SOUL & MOWTOWN
SOUL MUSIC A merger of gospel-charged singing, secular subject matter, and funk rhythms. Soul grew out of Fifties rhythm & blues, spurred by Ray Charles' eclectic, decidedly secular late-fifties hits.
RHYTHM & BLUES VS. SOUL Soul emphasizes an earthier sound with a strong influence of gospel Soul shouting Call-and-response Emphasis on the piano and drums versus guitars Grit
ATLANTIC RECORDS Two iconic record companies that are credited with the birth of the Soul Music Genre. Atlantic Records - Started producing R&B records which were consistently in the Pop Charts Tweedle Dee Lavern Baker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3exhoohexrg C.C. Rider Chuck Willis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7r-ck2lrwo
STAX RECORDS Jerry Wexler steered Atlantic in the direction of Soul Music during the 1960s. Decided to record in the South He found an unusual blend of blues, gospel, and C&W in the racially mixed studio bands. Formed a relationship with Stax Records in Memphis, TN. Stax Records Collaborations Land of 1000 Dances - Wilson Picket https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mz_exhkghs The Dock of the Bay Otis Redding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucmuhysr-e4 Soul Man Sam Moore & Dave Prater https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvx2i6jgzf8
THE END OF STAX RECORDS Otis Redding Died in an Airplane Crash 1967 Agreement with Atlantic Records Ended Filed for Bankruptcy in 1971 Isaac Hayes would represent the final years of Stax s success. Theme from Shaft Isaac Hayes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfvrvsxsw-i
ARETHA FRANKLIN Born in Memphis, TN to a religious family (Father was a Pastor) Was influenced by Mahalia Jackson and other Gospel Singers Decided to crossover into the pop market and recorded her Demo at age 17 Was offered a contract with Columbia Records and recorded 4 albums that didn t do very well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhhacnb33dy
THE ATLANTIC YEARS Jerry Wexler (Atlantic Records) signed her at the end of her Columbia contract and transitioned her into a Soul singer. Known as Lady Soul. I Never Loved a Man Aretha Franklin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuqvifoqy6m Respect Aretha Franklin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fouqqt3kg0 Elenor Rigby Aretha Franklin Version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlhax55wg0y
Aretha Franklin left Atlantic Records in 1979 and signed with Arista Records. She is still considered one of the most influential artists of the era. Musical Traits of Aretha Franklin: Total Vocal Control Remarkable Range Shy, and Introverted
JAMES BROWN Known as the Godfather of Soul & Soul Brother No.1 (AKA Mr. Dynamite, The Hardest-Working Man in Show Buisness, and Mr. Sex Machine ) A complete opposite in style to Aretha Franklin Raspy Voice Shouted a Raw and Basic Vocal Line Flamboyant, Egotistical, Aggressive
Born in Augusta, GA Naturally musical and self taught. Formed the group - The Famous Flames. Please, Please, Please The Famous Flames https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vruy2grusv8 Brown s style is referred to as Southern Soul While most soul singers developed in the Major cities of the Midwest, Brown remained deeply loyal to his Southern roots.
KING RECORDS King Records based in Cincinnati, OH served as the pipeline for the loudest, rawest, and the most in-your-face soul Night Train Mid-1960s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bvgeehfug0 Get Up! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynfk7izwne8 Was at the height of his career by 1967 Performed for about 3 million concertgoers Sold over 50 million records Had over 30 songs in the Top 40 between 67-72
By the mid-1970s, changing styles and life issues would push him to one side. Disco s popularity Financial problems Personal problems (death of his son Teddy and the death of his close friend of 20 years, Elvis Presley) Re-appeared in the music scene after his appearance on the movie The Blues Brother Died on December 25, 2006 - Congestive Heart Failure.