Southern Soul and Old School Music
Contents
Welcome to my blog dedicated to Southern Soul and Old School Music. Here you will find posts about my favorite artists and albums, as well as news and reviews of the latest music in the genre. I hope you enjoy and please feel free to leave me your feedback!
Defining Southern Soul
Southern Soul is a type of African American popular music that emerged in the Mid-1960s. It combines elements of soul music, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. Southern soul is characterized by its earthy, spiritual sound and its focus on the African American experience.
The sound of Southern Soul
Southern Soul is a type of rhythm and blues music that emerged from the Southern United States in the late 1960s. It combines elements of soul, gospel, and country music. Southern soul is characterized by a twangy, funky sound that is reminiscent of the music of the rural South.
The term “Southern soul” was first coined in the early 1970s by record producer Jerry Wexler, who helped to popularize the genre with artists such as Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin. Southern soul enjoyed its greatest commercial success in the 1970s and 1980s, with artists such as Otis Redding, Al Green, and Willie Hutch. Today, the sound of Southern soul continues to be popularized by contemporary artists such as Alabama Shakes and Leon Bridges.
The origins of Southern Soul
Southern soul is a type of music that combines elements of gospel, soul, and R&B. It originated in the American South in the 1960s and 1970s. The term “Southern soul” is often used interchangeably with “old school music” or “chitlin circuit music.”
Southern soul was developed by African American musicians who were influenced by both gospel and secular music. Gospel singers such as Sam Cooke and Otis Redding began incorporating elements of soul and R&B into their music. This new sound quickly caught on with other musicians and audiences in the South.
Southern soul became extremely popular in the 1970s. Many famous musicians, including Al Green and Bobby Womack, recorded hits in this genre. Southern soul also had a significant impact on country music, resulting in the development of “country-soul” or “soul-country” music.
Despite its popularity, southern soul has often been overshadowed by other genres such as Motown or disco. However, it remains an important part of American musical history.
The golden age of Southern Soul
The term “Southern Soul” was coined in the early 1970s to describe a new style of music that was emerging from the deep south. It was a blend of soul, R&B, and gospel, with a heavy dose of blues. The sound was raw and earthy, and the lyrics were often about the struggles of everyday life. Southern Soul quickly became popular in the African-American community, and many of the biggest stars of the genre came from the south.
The artists that made Southern Soul famous
The 1960s and 1970s were the golden age of Southern Soul music, when the genre reached its height of popularity. The artists who made Southern Soul famous included Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, and Aretha Franklin. These artists combined elements of gospel, R&B, and blues to create a unique sound that was soulful and emotive. Southern Soul was influential in shaping the sound of popular music in the United States and continues to be a genre that is cherished by fans around the world.
The songs that defined Southern Soul
Southern Soul is a type of soul music that emerged from the American South in the 1960s and 1970s. The genre is a blend of African-American gospel, R&B, and country music, with a dash of southern rock thrown in for good measure.
The sound of Southern Soul is distinctively down-home, with a focus on the grit and grind of daily life. The lyrics often deal with themes like love, heartbreak, and making ends meet. Musically, Southern Soul is characterized by its use of horns, electric guitars, and organ.
Some of the most iconic Southern Soul songs are “I’ll Take You There” by The Staples Singers, “Crooked Woman” by Linda Lyndell, and “Respect Yourself” by The Staple Singers. These songs have become timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Southern Soul today
Southern Soul is a type of music that was created in the late 1960s. It is a combination of blues, country, and gospel music. This type of music is still popular today and is often played at events such as weddings and parties.
The new generation of Southern Soul artists
Though the new generation of Southern Soul artists lacks the visibility of their predecessors, they are keeping the music alive and thriving. These artists pay homage to the legends while bringing their own spin to the genre, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar.
Some of the most prominent new voices in Southern Soul include:
-Sharon Jones: With her powerful voice and stage presence, Sharon Jones is a force to be reckoned with. A true soul sister, Jones puts her heart and soul into every performance, making each one an unforgettable experience.
-Charles Bradley: A raw and emotional singer, Charles Bradley brings the pain and struggle of his life experiences to his music, creating a sound that is both powerful and vulnerable.
-Lee Fields: A true gentleman of Southern Soul, Lee Fields has been making music for over 40 years. His smooth voice and laid-back style are reminiscent of the classic soul singers of the 60s and 70s, but with a modern sensibility.
If you’re looking for something new to shake up your playlist, look no further than these exciting artists!
The modern sound of Southern Soul
Though it may not be immediately apparent, Southern Soul music is very much alive and well in the 21st century. While the genre has undergone some changes over the years, the recognizably “southern” sound remains. This can be attributed to the fact that, at its core, Southern Soul is a feeling more than anything else. It’s a feeling of home, of nostalgia, of comfort. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to sway back and forth with your eyes closed and a smile on your face. And it’s a feeling that is timeless.
Though the modern sound of Southern Soul might be different from what it was 50 years ago, the heart of the genre remains the same. If you’re looking for something to remind you of simpler times and make you feel good all over, look no further than Southern Soul music.
