The Original Sound Of Northern Soul, Popcorn and R&B and featuring legendary Golden Torch Classics By The Valentines, The Inspirations, Roscoe Shelton, Jerry Fuller, Linda Jones and many more

At the height of its fame it the Golden Torch boasted a 5,000-strong membership and attracted international soul acts including The Drifters, James & Bobby Purify, Ben E. King, J.J. Barnes, Fontella Bass, The Stylistics and Major Lance. Over half a million passed through its doors before its untimely closure in March '73 when the local council refused to renew its all-night licence. Soul royalty Edwin Starr accompanied club owner Chris Burton to the licence hearing, but to no avail. Within six months of its closure, Wigan Casino relit the soul mantle, but it was the Golden Torch that fuelled its flame and truly defined Northern Soul.

This new album was compiled by the late Francis T, Basil, Tim Everett and Joe Boy in celebration of 50 years of Northern Soul at Stoke's The Golden Torch night club.

"I always felt that the Twisted Wheel ignited the rare soul spark, but the Golden Torch set it alight and became a beacon for the Northern Soul scene. Its legacy keeps on burning today" DJ Dave Evison