Northern soul is a music and dance movement that emerged from the British mod scene, initially in northern England in the late 1960s. While the style is heavily influenced by the Motown Sound, the most prized recordings are from lesser known artists/labels.
The movement reached its peak in the mid 70's and even evolved to include other styles of American R&B like Philly Soul. The Clenched fist symbol was adopted from the American Black Civil Rights Movement and was worn on patches sewn onto clothing.