Music Soul Live will bring the dance floor alive with powerful, nonstop music that will have you and your guests up on their feet for hours of dancing fun!
This album captures Lionel Richie at his most boppy, before becoming one of the world’s premier wedding singers.
Curtis Mayfield wrote powerful songs against racism before the passing of the Civil Rights Act, including People Get Ready.
1. Stax Records
Memphis Record Company had an enormous effect on American culture and soul music. Their influential discovery of Otis Redding, Booker T & the M.G’s, Carla Thomas and the Staple Singers left an indelible mark upon our musical landscape and inspired generations of musicians while giving rise to R&B music.
1968 found Stax Records struggling. Established by country fiddle player Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton as Satellite Records after an unsuccessful start with an abandoned movie theater at 926 East McLemore Avenue, Stax had always provided an intimate, family-like environment where black and white musicians and singers collaborated without union session rates or worries about how long each session might last. They created records from random ideas jotted down on pieces of paper or recalling lines from gospel songs as inspiration, rhythm licks they thought might make children on American Bandstand dance along with creative ideas written down on bits of paper or phrases remembered from gospel songs or rhythm licks thought up for American Bandstand audiences to dance along.
At its height, Stax Records enjoyed unprecedented popularity thanks to artists like Otis Redding (“(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”) and Isaac Hayes (“Soul Man”). Sam & Dave, Booker T & the M.G’s and Carla Thomas also saw incredible success, while two legendary tours by Stax/Volt Revue further cemented its legacy.
But Stax’s future was uncertain as its finances worsened and bankruptcy seemed imminent; Stewart mortgaged his house to keep Stax operating until finally in 1975-1976 it collapsed completely.
But Memphis remains proud of the legacy left by Stax Records, which put Memphis on the map. Musicians from Stax Academy of Performing Arts still perform regularly at Stax concerts as well as international stages including Australia, England France and Germany as well as major New York venues like Lincoln Center B.B. King Blues Club Overton Park Shell Memphis where they have collaborated with legendary Stax alumni such as Booker T & the M.G’s Sam & Dave Otis Redding!
2. Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records was an influential label during the post WWII expansion of music industry. Established by Herb Abramson (president) and Ahmet Ertegun (vice president for A&R) in 1947, its growth was exponential – particularly as Abramson and Ertegun recognized that young white record buyers no longer satisfied themselves with covers of R&B songs but wanted the real thing.
At Atlantic Records, they began by signing many of the top black artists of that era such as Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin. Over time they also expanded into white rock groups such as Buffalo Springfield and The Rascals; during this era Atlantic even signed Scottish group known as Average White Band who delivered funky soul.
Atlantic Records expanded rapidly during the late 60s through Cotillion Records’ blues-oriented releases like Deep Southern Soul as well as progressive rock, folk-rock, gospel, and jazz productions. When Warner/Seven Arts Corporation bought Atlantic in late seventies, but Ahmet Ertegun still served as its president and continued steering it toward future music trends.
Ertegun soon assembled a group of studio musicians in Florence, Alabama known as The Swampers to help elevate Aretha Franklin into one of the greatest performers ever and then went on to provide accompaniment on multiple soul, rock and pop albums for other big stars such as Wilson Pickett and The Staple Singers.
After Warner/Seven Arts acquired Atlantic Records, Jerry Wexler left and Ahmet Ertegun was given control. While keeping its roots in soul music, Atlantic expanded further with acts such as Sonny and Cher.
Spirit In The Dark stands as one of Atlantic Records’ finest soul albums despite its unassuming cover. Beginning with an exceptional cover of Ben E King’s Don’t Play That Song and continuing on with musical marvels such as Matty’s, an elegant country ballad that blends soul and reggae elements beautifully, as well as other favorites by Franklin such as his relaxed rendition of BB King’s Thrill Is Gone; or its relaxed followup track “Keeping It To Myself,” plus Johnny Guitar Watson-esque “There’s Always Someone Waiting”.
3. New Orleans
New Orleans, with its diverse ethnic and racial groups, has long embraced music as an essential component of everyday life. Jazz has played a central role in American culture. Today, New Orleans continues its legacy through various genres ranging from brass bands and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson’s soulful voice.
New Orleans was home to its own distinct form of soul music known as “New Orleans soul,” heavily influenced by its postwar rhythm and blues explosion. This form of soul was characterized by simple pop structures featuring piano and saxophone; Latin music trends also had their mark on this unique musical style.
If you’re in New Orleans looking for some soulful live music, look no further than the cozy Maple Leaf Bar. Situated at the center of Uptown, this venue has been hosting live musical acts since 1974 – with artists of various genres performing every year at this spot.
The Maple Leaf is an ideal spot to experience New Orleans’ music scene without spending too much money. There is a low cover charge and even a bar!
A Frenchmen Street venue that has long been revered as a hub for New Orleans soul music is the d.b.a. club on Frenchmen Street; artists flock here while music fans fill up every seat possible! Here, rising talent rub shoulders with established stars while always-packed crowds bring out a good performance from every act onstage.
House of Blues provides live music as well, offering performances by both some of New Orleans’ big-name performers and emerging talents alike. A top venue for all kinds of musical styles ranging from classic rock, blues, funk and beyond; its intimate setting and superior sound quality makes this place a must-visit for music enthusiasts in the New Orleans region.
4. Chicago
Chicago is home to some of the greatest soul artists. Soul music was an integral part of American popular culture from the 1950s through 1960s and had a direct impact on other musical forms, such as disco and funk. Additionally, its core values – direct emotional delivery, ethnic pride and respect for artistic sources – still resonate today, inspiring musicians worldwide.
Soul music emerged during the 1950s from African-American gospel music and rhythm and blues. It became a widely enjoyed form for dancing and listening, having an enormous effect on both social change and civil rights movements alike. Neo soul has carried over into modern day with contemporary production elements and influences drawn from hip hop music being added.
Stax Records of Memphis was known for its gritty sound with its house band led by Booker T and the MG’s. Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and other singers made hits like Green Onions and Hold on, I’m Comin’ memorable; on Atlantic’s Jerry Wexler produced more gentle soul sounds with Al Green and The Staple Singers (whose early protest songs inspired Bob Dylan).
Producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff pioneered Philadelphia soul, using lush strings and horn arrangements on hits by Patti LaBelle, the Delfonics, and O’Jays. Philadelphia soul laid the groundwork for disco music; today its influence can still be felt through singers such as Jill Scott or Amy Winehouse (deceased).
New Orleans is another hub of soul music. Allen Toussaint popularized a boogie-woogie style featuring rolling piano and honking saxophone that became known through Lee Dorsey and Irma Thomas hits. More recently, Brooklyn’s Daptone label and Nashville’s Easy Eye Studio are reviving authentic soul with artists such as Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, Leon Bridges.