Soul music is a type of popular music that developed in African American communities in the late 1950’s. It reached its height of popularity in the 1960’s. Soul music combines the driving dance beat of rhythm and blues with the emotional expression of Black gospel music. See Gospel music ; Rhythm and blues .
Soul music often uses the call and response format of Black gospel music. In this pattern, a lead singer’s vocals are echoed by the chorus or band members. Many of the most famous soul performers, including Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Sam Cooke, began their careers as gospel singers. A number of popular soul singers, including James Brown, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and Sam and Dave, sang in a raspy, urgent style that directly reflects soul music’s Black gospel origins.
Soul music developed a large fan base with both Black and white audiences. One of the most important soul record labels was Stax in Memphis. The label’s studio band was known as Booker T. & the MGs. The group had both Black and white members. The band performed on classic songs by such Stax artists as Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, Otis Redding, and Sam and Dave. The Stax sound was simple and direct, with a strong Black gospel influence and frequent use of repetition.
Motown Records in Detroit produced a more polished version of soul music. At Motown, performers dressed formally and were marketed toward white audiences. However, some of Motown’s performers, including the Four Tops and Stevie Wonder, reflected the tougher side of soul music. Another influential soul label was Atlantic Records in New York City. Atlantic’s soul artists included Aretha Franklin, Solomon Burke, and Wilson Pickett. Atlantic also distributed recordings made by Stax.
In the 1970’s, soul music slowly gave way to an early version of funk. Led by James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone, funk placed an even greater emphasis on the beat. However, such performers as Curtis Mayfield, the O’Jays, and the Stylistics extended the soul tradition into the 1980’s. Popular soul performers today include Bettye LaVette, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and Mary J. Blige.
