Soul music emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a fusion of gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz, becoming one of the most influential genres in American and global popular music.
Soul grew out of African-American church traditions, particularly gospel, combined with R&B. Early pioneers like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and James Brown transformed gospel's fervent emotion into secular themes. The term soul was adopted in the 1960s to describe African-American popular music that conveyed deep emotional intensity and authenticity. It emphasized the "spirit" and "feeling" of the music, rooted in Black identity and cultural pride.
Through the 1950s and 1960s, soul emerged from gospel and R&B, with artists like Sam Cooke and Ray Charles bridging sacred and secular sounds. During the Civil Rights era, soul became a soundtrack for Black pride and activism, with songs by Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin echoing themes of freedom and empowerment. In the 1970s, soul diversified into funk (James Brown), disco, and Philadelphia soul (The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes). From the 1980s through the 2000s, neo-soul artists like Erykah Badu and D'Angelo revived classic soul aesthetics with modern production. Soul spread internationally, inspiring British "blue-eyed soul" (Dusty Springfield, Adele) and influencing hip-hop and contemporary R&B.
Notable record labels included Motown Records (Detroit), which was home to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes. Stax Records (Memphis) defined gritty Southern soul with Otis Redding and Booker T. & the MG's. Atlantic Records (New York) released classics by Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. Founded by Curtis Mayfield, Curtom Records (Chicago) became known for socially conscious soul. Daptone Records (Brooklyn) was a revival label with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings.
There are several subgenres of soul, including Motown Sound, Southern Soul/Stax Sound, Philadelphia Soul, Neo-Soul, Quiet Storm, Latin Soul, and Psychedelic Soul.
A list of the most famous soul musicians might include Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke, Al Green, Smokey Robinson, Diano Ross, The Temptations, Gladys Knight, Isaac Hayes, Percy Sledge, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Etta James, Tina Turner, Booker T. Jones, Mavis Staples, D'Angelo, and Erykah Badu.
Recommended Resources
The Internet radio station plays a curated blend of Smooth Jazz, Soft Rock, R&B, Drum & Bass, and Easy Listening under the "softsoul" format. Based in Flossmoor, Illinois, it began online in 2005, and describes its mixes as "softmixxes," extended, premixed segments with custom crossfades and remixes designed to set a mood for listeners. One can listen directly from the stations homepage by clicking the play button, and mixes will range from 15-75 minutes.
https://www.softsoulmusicradio.com/
A division of Blue Butterfly Entertainment, the long-running fan and reissue site focuses on soul, R&B, funk, and jazz-related reissues, artist features, playlists, and news, along with an online store and its SoulMusic Hall of Fame. The website publishes industry news, reissue announcements, artist spotlights, classic interviews, and themed features. Its index (home) page highlights recent reissues and digital releases, along with editorial pieces such as artist interviews and retrospectives.
https://soulmusic.com/
Funded by Jae Franklin in 2022, SMS is a multimedia platform dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and curating 1970s soul music and culture. It presents itself as an educational and visual exploration of the genre and era, aiming to partner with brands and organizations that support its preservation and celebration. The Society publishes a journal with articles on artists, film, culture, and recipes tied to the era. Contact information is provided.
https://soulmusicsociety.co/
Launched in 2003, Soul Tracks is an American online magazine that publishes music reviews, biographies, a radio guide, and news covering classic and contemporary soul music. The independent magazine presents a mix of timely news (obituaries, remasters, releases), longer-form features (lost gems, artist spotlights), and regular columns, such as its "Album of the Month" and "First Listen" premieres. The publication aims for an informed, fan-centric editorial tone.
https://soultracks.com/
SSF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship of Southern Soul music, including its recordings, performances, history, and education. Its stated mission is to expand the global reach of Southern Soul music and create opportunities that preserve and showcase the genre's legacy. SSF organizes concerts and cultural events that showcase Southern Soul artists and bring the music to broader audiences, and provides a platform for artists to promote their work.
https://www.southernsoulfoundationinc.org/
