Soul Secrets: Ultra-Rare Soul & Funk Vinyl You Need to Hear The soul and funk genres are filled with hidden treasures—records that slipped through the cracks of time, were pressed in minuscule quantities, or were simply too ahead of their time to gain mainstream attention. For collectors and music lovers, these rare gems represent the pinnacle of musical discovery. Here are some of the most elusive and sought-after soul and funk records that deserve a place in any serious collection. The Holy Grail of Northern Soul: Frank Wilson – "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)" (1965) Only two original copies of this Motown rarity are known to exist, making it one of the most valuable 45s in the world. Recorded by Frank Wilson but nearly destroyed due to Motown’s quality control, a handful of test pressings survived. One sold for over $40,000 at auction. The Funk Bomb That Vanished: The Soul Saints – "Do the Funky Chicken" (1970) This blistering funk 45 was pressed in tiny numbers on the obscure Smoove Records label. Fewer than 10 copies are believed to exist, and when one surfaces, collectors pay upwards of $5,000 for the chance to own it. The Lost Soul Masterpiece: Darrell Banks – "Here Come the Tears" (1969) While Banks’ "Open the Door to Your Heart" is a Northern Soul classic, this rare B-side is even more coveted. Original Atco pressings are nearly impossible to find, with prices exceeding $3,000 for a clean copy. The Private Pressing Funk Legend: Soul Vibrations – "The Dump" (1974) Pressed in a small run for local jukeboxes, this deep funk instrumental is a monster on the dancefloor. Original copies on the tiny Soul Power label have sold for over $4,000. The Gospel-Funk Rarity: The Gospel Classics – "Trying to Make It" (1971) A soulful, funky gospel record that was barely distributed outside of churches. Original copies on the private Shabach label are so rare that even seasoned collectors doubt their existence. When one appears, it commands $2,500 or more. The Southern Soul Mystery: James Barnett – "Keep on Talking" (1968) This deep soul ballad was released on the tiny Delta label and quickly disappeared. Only a handful of copies have ever surfaced, with sales reaching $3,500 for a well-preserved 45. The Jazz-Funk Fusion Unicorn: Black Heat – "No Time to Burn" (1975) While their Atlantic albums are easier to find, this rare promo-only 12-inch mix is a holy grail for funk DJs. Fewer than 50 copies were pressed, and they now sell for over $1,200. The Northern Soul Sleeper: The Tomangoes – "I Really Love You" (1967) This upbeat soul stomper was a flop upon release but became a Northern Soul anthem decades later. Original DynoVoice pressings are incredibly scarce, with prices around $2,000. The Funk 45 That Got Away: The Diplomats – "Cardova" (1973) A blistering instrumental funk track pressed in limited quantities for a Florida car dealership’s promotional campaign. Original copies on the obscure Tener label have sold for $1,800+. The Psychedelic Soul Oddity: The Fabulous Mark III – "The Soul Rockin’ Derby" (1969) A bizarre but brilliant fusion of soul, funk, and psychedelia, this private pressing is a true enigma. Fewer than 100 copies were made, and surviving examples fetch $2,000 or more. Why Are These Records So Rare? Many of these soul and funk records suffered from poor distribution, label closures, or lack of promotion. Some were pressed only for local markets, while others were pulled from circulation due to legal disputes. The rarest were private pressings—self-funded labors of love that barely left the artist’s hometown. How to Hunt for Rare Soul & Funk Vinyl • Dig through old record store stock, especially in cities with strong soul histories (Detroit, Memphis, Philadelphia). • Attend Northern Soul and funk specialty record fairs. • Network with collectors who focus on obscure 45s—many rarities never made it to LP. • Be cautious of counterfeits—bootleggers often target high-demand soul records. The Future of Rare Soul & Funk Collecting As more collectors and DJs rediscover these lost classics, prices will only continue to rise. Whether you’re a crate-digger, a DJ, or just a fan of raw, unfiltered soul and funk, the hunt for these records is a journey into music’s most passionate and overlooked corners. <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/bollywood-vinyl-records">Bollywood Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/classical-lp-record">Classical Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/devotional-vinyl-records">Devotional Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/dialogue-vinyl-records">Dialogue Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/dj-lp-records">Dj Remix Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/english-lp-record">English Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/film-hits-vinyl-record">Film Hits Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/ghazals">Ghazals Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/instrumental">Instrumental Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/non-filmi-lp-records">Non Filmi LP Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/punjabi-lp-vinyl">Punjabi Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com/vinyl-records-12/rare-vinyl-records">Rare Vinyl Records</a><br> <a href="https://onlinevinylshop.com">Online Vinyl Shop</a>