Few individuals have done more to champion Soul music in the UK than Ralph Tee. A DJ, presenter, journalist, and co-founder of Expansion Records, Tee’s name has long been a hallmark of credibility and class. As he celebrates his 65th year, and over five decades immersed in the scene, his story reads like a love letter to Soul itself.
“I’ve always believed Soul music deserves to be heard, understood, and celebrated, not just played.” – Ralph Tee
A London Soul Boy with a Vision
Born and raised in North West London, Ralph Tee was captivated by Soul music from an early age. By the age of 15, he was spinning 7-inch singles at school dances, nurturing a following that recognised his rare sense of taste.
“He didn’t just play the records — he wrote their history.”
At just 20, he launched his own magazine, Groove Weekly, before joining the editorial team at the legendary Blues & Soul, where he rose to Assistant Editor, a relationship that continues to this day. His penmanship would later grace Mixmag, and he went on to author two landmark books, Who’s Who in Soul and The Story of Soul, both essential reads for collectors and aficionados alike.
Defining the Soundtrack: Behind the Decks
Ralph Tee’s DJ career took shape in the early 1980s, a time when London’s club circuit was electric with Soul, Funk, and emerging dance sounds. In 1984, he made history as the first DJ to play downstairs at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s, bringing the energy of the underground Soul scene into one of the capital’s most revered jazz spaces.
From there, he became a familiar name behind the decks at venues including Hippodrome, Equinox, Heaven, Spiritland, Merchants Tavern, and Saturday Soul Affair. His sets blend precision and passion; the product of decades spent living and breathing the culture.
Alongside fellow tastemaker Richard Searling, Ralph co-founded the Luxury Soul Weekender in 2003. The event has grown into the spiritual home of modern Soul fans, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023.
On the airwaves, Tee has been equally influential. From his early days at Invicta FM with Gilles Peterson to his celebrated runs on Jazz FM and his ongoing monthly show on Solar Radio, Ralph continues to be a trusted curator for Soul devotees worldwide. His shows remain accessible via Mixcloud, keeping the vibe global.
“For Ralph Tee, Soul isn’t a genre — it’s a lifetime pursuit.”
Internationally, Ralph’s story extends far beyond Britain. As one half of Diplomats of Soul with Mike Allin, he has taken the music to stages in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and performed at the Australian National Northern Soul Weekender, spreading the sound to every corner of the globe.
The Label That Never Lost the Groove
Parallel to his DJ career, Ralph has been a driving force in the music business. Beginning in 1986, he compiled releases for heavyweight labels such as Streetsounds, Motown, and Arista. His work for Arista put him in touch with an extraordinary roster, Phyllis Hyman, Bobby Womack, Patrice Rushen, Kashif, Whitney Houston, and others, shaping how Soul music was presented to UK audiences.
That same year saw the emergence of Expansion Records, a label that would come to define the UK’s independent Soul scene. Initially contributing as a compiler, Ralph later acquired and relaunched the label transforming it into a beacon for both heritage and contemporary Soul artists.
Expansion’s catalogue reads like a dream: Leon Ware, Howard Hewett, Stephanie Mills, Gary Taylor, Leroy Hutson, Billy Griffin, Atlantic Starr, Jean Carne, Angela Bofill, Evelyn “Champagne” King, and, in more recent years, Frank McComb, Maysa Leak, Kim Tibbs, Candace Woodson, and Trina Broussard.
Despite the shifting landscape, streaming platforms, dwindling physical sales, and fragmented audiences, Expansion has endured, driven by passion rather than profit. Its reissue programme, particularly the 7” vinyl series, has reignited collector culture and reaffirmed the label’s commitment to real music, real musicians, and real emotion.
Soul Togetherness: The Expansion Soundtrack
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Expansion Records became the benchmark for quality Soul compilations. Its series Soul Sauce, Phat Jams, Winners Circle, and Friend in High Places, defines the soundtrack of a generation.
Then came Soul Togetherness in 2000: the label’s flagship compilation brand, curating the finest in modern Soul and dancefloor gems. The success of Soul Togetherness naturally led to the birth of the Luxury Soul CD series and live events, creating a seamless link between the label’s output and the community that supports it.
“Expansion isn’t just a record label — it’s a movement.”
A Life in Soul: The Legacy of Ralph Tee
Over the years, Ralph Tee has crossed paths with legends, Quincy Jones, Leon Ware, Leon Huff, Patrice Rushen, Bobby Womack, Hubert Laws, George Duke, Natalie Cole, and Gregory Porter, among others. These connections reflect not just his longevity, but his credibility, earned through decades of consistency and integrity.
His contribution extends beyond records and radio, he’s documented the genre’s history, championed its evolution, and preserved its artistry for future generations.
As he celebrates his 65th birthday and 50 years in music, Ralph Tee stands not only as a pioneer but as one of Soul’s most authentic custodians.
“He’s not just part of the story — he’s part of the soundtrack.”
Follow Ralph Tee’s journey:
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