The historical significance of soul music

Soul music has captured audiences through its mellifluous rhythms, uplifting lyrics, and smooth vocals. Throughout its evolution, many artists have contributed to define its sound as a medium through revolution.

Soul is a music style influenced by the elements of African-American gospel with rhythm, blues, and jazz. The music typically features instruments such as trumpets, saxophones, trombones, organs or pianos, bass, drum kit, guitar, and others. Its roots trace to the abolition of slavery in 1865, where Black

Americans were shunned from many white churches, eventually building their own. Participants sang cheerful songs expressing deep feelings surrounding religion, beginning gospel music and later inspiring soul music.

African Americans in the Civil Rights Movement boasted unity, self-determination, and dedication. Music was utilized in provoking a political and cultural movement, where significance came to the term “soul.” Soul expressed itself through music, dance, visual art, food, fashion, linguistics, etc. It captured the attention of people in the ways they felt and conveyed themselves.

Pioneers of the genre in the 1950s include Ray Charles, Etta James, Hank Ballard, and many others, whose playing originated in gospel groups. Songs began with elements of traditional blues and gospel transformed into secular lyrics, bringing forth the genesis of soul. The fundamentals of soul would continue to inspire many subgenres and pieces during times of change.

Record labels in the 1960s such as Motown, Atlantic, and Stax defied the segregated standards of music business and uprooted black artists. Soul would interlace into the fabric of revolution as singers connected with others through their art. Key figures of the era communicated ideas of change and equality to all audiences, uniting one another under its harmony.

The 1970s introduced an extension of soul through funk and disco. Figures of the era include Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield, who provoked a progressive soul movement incorporating various sounds and rhythms. However, James Brown was the first to play funk for an international audience. Further genres, such as psychedelic rock, jazz, and country, collaborated with soul to create new and interesting music.

Over the years, soul music has undergone an evolution transcending its roots in gospel, rhythm, blues, and jazz. It has incorporated elements from diverse genres, including rock, funk, disco, hip-hop, and contemporary R&B. Iconic singers, such as James Brown and Aretha Franklin, have played a crucial role in soul’s creative development.

Soul’s predecessors have carved an incommunicable significance in history which its successors continue to expand. As the faces of soul change, its place in music holds a flame that burns just as bright as its beginning. Many talented artists have made valuable contributions to enrich soul music as listeners can enjoy its extensive and diverse history.

Written by Stacey Martinez  | Graphic Designed by Stacey Martinez

Published October 2, 2023 | ePathfinder | Feature