Top 10 Soul and Motown Wedding Bands in 2023 (2023)

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Category: blog

Updated: 16th February 2023

With its infectious rhythms, tight harmonies and uncompromisingly catchy melodies, it's no wonder that Motown music has stood the test of time. And if you've been to a wedding over the past few years, you'll know that soul and Motown hits still hold their own on the dance floor.

In fact, Motown and classic soul have remained a must-have part of the defacto wedding playlist for over 60 years - a testament to the songwriters and artists that dominated the golden era of soul.

Why Hire a Motown Band?

If you're looking to add some of that Motown magic to your big day, nothing quite hits the spot like a live Motown wedding band. With exceptional vocals, top-class musicianship and authentic soul arrangements, you can be sure of an electric atmosphere that will get your guests grooving!

The Best Soul and Motown Wedding Bands in the UK

We represent an incredible roster of soul bands and Motown wedding bands, each playing a mix of classic Motown hits infused with contemporary R&B, funk and soul music - the perfect combo to get guests young and old on the dance floor. Check out our top 10 soul and Motown wedding bands below.

1. Violet Soul

Get ready to groove with Violet Soul, a powerhouse 6-piece soul band that bring the heat with a diverse mix of classic and contemporary hits from Motown and soul greats. From Aretha Franklin to Justin Timberlake, this dynamic group features stunning vocals, sax, guitar, bass, drums and keys to keep your guests dancing all night long. Violet Soul are the ultimate party-starting experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Violet Soul

2. The Young Vinyls

Dance the night away with The Young Vinyls, the ultimate soul & Motown band delivering a mix of soul classics, chart-topping hits and everything in between. From James Brown to Bruno Mars, this full-sounding four-piece band will bring life to any party with their expertly crafted repertoire and high-energy performances. With their state-of-the-art PA system, professional lighting rig and party playlists, your wedding entertainment is in safe hands.

The Young Vinyls

3. Atlantica

Looking for a soul wedding band that will bring the party to life? Meet Atlantica! This talented group of musicians promise to keep the dance floor packed with a diverse repertoire that spans six decades, from 50s and 60s Motown to modern pop music. With a range of line-ups featuring horns and a mix of male & female vocalists, Atlantica can tailor their act to fit your budget.

Atlantica

4. Soul Traffic

Step back in time with Soul Traffic, the UK's premier authentic soul band that delivers the biggest and best Stax, Motown and Atlantic hits from the 60s. With unmatched attention to detail, this band of London's session elite, who have toured and recorded with the likes of Sir Elton John, Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, and Ed Sheeran, will transport you to the golden age of soul music with their spot-on renditions of Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke and Sam and Dave's classics.

Soul Traffic

5. Motown Sensation

Take a trip down memory lane with Motown Sensation, an authentic Motown tribute band that will transport you back to the golden era of Motown with non-stop hits from soul legends such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin. Available as either a 7-piece band or 3-piece vocal group, this band's beautiful three-part harmonies, incredible musicianship, and 60s dance moves will provide a show like no other.

Motown Sensation

6. Soul That Swings

Soul That Swings bring a stylish blend of Rat Pack, pop, soul and Motown for an unforgettable night of dancing for all ages. The band offers a number of line-ups to fit your budget and venue size, from a 4-piece or 5-piece with keys to a 6-piece with additional sax.

Soul That Swings

7. Wild Ones

Raise the roof with Wild Ones, a chic soul band with exceptional vocals and musicianship. With a diverse range of genres including soul, Motown, RnB, pop, and funk, these seasoned performers know how to get a crowd moving. Wild Ones have graced the stages of some of the world's most prestigious venues and events, including Ronnie Scott's, the Apollo Theatre in New York, and Glastonbury, and have had the honor of opening for Nile Rodgers and Chic at festivals with crowds of 5000 strong. With credentials from ACM and Westminster University, you can rest assured that this band brings professionalism and excellence to every event.

Wild Ones

8. Soul Patrol

Get ready to dance with Soul Patrol, an irresistible soul and funk band that puts a unique twist on classic and contemporary chart hits. With a wide-ranging repertoire that includes a mix of soul, Motown, funk and contemporary pop, Soul Patrol are the ultimate wedding band. This band of experienced musicians, who have performed for top artists including Gregory Porter will keep guests on the dance floor all night with their soul-shakin' renditions of hits from every era. Soul Patrol also offer various lineups to fit different venues and budgets, guaranteeing a professional and high-quality performance.

Soul Patrol

9. Young Soul

Bring the golden age of rhythm and blues back to life with Young Soul, a dynamic 4-piece soul and Motown band that delivers authentic renditions of vintage classics that will have the crowd buzzing with nostalgia. With a setlist packed with the biggest and best hits from legends like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations, this exciting band will keep the party swinging. With striking vocals and an infectiously tight rhythm section, Young Soul guarantee an unforgettable live experience for any occasion.

Young Soul

10. Tailor & Co

Keep the party going with Tailor & Co, a dynamic and soulful trio that bring together the best of soul, Motown, rock 'n' roll, and chart hits. With a repertoire that showcases the best of every genre, this tight 3-piece band will keep your guests dancing late into the night. Featuring three of the North West's brightest and most talented young musicians, Tailor & Co guarantee an extremely high level of musicianship, stage presence, and expertise.

What is Motown music?

While 'Motown' is often used to describe a specific genre of music, it's actually a reference to the music produced by the Motown record label. Founded in 1959, Motown Records is home to some of the most influential soul and R&B artists of the twentieth century, including The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5 and Smokey Robinson.

When we think of Motown Records, we can't help but think of the city where it all began: Detroit, Michigan. Known as the "Motor City" for its historical significance as a major centre of car manufacturing, it's fitting that the label's name, Motown, is a clever combination of "motor" and "town", a nod to the city's rich history.

Top Motown wedding songs

Whether you choose to hire a Motown wedding band or a DJ, here are some essential Motown songs to add to your playlist:

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  I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye

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  My Girl - The Temptations

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  What's Going On - Marvin Gaye

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  Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

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  I Want You Back - The Jackson 5

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  Stop! In the Name of Love - The Supremes

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  You Can't Hurry Love - The Supremes

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  Superstition - Stevie Wonder

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  Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder

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  I'll Be There - The Jackson 5

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  Heatwave - Martha and the Vandellas

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  Ain't Too Proud to Beg - The Temptations

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  Dancing in the Street - Martha and the Vandellas

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  (Video) The UK's Top Ten Best Wedding Bands 2023
  I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) - Four Tops

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  Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes

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  I Can't Get Next to You - The Temptations

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  Baby Love - The Supremes

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  Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye

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  Reach Out, I'll Be There - The Four Top

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  Money (That's What I Want) - Barrett Strong

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Looking for more soul and Motown bands?

At Bands For Hire, we represent a wide range of bands playing a mix of music from every genre, including soul, funk, Motown, pop, R&B and more. Browse through all our soul and Motown bands here.