Soul Musicis a genre of African American popular music that originated in the United States in the 1950s and 60s. It combines elements of gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame defines Soul as, “music that arose out of the Black experience in America.”
History of Soul Music
After slavery ended in 1865 African Americans were not allowed to attend churches that white people attended. African Americans built their own churches and sang Christian songs with their own style. Most Soul musicians grew up singing in these churches and that influenced their work. This style and rhythm from churches and gospel groups lead to the creation of Soul Music.
Types of Soul Music
Early Soul
The earliest soul songs were created when artists took gospel songs and added secular lyrics. "I've Got A Woman (Way Across Town)" by Ray Charles was inspired by the gospel song "I've Got A Savior (Way Across Jordan)" Popular soul singer, Sam Cooke was in a gospel group as a teenager but was kicked out when he recorded the song “Lovable,” a secular version of the song “Wonderful.”
Southern Soul
Two types of Soul originated in the south, “Deep Soul” and “Memphis Soul.” Deep soul was “powerful and dynamic” and Memphis soul was “smooth and beautifully produced.” (Descriptions of Southern Soul) Southern Soul uses horns, the organ, and a steady rhythm section. Otis Redding’s last recorded song “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” is an example of Memphis soul.
Northern Soul
The most popular style of soul in the 60s was motown pop soul which originated in Detroit. “Motown Sound” was especially popular with young Americans. Motown became extremely popular. The use of a pop voice instead of a blues voice was appealing to listeners. One Motown group, The Supremes, struck audiences with their pop voice and easy to dance to music. “The Supremes were the first Black female performers of their generation to embrace a more feminine image, appearing on stage in detailed makeup and high-fashion gowns and wigs.” (The Supremes)
1. Gospel Traditions- Soul music originated in the church. Soul singers learned about music from being in gospel choirs. Most soul songs have elements of gospel songs in them. Some soul songs are gospel songs with different lyrics and some use elements like call and response. I’ve added “Stand By Me” to a previous blog but here it is again because I just learned it was based off a gospel song.
2. Blues Influences- Of course you can hear the blues in may soul songs. This article mentioned the blues connection in Ray Charles songs with the piano. In this live version you can see him playing the piano and see the other instruments used.
3. Vocals- One key characteristics of soul music is the voice. Soul songs are very recognizable, especially by the voice. Soul singers have a very raw and emotional voice.
4. Instruments-Instruments commonly used in soul songs are the piano, guitar, drums, horns, and strings. Multiple instruments are used and are often overlapped. In “Dancing in the Street” by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas you can hear my different instruments, especially the horns.
5. Connection to Civil Rights Movement- Soul music was created during the Civil Rights Movement. Many soul songs have themes and messages about the movement, racism, and what things were like in America at the time. At the top of his career, Sam Cook was shot in 1964, he was thirty three. One of his most popular and powerful songs, “A Change is Gonna Come” was released after his death. The song is considered the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement.
Soul Music's Influence
Soul Music from the 60s and 70s has inspired many other different types of music. Funk, Hip Hop and R&B. Soul Music was revived in the 80s when Michel Jackson and Prince put their own twist on soul music. In the 90s a new type of soul was created, Neo Soul. Today, most soul music falls into the R&B category.
Modern Soul Music
Neo Soul and Alternative R&B have remained popular. Two artist that have brought retro soul into the 21st Century are Leon Bridges, and Micheal Kiwanuka, which you can listen to below. However, there are many more modern soul and R&B artists. Alternative R&B is where an artist uses electronic and acoustic instruments with some soul influence. Many artists are keeping soul alive through different genres and techniques. Soul music from the 60s and 70s are classics and people still love to listen to those.
Works Cited
“History of Soul Music.” EnglishClub, https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/music-soul.htm.
MasterClass. “Soul Music Guide: History and Sounds of Soul Music - 2022.” MasterClass, MasterClass, 4 June 2021, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soul-music-guide#6-characteristics-of-soul-music.
Paese, Meagan. “Soul Music.” The History of Rock and Roll Radio Show, http://www.thehistoryofrockandroll.net/soul-music/.
Wilson, Lois. “American Soul Music: A Collision of Genres.” The Telegraph, Telegraph Media Group, 25 May 2018, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/discover-america/evolution-of-music/soul/.
I really enjoyed reading your blog about the history of soul. I grew up my whole life listening to soul and it is my go to anytime I want to play some jams. I would say my top two favorite types would be R&B and some good old southern soul.
I really enjoyed reading this post! Soul music is so good and the history behind it is quite interesting. You included some of my favorite songs in your post which is super cool. Soul music is a great go to when you want to feel good.
I really enjoy soul music and your blog does good job of covering the several different types of it. Two of some of my favorite genres are neo soul and Alternative RnB, so it was cool to learn about the history behind them as well.
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I really enjoyed reading your blog about the history of soul. I grew up my whole life listening to soul and it is my go to anytime I want to play some jams. I would say my top two favorite types would be R&B and some good old southern soul.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post! Soul music is so good and the history behind it is quite interesting. You included some of my favorite songs in your post which is super cool. Soul music is a great go to when you want to feel good.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy soul music and your blog does good job of covering the several different types of it. Two of some of my favorite genres are neo soul and Alternative RnB, so it was cool to learn about the history behind them as well.
ReplyDelete