Why 70’s Soul Music is Still Relevant Today
Contents
70’s soul music is still relevant today because it speaks to the human condition in a way that is both relatable and timeless. The genre has a way of capturing the essence of what it means to be alive, and that is why it continues to resonate with people all over the world.
The Birth of Soul
The beginning of what we now know as “soul music” can be traced back to the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time, the music industry was dominated by white, Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs). The African-American community, on the other hand, had its own music scene with rhythm and blues (R&B).
Motown
70’s soul music would not be possible without the sound that was pioneered in Detroit in the late 50’s by record company Motown. Founded by Berry Gordy, Motown signed some of the most legendary soul artists of all time including Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder. The sound of Motown was unique in its use of tight horn sections, thumping bass lines, and simple yet effective song structures. This new sound was perfect for radio and quickly caught on with mainstream America. The popularity of Motown would lay the foundation for the explosion of soul music in the 1970’s.
Stax
Stax Records was an American record label founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton in Memphis, Tennessee. Over the next five years, the young label built a reputation for quality music, thanks to artists like Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Johnnie Taylor, Carla Thomas, and Booker T. & the MGs.
In 1968, Stax hit its stride with the release of two groundbreaking albums: Isaac Hayes’ Hot Buttered Soul and Diana Ross’ self-titled debut album. These two albums signaled a new direction for soul music, one that would come to be known as “psychedelic soul.” This new sound combined the raw power of soul with the psychedelic sensibility of rock & roll to create a style that was both urgent and timeless.
Despite its success, Stax Records was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1975. However, the label’s influence can still be heard today in the work of contemporary artists like Raphael Saadiq, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Charles Bradley, and Lee Fields.
The Sound of Soul
The sound of soul music has been around since the late 19th century. Often thought of as a genre that only exists in the African American community, soul music has actually been adopted and customized by artists of all cultures. The 70’s were a time when this soul sound was particularly popular, and it’s a decade that is still relevant today. Why? Let’s take a look.
Funk
Funk is a type of music that was popularized in the 1970s. It is a style of dance music that has heavy bass, syncopated rhythms, and often features horns or electric guitars. Funk music is often described as having a ” groove” because of its focus on rhythmic grooves and movement. This type of music is still popular today and can be heard in many different genres including pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
The Message
There is something about 70’s Soul music that just doesn’t seem to go out of style. The message in the lyrics, the way the music was used to bring people together, and the overall sound of the music all play a role in why this genre is still relevant today.
Many of the issues that were faced by those living in inner cities during the 70’s are still faced by people today. Racism, poverty, and violence were all too common and soul music provided a way for people to deal with these issues. The lyrics of soul songs often talked about overcoming these problems and this gave people hope that things could get better.
The music was also used as a way to bring people together. Soul music helped to break down racial barriers and bring people of all backgrounds together. The message of love and understanding in the lyrics was something that everyone could relate to.
The overall sound of 70’s Soul music is also something that has kept it relevant all these years later. The mix of R&B, funk, and gospel created a unique sound that was unlike anything else at the time. This sound is still copied by artists today and can be heard in many modern songs.
So next time you hear a 70’s Soul song on the radio, remember that it is still relevant today because of its message, its ability to bring people together, and its unique sound.
The Legacy of Soul
The 1970’s was a decade of great change. The Vietnam War ended, civil rights were on the forefront, and music reflected the times. While disco was taking over the airwaves, there was a counter-movement happening in the form of soul music. This music was created by African American artists and was a way to reflect the struggles and joys of the black experience. Even though it was created over 40 years ago, soul music is still relevant today.
The Influence of Soul
The term “soul” was first coined in the late 1950s to describe African American popular music that combined elements of gospel and rhythm and blues. Over the next few decades, soul music would come to be defined by a number of different styles, including Motown, Philly soul, and Southern soul. Though the genre has evolved since its inception, soul music is still widely popular today.
One of the things that has kept soul music relevant over the years is its ability to cross over into other genres. Many modern artists have been influenced by soul music, including Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear elements of soul in pop, R&B, and hip-hop songs today.
Soul music is also unique in its ability to evoke emotion. The genre is known for its heart-wrenching lyrics and passion-filled performances. This emotional quality is what has allowed soul music to stand the test of time and remain relevant even in today’s modern world.
