Soul = Gospel + Rhythm & Blues

Soul can be defined as a blend of Gospel and Rhythm & Blues. The themes are usually secular (i.e. not religious), but may still contain elements of testifying, in other words, sharing one life experiences. The word “soul” refers to deep heartfelt emotion, thus Soul music is considered emotional music. Borrowed from Gospel music is the caller-response technique, and from Rhythm & Blues the emphasis on catchy rhythms.

Soul music started around the 60’s, the same time Rock ‘n Roll took the stage. This early style of Soul “often included accompaniments featuring large brass, woodwind, and string sections, as well as backup vocal groups” (Crossroads in Music, p. 220).

Ray Charles, who we listened to before when discussing “From Blues to Rhythm & Blues” is often thought of as the first Soul singer. Listen to one of his hit songs, “Unchain my Heart.” Note how it reminds of a Gospel song with the caller-response, and the hand clapping. This performance almost looks like one of those African-American celebration churches.

04.Ray Charles - unchain my heart(http---www.clippy-mule.fr.
by k_-mel

A more “soulful” song is “I Need Your Love So Bad” by Irma Thomas.



Another famous song sung by Irma Thomas is “Time Is on My Side”.



You may not have heard this song sung by Irma Thomas before. Most people know “Time Is on My Side” because it was covered by the Rolling Stones. Below is their 1964 version (very much in the Rock ‘n Roll style of the time, and part of the “British Invasion”).



The version below dates from the 80’s.



Known as the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin is one of the most prominent Soul singers. Let’s take note of a couple of her most famous songs:

“Say a Little Prayer”



“A Natural Woman”



“Respect”



“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”



Again, the more famous version is by the Rolling Stones:



It was also covered by Britney Spears in 1999:



Another interesting cover of this song is by Björk and PJ Harvey, performed at the 1994 BRIT-Awards:



This is song is a good example of how Rock ‘n Roll was based on other music genres; in this case Soul, which in turn is based on Gospel and Rhythm & Blues.

But, let’s get back to Soul Music.

Probably one of the most recognizable Soul songs is “My Girl.” Let’s listen to a live performance by The Temptations:



“My Girl” was also sung by the young Michael Jackson:




Another classic Soul song is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.



Notice the electronic keyboard, as well as the electric bass guitar. These synthetic / electronic sounds will become increasingly more prominent as we listen to the next three genres: Funk, Disco, and Dance.