It wasn’t until 1969 that regular Friday Soul Nights began at The Torch, hosted by DJ’s Keith Minshull and Colin Curtis. As word spread fellow DJ’s Alan Day and Martyn Ellis joined the line-up and together, the “Kingspinners” would go on to play a major role in developing the nucleus of Northern Soul. Fuelled by a stream of previously unheard American imports courtesy of French fanatic Simon Soussan, the Torch gained a reputation as THE place to hear the country’s top sounds.
When the Twisted Wheel closed in 1971 it seemed appropriate that the Torch would take over the mantle for the rare soul scene and within a year the first All-Nighter was announced in Blues & Soul magazine. By July of 1972 club owner Chris Burton was proudly proclaiming The Torch as the “No.1 In The Land” with twice monthly All-Nighters featuring “Twelve Soulful Hours” with the “Kingspinners” and a roster of live U.S. soul acts including The Drifters, Oscar Tony Jnr., Edwin Starr, Bob And Earl and, of course, Major Lance.
Thank you to Chris Burton for carrying The Torch 1969-1973
SIDE 1
The Superlatives - I Still Love You
Dobie Gray - Out On The Floor
Luther Ingram Orchestra - Exus Trek
The Salvadors - Stick By Me Baby
Barbara & Brenda - Never Love A Robin
Tari Stevens - (Your Love Is Just A) False Alarm
The Sapphires - Gotta Have Your Love
SIDE 2
George Carrow - Angel Baby (You Don't Even Love Me)
The Show Stoppers - Ain’t Nothing But A House Party
The Cavaliers - Hold To My Baby
Jason Knight - Our Love Is Getting Stronger
First Choice - This Is The House (Where Love Died)
