The Best of Southern Soul Music

The Best of Southern Soul Music is a blog dedicated to sharing the best in soul music from the south. From classic hits to new artists, we’ll keep you updated on all the latest and greatest in southern soul.

What is Southern Soul Music?

Southern soul music is a genre of American music that emerged from the southeastern United States, specifically the state of Louisiana. It is a blend of African-American musical styles, including rhythm and blues, gospel, and country. Southern soul is sometimes referred to as “country soul” or “soul blues.”

The genre developed in the early 1960s, when African-American musicians began combining elements of different musical styles to create a new sound. Southern soul artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Percy Sledge were some of the earliest exponents of the genre.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, southern soul music enjoyed its greatest popularity. Artists such as James Carr, Aretha Franklin, and Bobby Bland had mainstream success with their recordings. Southern soul also influenced the development of other genres, including disco and funk.

By the 1980s, however, southern soul’s popularity had begun to decline. The rise of rap and hip-hop music in the African-American community contributed to this decline. Nevertheless, southern soul has remained an important part of American music culture.

The Origins of Southern Soul Music

The term “Southern Soul” was first coined in the early 1970s by writer, director, and producer Tony Joe White. It was meant to describe a new genre of music that was being created in the American South at the time. Southern Soul music is a mix of blues, gospel, and R&B. It is often seen as a more upbeat and happy type of music than other genres of soul music.

The sound of Southern Soul music is often described as “horny” and “funky.” The horns are what give the music its distinctive sound. The genre is also known for its use of organ and guitar. Southern Soul lyrics often deal with themes of love, dancing, and having a good time.

The first artist to be associated with Southern Soul Music was Isaac Hayes. His song “Hot Buttered Soul” became a hit in 1969 and helped to launch the genre into the mainstream. Other artists who helped to popularize Southern Soul Music include Willie Hutch, Tyrone Davis, Johnnie Taylor, and Latimore.

The Pioneers of Southern Soul Music

The term “Southern Soul” was coined in the early 1970s by writer/producer Dan Penn to describe a new, rawer sound that was influenced by both country and R&B. Unlike the polished, pop-soul sound of Motown and Philadelphia International, Southern Soul was rough around the edges and often featured gritty, real-life lyrics about love, heartbreak and hardship. The pioneers of Southern Soul included artists like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Joe Tex and Clarence Carter.

The Sound of Southern Soul Music

There are many different genres of music associated with the American South, but one that always seems to get people moving is soul music. Southern soul music has its roots in gospel and blues, and came to prominence in the 1960s with artists like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding. This genre is characterized by its deep groove, often featuring a horn section, and is perfect for dancing.

If you’re looking to add some southern soul to your playlist, here are 10 essential tracks:

1. “Green Onions” by Booker T. & the M.G.’s
2. “I Can’t Turn You Loose” by Otis Redding
3. “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave
4. “Knock On Wood” by Eddie Floyd
5. “Hold On, I’m Comin’” by Sam & Dave
6. “Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King
7. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding
8. “Respect Yourself” by The Staple Singers
9. “I Thank You” by Sam & Dave
10. “In the Midnight Hour” by Wilson Pickett

The Legacy of Southern Soul Music

Southern Soul music is a genre that arose out of the deep south in the United States during the 1960s. It is a style of music that is steeped in the traditions of the African-American experience and is deeply rooted in the blues. Southern Soul music has its own unique sound and feel that sets it apart from other genres of music.

The Legacy of Southern Soul Music
Southern Soul music has had a profound impact on American culture and has influenced many other genres of music. The sound of Southern Soul music is often described as a mixture of the blues, gospel, and R&B. This unique blend of styles has helped to create a sound that is both soulful and gritty.

Many of the pioneers of Southern Soul music were originally from the Mississippi Delta region. This area was home to many famous blues musicians such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and B.B. King. These musicians laid the foundation for what would become Southern Soul music.

The 1960s saw the rise of artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Wilson Pickett who took Southern Soul music to new heights. These artists helped to define the sound of the genre and create some of its most iconic songs.

The 1970s saw the popularity of Southern Soul music continue to grow with artists such as Al Green, Ann Peebles, and Otis Clay leading the way. This decade also saw the rise of disco which would have a major impact on Southern Soul music in the years to come.

The 1980s was a decade that saw Southern Soul music begin to lose some of its popularity. The rise of hip-hop and rap made it difficult for many artists to find success in the mainstream market. However, there were still some bright spots during this decade with artists such as ZZ Hill, Bobby Bland, and Willie Clayton having success with their records.

Despite its decline in popularity, Southern Soul music has continued to influence other genres of music such as hip-hop, country, and rock & roll. The legacy of this genre will continue to be felt for many years to come.