The Best of Radio 4’s Soul Music Podcast
Contents
A selection of the best music and interviews from the BBC Radio 4 Soul Music Podcast.
Introduction
Soul Music is a podcast from Radio 4 that celebrates the genre of soul music and its impact on artists and listeners today. In each episode, presenter James Levine explores a different theme with a range of guests. This collection brings together some of the best episodes from the first two series.
What is the Soul Music podcast?
The Soul Music podcast is a celebration of the genre, featuring interviews with the pioneers, promoters and performers who shaped its development and influence. We explore the stories behind the hits and talk to the people who made them.
The podcast is presented by actor John Simpson and produced by Ailsa Zeitzen. It is a Radio 4 production, first broadcast in 2016.
What are some of the best episodes of the podcast?
The Best of Radio 4’s Soul Music Podcast features some of the best episodes from the popular podcast. In this episode, host Cerys Matthews explores the history and influence of soul music. She interviews legendary soul singer Mavis Staples and discusses the impact of the genre on popular culture. This episode is a must-listen for any fan of soul music.
Episode 1: “A Change is Gonna Come”
In this episode, we explore the history and meaning of one of the most iconic and important songs of the 20th century, “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. We talk to music experts about what made this song so special and how it came to be an anthem for the Civil Rights movement.
What is the episode about?
In this episode, we explore the history and legacy of the song “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. We speak to his daughter, music historians, and fans about what the song means to them and how it continues to resonate today.
What are some of the best songs featured in the episode?
The episode features some great soul songs, including:
– “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
– “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
– “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
– “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
– “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
Episode 2: “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”
This week, the best of Radio 4’s Soul Music podcast features the song “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”. The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and was originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. The song was a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
What is the episode about?
In this episode, Alyn Shipton looks at the history of the classic Motown song “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”. He speaks to some of the people who were involved in its creation, including Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye’s biographer David Ritz, and producers Norman Whitfield and Ivy Jo Hunter.
What are some of the best songs featured in the episode?
In this episode, we feature some of the best songs that were popular in the late 1960s, including tracks by Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, and Gladys Knight & The Pips.
Episode 3: “Respect”
Welcome back to The Best of Radio 4’s Soul Music Podcast! This week, we’re talking about the song “Respect” by Otis Redding. This song was released in 1965 and became an instant classic. It has been covered by many artists over the years, but nobody does it quite like Otis Redding. Let’s take a listen.
What is the episode about?
In this episode, we explore the theme of “respect”. We speak to singer Mavis Staples about her song “Respect Yourself”, which she says is about self-empowerment, and to the songwriter Otis Redding’s widow Zelma about his track “Respect”, which she says was his response to Aretha Franklin’s hit cover of the same name. We also hear from John Legend and Common about their Oscar-winning song “Glory”, which they say is about the fight for equality and respect.
What are some of the best songs featured in the episode?
In this episode, the team discuss the theme of “Respect” and some of the best songs to feature it.
Here are some of the best songs featured in the episode:
-“Respect” by Aretha Franklin
– “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
– “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
– “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown
– “I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers
Conclusion
Featuring the greatest soul tracks of all time, this podcast is the perfect way to relax and unwind. With a wide range of music to choose from, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of soul music or not, this podcast is a must-listen.
Why you should listen to the Soul Music podcast
There are many reasons to love the Soul Music podcast. For starters, it’s a great way to discover new music. But more than that, it’s a journey into the heart and soul of some of the greatest music ever made.
Each episode tells the story of a particular song or artist, and how they’ve helped to shape the sound of soul music. You’ll hear from the people who were there at the time, as well as today’s leading authorities on the genre.
What’s more, the Soul Music podcast is presented by some of Radio 4’s most distinctive voices. So if you’re a fan of quality radio, then this is definitely a podcast for you.
