Soul music is a genre combining rhythm and blues, jazz and gospel music styles, most famously practiced by artists on Motown and Stax/Volt labels. Additionally, its influence can also be found in disco and funk music styles.
Soul music employs the call and response format, where two musical phrases are traded between singers in an exchanged fashion. Usually accompanied by a horn section.
Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross was an American singer-songwriter-producer with an extraordinary velvety voice who charmed audiences all around the globe. His songs explored many themes related to love and emotions associated with finding someone special; his soul music classics ranged from ballads to uptempo dance tunes – his music touched millions around the globe and still inspires today.
Born in 1951, Vandross began his musical career at an early age. While still in high school he formed his first singing group and started writing his own music. Once discovered by a talent scout he signed to RCA records where his song, “Everybody Rejoice (Can You Feel the New Day),” featured prominently in both Broadway stage productions of The Wiz as well as films.
Vandross’ musical career continued to blossom throughout the 1970s as he wrote and performed as a background singer for various artists such as Chaka Khan, David Bowie and the Temptations – touring alongside them and writing and performing commercial jingles for Mountain Dew, Kentucky Fried Chicken and other companies.
In 1985, he released the album Give Me the Reason, featuring some of his most well-known songs and recording a cover version of Sam Cooke’s 1962 hit song “Having a Party”, which became one of his top ten hits and became one of his concert highlights. Additionally, he appeared as both an individual artist and in various TV shows, such as Sesame Street between 1969-1970.
One of his most acclaimed collaborations in his career was singing duet with Mariah Carey on “Endless Love”, a cover of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’ classic. This hit was both talented singers’ showcase of abilities as well as testament to mutual respect between them; and now stands as a timeless classic, celebrating true love and the power of togetherness.
Bill Withers
Bill Withers, the legendary soul music composer behind timeless hits like Lean on Me and Ain’t No Sunshine, passed away Monday at age 81 due to heart complications. Never trying to fit into any specific musical genre or trend, his unique sound helped him endure for over 50 years – his humility and authenticity made him an icon despite not possessing Otis Redding-esque vocals or Stevie Wonder-esque moves; instead his soft tones and poignant lyrics appealed to people across different walks of life.
After graduating from high school in 1971, Withers joined the Navy and served for nine years – during this time he started writing songs and creating demo tapes in between shifts. Soon thereafter he acquired his own guitar at a pawn shop and taught himself to play it; soon after recording albums with Booker T Jones, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Stephen Stills (who featured on Withers’ debut album), Lovely Day and Ain’t No Sunshine became chart successes that set Withers apart from his peers.
Although his early hits were successful, Withers ultimately decided to exit the music business after about 10 years. He found fame to be too much and wanted to focus more on family matters instead of music business pursuits. Still active within the industry by licensing his catalog for commercials and television shows.
Withers’ songs have been recorded by hundreds of artists, such as Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Tom Jones. Additionally, his writing for Luther Vandross, Grover Washington Jr. and Gladys Knight and the Pips was used in films including Any Given Sunday, American Beauty and The Best of Enemies while on television CSI and Dancing With the Stars also feature them regularly.
Thee Sacred Souls
San Diego band Thee Sacred Souls are breathing new life into classic sweet soul. Their debut self-titled album was released by Daptone Records in 2022, featuring bassist Sal Samano, drummer Alex Garcia and singer Josh Lane. Their captivating songs pay homage to classic soul recordings while remaining entirely modern; for instance their lead single, “Can I Call You Rose?,” sounds as though it were written by Smokey Robinson or Sam Cooke!
Thee Sacred Souls have earned themselves a place on the live scene this year, touring extensively to make their name known. WUNC Music invited them in earlier this summer for a Tiny Desk Concert series performance and recording session; before soundcheck began we spoke with them briefly about their history and role they are playing in the development of modern Soul music.
As soon as the trio began working together, none could have predicted where it would lead. Inspired by souldies around them, in 2019 they started recording bedroom demos of rhythm tracks together and eventually recruited City Heights singer-songwriter Josh Lane to complete Thee Sacred Souls.
After performing at local venues, this trio made waves at Lollapalooza with their soulful ballads that combined Southern California Latino culture with American soul roots – creating an ethereal melodies that resonated across Grant Park festival grounds.
Though Thee Sacred Souls receive many requests to publish their recordings online, they’ve chosen analogue over digital as they enjoy listening and bonding over vinyl records. While this may be frustrating to those used to digital music consumption, The trio understands we live in an age when streaming services like Spotify are increasingly popular; ultimately they hope their music will eventually make its way there as well.
Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu is revered by many as the undisputed queen of neo-soul music. Hailing from Dallas, Texas and having spent considerable time touring worldwide since 1997, Erykah’s discography offers a thrilling journey through musical genius.
Badu is the daughter of jazz singer-songwriter Germaine King and niece of black music legend Curtis King; she began singing professionally at age four. Raised by their single mother after their father abandoned them after separation, as well as by maternal grandmother and godmother as part of their care, Badu quickly established an impressive career spanning multiple genres and has become a celebrated activist over time – her lyrics tackle everything from feminism and war issues to police brutality in her lyrics.
Badu’s debut album, Baduizm, released in 1997 was an instantaneous success and established her as a major figure in modern soul. Her groundbreaking project explored both funk and R&B influences while featuring Badu’s distinctive vocals (sometimes likened to those of Billie Holiday) along with pushing musical boundaries.
Mama’s Gun marked another leap forward for Mama Soul. Recorded alongside Ahmir (Questlove) Thompson from The Roots and Sa-Ra, Mama’s Gun heavily draws inspiration from Sly & Family Stone while its grooves possess a hard, angular swagger which extends further.
Badu’s third album, New Amerykah Part I, is an unrivalled masterpiece featuring guest appearances by producers like Madlib and 9th Wonder. Her songs combine elements of hip-hop with R&B; her vocal performance remains strong as ever on tracks like “Next Lifetime,” where she addresses love lost but possibly found in another lifetime as well as wanting to stay in control of her destiny.
Badu’s style has often been cited as an influence by contemporary artists such as Janelle Monae and Summer Walker, both adept at merging funk, R&B, pop with other sounds into one unique soundscape.