Soul II Soul

Led by producer/vocalist/songwriter Jazzie B., Soul Ii Soul were one of the most innovative dance/R&B outfits of the late '80s, creating a seductive, deep R&B that borrowed from Philly soul, disco, reggae, and '80s hip-hop. Originally featuring Jazzie B., producer/arranger Nellee Hooper, and instrumentalist Philip "daddae" Harvey, the musical collective came together in the late '80s. The group had a residency at the Africa Centre in London's Covent Garden, which led to a record contract with 10, a subsidiary of Virgin. Two singles, "Fairplay" and "Feel Free," began to attract attention both in clubs and in the press.



Featuring the vocals of Caron Wheeler, Soul Ii Soul's third single, "Keep on Movin'," reached the U.K. Top Ten in March of 1989. Released in the summer of 1989, "Back to Life" also featured Wheeler and became another Top Ten hit. Soul Ii Soul released their debut album, Club Classics, Vol. 1, shortly afterward. The album was released in America under the title Keep On Movin'; both "Keep on Movin'" and "Get a Life" became substantial hits, propelling the album to double platinum status.

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