Digging for Gold: The Allure of Raregrooves

If you’ve ever found yourself flipping through dusty crates of vinyl, headphones clamped tight as you search for that perfect, elusive beat, chances are you’ve been seduced by the world of raregrooves.

What Are Raregrooves?

The term “raregrooves” describes a niche but passionate music scene centered around obscure, hard-to-find records—mostly funk, soul, jazz-fusion, disco, and early R&B from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. These tracks might not have made commercial waves at the time, but decades later they’ve become coveted treasures.

More than just music, raregrooves represent culture, history, and the thrill of discovery. Their scarcity adds value—and sometimes serious price tags. The rarer the track and the fewer copies in circulation, the higher the demand. Collectors and DJs are known to pay anywhere from £100 to £500 (or more) for a pristine 7-inch or LP, especially if it’s never been reissued and is in high demand on the dancefloor.

The Birth of a Movement — and Dez Parkes’ Story RIEP (dubbed the “walking encyclopedia of music”)

The raregroove scene as we know it today largely emerged in the UK in the early 1980s, powered by pirate radio stations and underground clubs. One of the key figures who helped shape this movement was Dez Parkes, a DJ, producer, and label owner from London.

Dez’s passion for music began early. Growing up in a house filled with Black music, he was immersed in the sounds of soul, jazz, reggae, and funk thanks to his father—a dedicated record collector. By his early teens, Dez was already deep in the world of vinyl, seeking out forgotten gems and rare pressings. Over the next 30 years, he would watch the changing face of entertainment, always anchored by his unwavering love for music.

A pivotal moment came in 1987, when Dez was approached by RCA to compile and launch the ground breaking Rare (7) series of albums, which were responsible for kickstarting the entire rare groove revival in the UK. The first release was a true milestone—it went straight into the national album charts at No. 75, a remarkable feat for underground rare Black music at the time.

The Rare (7) series grew to encompass four further volumes plus a Best Of. These albums not only revived forgotten soul, funk, and disco tracks but also contained numerous breaks, beats, samples, and loops that would become a treasure trove for DJs and hip-hop producers.

On the back of the Rare (7) series, Dez went on to compile Motown Rare Grooves and Prelude One, again for RCA—curating selections from two of the most legendary catalogues in Black music.

Why Raregrooves Matter

There’s something magical about hearing a song that sounds both fresh and nostalgic, knowing only a handful of people might own it. Raregrooves are often defined by:

• Deep grooves and complex arrangements

• Emotionally rich vocals or instrumental flourishes

• Authenticity — music made without commercial compromise

• Sample potential — many raregrooves became iconic hip-hop loops years later

Modern raregroove collectors aren’t just hobbyists—they’re archivists, tastemakers, anoraks, and DJs who keep these hidden gems alive for new generations.

Leroy Hutson: Raregroove Royalty

Another name synonymous with raregroove royalty is Leroy Hutson. A Chicago-born singer, songwriter, and producer, Hutson crafted some of the most sophisticated soul music of the 1970s. A one-time roommate of Curtis Mayfield at Howard University, Hutson eventually took over as lead singer for The Impressions after Mayfield’s departure.

As a solo artist on Curtom Records, Hutson developed a unique sound: smooth vocals layered over lush string arrangements, warm horns, and deep grooves that became a goldmine for raregroove collectors and hip-hop producers alike. Tracks like “Lucky Fellow,” “All Because of You,” and “Cool Out” remain dancefloor staples and crate-digger favourites. His albums—particularly Hutson (1975), Feel The Spirit (1976), and Closer To The Source (1978)—are highly prized, with original pressings often fetching £100–£300 or more depending on condition.

His music continues to influence modern soul, raregroove scenes, and neo-soul artists worldwide, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of the raregroove movement.

Essentials to Explore

Here are a few tracks and artists that capture the raregroove spirit:

• Leroy Hutson – “Lucky Fellow”
  A warm, melodic groove and quintessential raregroove anthem.

• 24-Carat Black – “Ghetto: Misfortune’s Wealth”
  Dark, soulful, and cinematic—now a cult classic.

• Promise – “I’m Not Ready For Love”
  A modern soul holy grail; original pressings fetch serious cash.

• Roy Ayers – “Running Away”
  Jazz-funk perfection with crossover appeal.

• Sylvia Striplin – “You Can’t Turn Me Away”
  A smooth groove, later sampled by Junior M.A.F.I.A. for “Get Money.”

• Chambers Brothers – “Strung Out”
  Funky and chaotic—in the best way possible.

But there are so many more hidden gems still waiting to be discovered, many of which have never seen the light of day on reissues.

Still Going Strong

Today, raregroove culture thrives in record shops, online marketplaces, radio shows, and club nights. Social media has connected diggers worldwide, allowing collectors to share finds and knowledge instantly. Labels like BBE, Numero Group, and Soul Jazz Records continue to preserve and reissue forgotten masterpieces.

But the crown jewels—the tracks that never got reissued—still belong to those willing to dig deep, travel far, and trade secrets.

At the heart of it all are figures like Dez Parkes—music lovers turned curators, preserving and celebrating the hidden history of soul-stirring sound.

Want to Start Your Raregroove Journey?

Visit second-hand shops. Talk to older collectors. Explore Discogs. Tune into pirate-style radio streams. And most importantly—listen deeply. The groove might be rare, but the feeling is universal.