What Happened to Acapella Soul?
Question: How many of you street performing cover groups have performed at an A-lister’s wedding?
Acapella Soul: {Raises hand} “We performed at Uma Thurman’s wedding. And Richard Gere was there.”
In a city known for its diverse music scene, Acapella Soul carved a niche for itself. This New York City group was known for its engaging style and lively performances, making every song feel like a party. And fans loved it.
Here’s a lively performance of “Stand By Me,” recorded by tomoyoshi katayama and posted to Youtube. It has over 23 million views on YouTube to date.
So who exactly are these sonorous superheroes? Nick Broad interviewed the group as part of his Busking Project back in 2010. (https://busk.co/blog/dont-miss/acapella-soul-interview/. While you’re at busk.co, check out their full website and support their work.) Here’s some video background Nick provides on Acapella Soul:
E! News also did a piece on Acapella Soul in 2020 discussing the group’s efforts to help raise spirits during the COVID lockdown:
But in spite of their popularity and fan support, Acapella Soul appears to have gone quiet. They haven’t posted anything on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube for over a year. Their website is down and it appears their domain name was purchased a few days ago by a domain hoarder. (Very sorry guys. If we had seen it in time we would have purchased it and held it for you.)
We have reached out to see what we can find about this fan favorite group but haven’t heard anything back. We hope all is well and that we will see–and hear–them again soon.
Until then, here are some videos of them performing various cover that have been uploaded to YouTube by Acapella Soul’s YouTube channel and by their fans. When you’re finished with these, go to Acapella Soul’s YouTube channel and you’ll find many more.
We’ve included “Stand By Me” again (uploaded to YouTube by tomoyoshi katayama) so that it’s in this mix.
You’ll probably watch it at least a few more times and add to its 23 million+ views.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight, uploaded to YouTube by TJIMC with over 16 million views.
(This is also cross posted on Acapella Soul’s channel.)
Isn’t She Lovely, uploaded to YouTube by Acapella Soul
Lean On Me, uploaded to YouTube by Nick Broad of the Busking Project (at busk.co).
This Magic Moment, uploaded to YouTube by Santiago Urrutia
Ooh Baby Baby, uploaded to YouTube by Acapella Soul
Just My Imagination, uploaded to YouTube by Gabe Gutierrez
Do You Love Me?, uploaded to YouTube by Lena Lim
Wonderful World, uploaded to YouTube by Santiago Urrutia
Come and Go With Me, uploaded to YouTube by TJIMC
Daddy’s Home, uploaded to YouTube by Acapella Soul
In the Still of the Night, uploaded to YouTube by Julie Braun
My Girl, uploaded to YouTube by Andrew Prokop