ever give her credit for. Yes, Jazzie B was the founder of Soul II Soul as a creative collective, throwing parties, and selling underground fashion in the UK, prior to the musical success of the group. Then, he decided to try to expand Soul II Soul into a musical group, but he really had no musical talent. He has studio experience as an engineer. But he was not a singer, musician, songwriter, vocal arranger or composer. He gathered folks, paid them pennies, to do all the musical work, but wanted to remain the face of Soul II Soul, even though it was now more than what his talents created. I am not saying Jazzie B brought nothing to the musical part of Soul II Soul. But he didn't bring enough to warrant claiming to be the founder and creative force of the music of Soul II Soul. A ton of other people were. Caron Wheeler is the one who wrote and vocally arranged Keep on Movin and Back to Life. Nellie Hooper produced it. Jazzie B may have been involved in mixing the songs, at best. Yet, he is sitting atop the group, storming on stage collecting awards for those songs, and not explaining who really was behind it. I would not be exploited and used in that way either, especially when the money is funny and I am not making a living. That is why Caron left, because she was not given proper and full credit for her contributions to the group. TO me, Caron Wheeler's voice is what made Soul II Soul. Her voice was the voice of the only two real hits, the hits that earned 95% percent of the groups income to this day.
@@DT-we2ye Exactly, that's why when she went solo, I made sure to support her projects.
By far, one of the most UNDERATED, UNAPPRECIATED & UNRECOGNISED UK GROUP OF THE 80S'
Snubbed many times for awards they should have received.....
It led to the forming of MOBOS' to finally RECOCNISE the immense talent of Jazzie B & Caron Wheeler & the rest of the band.
Their music is absolutely timeless & still sounds as fresh as the day it was released!
A TIMELESS CLASSIC THAT WILL NEVER DIE!
Are you kidding ? Underrated ??? They were Huge ! They did the US/UK crossover being number one at the exactly same time with both album and single in 1989. And they hit the #1 spot in several countries. Jazzie B was everywhere… TV’s, Radios, Magazines. Keep on Moving and Back to life was on heavy rotations on MTV and all the radios around the world ! It was a total triumph both critic and commercial ! A lot of bands would have liked to be ‘’underrated’’ in this way!
This was a great documentary Sis 👑. So many gems I learned watching this, great breakdown of one of our most legendary iconic groups /movements.
I would love to see one on Loose Ends too and Central Line. 1 Love and blessings Mic
@Mic Assassin Thank you so so much ☺️ Really glad to hear that you've learned quite a few things from the video!
Let me see what I can put together for Loose Ends and Central Line! Love and blessings to you too!
@@Sephsaysso Blessings Sis thank you for putting the time in and creating great content. Your voice is needed and should be amplified to the world 💯.
I'm a new subscriber so will keep checking your works. 1Love and Blessings
@@Sephsaysso Blessings Sis Also do you upload your content to IGTV? it allows longer content. Twitter also 2mins 40 second video content so we can share. There is alot of people out there who would love your videos and the right hastag and discussion could get the traction you deserve. What's your twitter so I can tag you in? 👑💯
@Mic Assassin Thank you so much for your kind words and for your support! I will do my absolute best to keep the videos coming! I've also added your request for Loose Ends and Central Line to my list, so I will be putting something together soon! Love and blessings!
@Mic Assassin I've been meaning to upload my content on IGTV. As this is still pretty new to me I'm trying to juggle quite a bit at the moment but I will surely put the content on my IGTV! My Twitter handle is @sephsaysso! Thank you again for all your support 👑 Love and blessings!
Awesome band 👍🏻🎵🎧
Frankie Crocker was one of the best DJ ever. WBLS played a mixer of jazz, calypso, blue eye soul artists and of course R & B back in the day.
Great vid, love the format. I certainly did not know that about the song back to life 😮
@ Lally Doe Thank you so much! It really is mind blowing! 😯
I can't express how big Soul 2 Soul was in 1989-1990 when we were in college, amid the new Black consciousness and afrocentricity of wearing clothes and hair, along with the Native tongue movements in rap and New Jck Swing in R&b. there were so many different sounds going on, with everyone influencing each other without copying
Wonderful documentary- thank you, reliving the 90’s and good memories- British talent at its best
Loving this one thanks for sharing very information blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work one of my favorite group from the uk 🇬🇧 a game changer for ever 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Loved this. Thank you ❤
@The Afrikan Superstar Black No worries at all! Im glad you enjoyed the video ❤
In the states keep on moving was a staple song for graduation ceremonies at that time from kindergarten to highschool . I was raised in Newyork so I can state that as a fact hence why everyone's graduation either played the song or we sang it in the ceremony
You do great work sister, continue the grind!
Thank you so much!!
@@Sephsaysso Except you got Doreen’s picture wrong. That was actually Charlotte Kelly’s picture
Really wonderful to see this video. Its well researched and well presented.
Keep on moving ; cuz you can't beat that shhh with a bat: one of the best written/produced songs ever made imo(simple yet powerful)
One hell of a group
This was a VERY good video essay on Soul II Soul I wanted to know the history of the group and this was perfect. Thank you! 😀
Soul to Soul had a lot of jazz influences in it. I think of this jazz group called Kiss the Sky in the 90’s I use to listen to. When I think of Soul to Soul.
Very good documentary 👍
@ Tony Thompson Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the video 😊
I was a teen "Back to Life" was such an important song to me. I am so glad that what I got from it was way more in line with where it originally came from without learning about it until today. Thank you for all your efforts to create and share this.
Keep On Movin', Back To Life, Get A Life just take me back to my youth. I loved all the stuff that was around back then when I was like 9/10.
I absolutely loved this, very informative. Thank you 🙏🏾
No worries at all! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video ❤
I don't know if I heard it mentioned that Soul II Soul had a song, "Free Again", on the "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" movie soundtrack in 1998. Great Song.
My favorite version of Keep On Movin' is the Club Mix right next to the Jam & The Groove, Acapella, & LP Versions of Back To Life. I even love Get a Life.
Thank you very much for posting this info about this amazing Brit group that was very inspiring and amazing during my youth.
May GOD bless those alive and may the souls of those deceased rest in PARADISE.
I don't care what anyone says, Soul ll Soul invented the neo soul sound hands sound!!!
Keep it up Sep you are on the right track.
Thank you so much!!
Africa Centre in Covent Garden was the lick back in the day... my days of raving, having fun... no children... dancing ourselves into a funky sweat. Those days were magical and innocent. Philip Harvey was also in the group... he was my nemesis at secondary school! lol Also, Wumi, the dancer wasn't mentioned either.
My favorite is back to life love that song and I all so love keep on moving Karen wheeler loved her voice one of my favorite groups soul ll soul
Soul II Soul v. s. Loose Ends bo0k it VERZUS
💯💯💯
YES!!!
Soul to soul ain't got enough hits for loose ends
Caron Wheeler worked with contemporary jazz artist Najee with an incredible song on his 1992 ablum Just an Illusion. Her tremendous vocals are featured on a song called Whenever We're Together.
I discovered some unknown facts about Soul II Soul and this mini documentary was excellent.
It's hard for me to pick a favorite Soul II Soul song because they have a lot that I like. Jazzie B has an ear for vocal talent because every featured vocalist for the group has been phenomenal! I could go with a favorite from each album, but not an overall favorite. Would love to see them live before God calls me home.
AMAZING!, glad I stumbled across your video podcast and I just want to know can you do a video on Caren Weller such a great talented voice?
@ Robert Jackson Thank you so much! Let me see what I can put together for Caron Wheeler!
Always Relevant ‼️
In my Opinion Caron Wheeler is to Soul to Soul as N'Dea Davenport is to the Brand New Heavies!
The Brand New Heavies are a fantastic group also.
@@kevinpayton2664 That's true but it's a reason why she's the lead singer on most of their hit songs.
Your channel dropped into my feed a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for your amazing videos. Will be going through each one. Princess: Say You're My No. 1, Patrice Rushen: Forget Me Nots, Odyssey: Going Back To My Roots, Billy Ocean: Every Woman In The World, Dynasty: Does That Ring A Bell, Shannon: Sweet Somebody. I'm Chinese, but the soundtrack of my life is music by black musicians. Yellow is the colour of sunrays.😉😘
You're doing a great job!👍
Fairplay was especially important to hip hop, as it served as the backdrop for EPMD's So What Cha Sayin, a classic song.
I absolutely love them !🙂💗💗
I didn't know that Soul 2 Soul was still performing. I thought that they had stopped long ago. They have done much better than Loose ends in the charts.
Great piece
Yo this channel is dope really love the content
Thank you so much
Thank you so much for this 🙏🏾🙏🏾👊🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🔥🔥🔥
Really great documentary, 👍
Thanks for nice commentary, and statement about back to life and covid.
From TRINIDAD&TOBAGO from a boy watching video-soul with DONNIE-SIMPSON on SATURDAYS up to this day, that song KEEP ON MOVING & BACK TO LIFE still could move a crowd CARON WHEELER is an icon love this channel I would love to see THOMPSON -TWINS /HOWARD-JONES/ABC/DURAN-DURAN just to name a few not forgetting CULTURE-CLUB who could ever forget BOY-GEORGE like I say gr8 channel BLESSINGS.
thanks much
Great research. Great format.
Thank you so much!
I for one Love ur voice, ur presentation and I Know even my blind friend would smile just to see U on camera. Mad respect 2 da Max.
Thank you so much!!
Super underrated group! One f my favs!
90% of the information in this video was news to me.... Thank you so much ! 😎👍
I love all of their songs
My condolences go out to the singers that as passed away 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💔💔💔 🎙🎙🎙🎶🎶🎶I will always respect soul 2 soul from the time they came out in the late 80s there Music was killing all over Europe and I was in Switzerland at the time of the killing, God bless them for what they did for Black Music in the UK 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
They didn't show that violin player much on the Back To Life video, but man.....she was hot.
Great video. The beats of Back to life cemented a wave of records that use these in the beginning of the 90's (from De La Soul to Mick Jagger).
The reason Keep on movin' re-entered in 1996 was because of an Opel advert that used this.
Some other facts: People made the top 20 in The Netherlands.
Pleasure dome from the album Time for change might have been not very succesfull in the charts but the Booker T remix was huge in the UK garage scene, kind of an classic
Back to life hands down!
2021 I still play their music
This was great thank you
Thanks for this didn't know any of this just knew the music
No worries at all!!
I'm Glad They Were discovered & signed!!
🎻 ❤️ "thank you Soul II Soul"
Thanks for the story l never but back 2 life was about l never cared for that song but not l appreciate it cause l can relate to it. I loved keep on moving as a kid so glad they blew up in the us 🙌🏾 🙏🏾
Another one of my all time favorite groups. Songs to remember from these guys. Jazzy B was dat guy wit his production!
They were basically using the same beat from the beginning to the end. But they mashed up the charts worldwide with those two songs and boy what memories h the hose two songs bring back London was on fire.
Wow,that definitely puts another perspective on that song fr
💯