đ” 1970s R&B, Funk, Soul Wedding Songs
The Ultimate 1970s Wedding Soundtrack with Soulful Love, Funky Vibes & Timeless Party Hits
Step back into the golden era of love and groove featuring iconic 1970s tunes perfect for every wedding reception moment. Whether youâre setting a romantic tone during cocktail hour, celebrating love with soulful ballads, or turning up the energy on the dance floor, this playlist delivers the authentic sounds of a decade that defined wedding music magic.
Table of Contents
Cocktail Hour Songs
Love Songs
Reception Party Hits
Spotify Playlist - 49 songs!
Every song on the playlist was released in the 1970s!
See my previously released 1970s Rock Songs, 1970s Disco Party Playlist, and 1970s Yacht Rock Cocktail Hour Playlist!
Cocktail Hour Songs
Could It Be I'm Falling in Love - The Spinners
1972 - The song was crafted at Philadelphiaâs Sigma Sound Studios with production by Thom Bell, one of the architects of the orchestrated âPhilly Soulâ sound. It reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B chart. The lyrics are all about the joyful uncertainty of new love.
Drift Away - Dobie Gray
1973 - The song was first written and released by Mentor Williams. It reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics are about finding peace and joy through music itself. Uncle Kracker covered the song in 2003, making it to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Family Affair - Sly and the Family Stone
1971 - The song became Sly and the Family Stoneâs third and final #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. âFamily Affairâ is laid-back and funky, built around a drum machine and minimal instrumentation, unusual for the time. The lyrics explore how âfamilyâ can mean both the people youâre born to and the people you choose.
Float On - The Floaters
1977 - Each member of The Floaters introduces himself in the song by name, astrological sign, and his ideal romantic partner, making it one of the most unique openings in R&B history. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B chart. The album version runs over 11 minutes, while the radio edit is 4.5 minutes.
Groove Me - King Floyd
1970 - The song was originally the B-side to âWhat Our Love Needs.â After New Orleans DJs started playing Groove Me instead, it took off and became a hit. The track reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #6 on the Hot 100.
I'll Take You There - The Staple Singers
1972 - The song became The Staple Singersâ biggest hit, reaching #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Itâs about hope, unity, and guiding people to a better place.
I'm in Love - Aretha Franklin
1974 - âIâm in Loveâ reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. It was written by Bobby Womack and first recorded by Wilson Pickett in 1967. The lyrics capture the experience of falling deeply in love, both as a slow, blossoming journey and as an intense, sudden emotion.
Itâs the Falling in Love - Michael Jackson
1979 - The song features a smooth duet with singer Patti Austin. The lyrics explore the complexities and risks of falling deeply in love, balancing excitement with a touch of apprehension.
Love and Happiness - Al Green
1973 - Guitarist Teenie Hodges laid down the memorable, funky guitar lines that give the song its irresistible groove. The lyrics explore the bittersweet nature of love, how joy and pain often come hand in hand.
Love the One You're With - The Isley Brothers
1971 - The song was written and first recorded by Stephen Stills in 1970. It reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the R&B chart. The lyrics encourage appreciating and loving the person youâre with.
Love, Love, Love - Donny Hathaway
1973 - The song beautifully blends soul, jazz, and gospel influences. The lyrics celebrate the power of love in all its forms, calling for compassion and connection. While not a major chart-topper, âLove, Love, Loveâ is now regarded as a classic soul gem.
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
1977 - Bill Withers famously holds a note for 18 seconds near the end of the song, one of the longest sustained notes in a popular recording. It peaked at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to #6 on the R&B charts. The lyrics celebrate the power of positivity and finding joy in everyday life.
Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight
1971 - The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts. The songâs lyrics call out a boastful man who thinks heâs all that, making it an empowering anthem for women.
O-o-h Child - Five Stairsteps
1970 - The Five Stairsteps were a sibling group often called âThe First Family of Soulâ. It peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #14 on the R&B chart, making it their signature tune.