List of 1960s Soul Music Songs
A list of the best soul songs of the 1960s, including tracks from James Brown, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin.
What is Soul Music?
Soul music is a genre of African American popular music that led to the development of funk and disco. It combines elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and often jazz. The term “soul” had been used among African Americans in the United States since at least the early 1940s, and the style was developed by African American musicians who were influenced by gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz.
The Birth of Soul
The 1960s was the decade in which soul music came of age. Combining elements of gospel, R&B, and pop, soul was associated with the civil rights movement and reached its height of popularity in the 1970s. The term “soul” referred to African American culture and pride, and the music reflected the emotions and experiences of its creators.
Soul music was created by African Americans in the early 1960s, building on the foundations of earlier R&B styles. The first soulhit was “ Please, Please, Please” by James Brown in 1956. Brown became known as the “Godfather of Soul,” while other important early performers included Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder.
In 1967, Otis Redding recorded “ (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay ,” which became one of the most popular soul songs ever. That same year saw the release of two albums that would have a profound impact on soul music: Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Aretha Franklin Sings the Blues.” With its mix of R&B and gospel sounds , these albums helped to define what soul music would become.
The late 1960s and early 1970s were a fruitful period for soul music , with many classic songs being released during this time . Some of the most popular soul songs from this era include Al Green’s “ Let’s Stay Together ,” Marvin Gaye’s “ What’s Going On ,” David Ruffin’s “ Walk Away From Love ,” Aretha Franklin’s “ Spanish Harlem ,” and Stevie Wonder’s “ Superstition . While disco would come to dominate the pop charts in the 1970 s , soul continued to be a major force in popular music . In the 1980 s , singers like Luther Vandross , Whitney Houston , and Teddy Pendergrass helped to keep soul music alive and thriving .
Today , artists like Adele , Amy Winehouse , Alicia Keys , John Legend , Bruno Mars , and Justin Timberlake are keeping the spirit of soul alive . These contemporary performers are helping to ensure that this beloved genre will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come .
The Evolution of Soul
In the 1960s, soul music developed from a combination of rhythm and blues and gospel music. The term “soul” became popular in the United States in the late 1950s and referred to African American popular music that was inspired by gospel music. According to AllMusic, “Soul music was the result of the urbanization and commercialization of rhythm and blues in the ’60s.” Billboard magazine’s main soul chart was created in 1961.
The evolution of soul music continued in the 1970s with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green creating some of the most iconic soul songs of all time. The 1980s saw the rise of contemporary R&B and new jack swing, which combined elements of hip-hop, soul, and funk. In the 1990s and 2000s, neo-soul became popular with artists such as Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, India Arie, and Maxwell.
The Best Soul Songs of the 1960s
The 1960s was a golden era for soul music. With hits like “Respect” by Aretha Franklin and “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King, the genre reached new heights of popularity. Here is a list of some of the best soul songs of the 1960s.
“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song by Sam Cooke, released on December 22, 1964 by RCA Victor. Written in 1963, the song was inspired by various events that had occurred in Cooke’s life up to that point, most notably an incident in May 1963 in which he and his band were turned away from a whites-only motel in Shreveport, Louisiana. The song is widely considered Cooke’s best composition and has been ranked as one of the greatest songs of all time by various publications.
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” became an instant hit when it was released in 1967, going on to become one of the most iconic soul songs of all time. The song is a simple demand for respect from a woman’s perspective, but its message is universal. It has been covered by countless artists over the years, but no one has ever come close to matching Aretha’s power and emotion.
“Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown
“Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” is a song by James Brown, released in 1968. The song is a soul anthem which became an important civil rights anthem. The lyrics are positive and prideful, celebrating African American culture and heritage. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Male Artist, but lost to Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”.
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a Motown soul classic written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1966. The song was first recorded by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, but it was Marvin Gaye’s 1968 version that made it a hit. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” became one of the most covered songs of the 20th century, with versions by Gladys Knight & the Pips, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and many others.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is a song written by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson in 1966 for the Tamla (Motown) label, first recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The song became a hit in 1967, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart and number nineteen on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song was written by Ashford and Simpson prior to joining Motown. Upon hearing the tune, Motown CEO Berry Gordy told the duo that the song was “fluffy” and needed more work.
The song was first recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1966 and released as a single in 1967. Terrell was on tour with Gaye when they received the song’s demo record, which had been brought to Motown by Ashford’s then-wife Meegan Venson-White (who worked in Motown’s A&R department). According to biographer Mark Ribowsky, Gordy agreed to record the track only after being persuaded by Venson-White, who argued that it would be a good showcase for Terrell’s high vocals. Gaye and Terrell began recording immediately after receiving the song’s demo record; their version was completed in just two takes.
The Legacy of 1960s Soul Music
The 1960s was a turbulent time, but it was also a time of great music. Soul music emerged from the southern United States and quickly gained popularity with its mix of gospel, R&B, and blues. The soul music of the 1960s was a genre that was able to capture the feeling of the times. Here is a list of some of the best soul songs of the 1960s.
The Influence of Soul on Other Genres
The 1960s was the decade in which soul music came of age. Combining elements of gospel, R&B, and blues, soul was associated with the African-American community, although it also had a significant impact on white pop and rock musicians. The impact of soul continued to be felt in subsequent decades, with the music serving as an inspiration for later genres such as disco, funk, and hip hop.
The Impact of Soul on Popular Culture
The 1960s were a turbulent time for America. The country was divided over issues of race, war, and politics. In the midst of this turmoil, a new type of music was born: soul.
Soul music was a voice for the voiceless. It gave a voice to the African-American experience and helped to break down barriers of race and class. Soul music was also a major force in the development of other genres, such as funk, disco, and hip-hop.
Today, the impact of soul music can still be felt in popular culture. Many of the biggest names in music today, including Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Bruno Mars, have been influenced by soul music. The legacy of soul continues to live on through the music of today.
