Soul music is an iconic genre with a unique history and distinctive sound. This article explores the best soul music books available, providing reviews of each one to help readers find the perfect read for them. From Bruce W. Talamon’s Soul R&B Funk Photographs 1972-1982 to Otis Redding’s unfinished life story, these selections capture the essence of this timeless musical style while offering insight into its influence on generations past and present.
-
The Meaning of Soul
Published in 2020
Emily J. Lordi’s The Meaning of Soul is an insightful exploration into the concept of soul and its significance in Black culture, artistry, and politics. This book covers how musical practices such as cover versions, falsetto vocals, ad-libs, and false endings have been used to signify resilience within black communities during times of peril and promise. Notable artists discussed include Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone Marvin Gaye Isaac Hayes Minnie Riperton Prince Solange Knowles Flying Lotus among others. In her book Lordi offers a new vision of soul which focuses on intricate details linked with music craft while also highlighting complex personal meanings attached to it as well as noting the dynamic movement across time by those who championed this genre.. Through vivid descriptions readers are taken through various eras showing both classic recordings from Civil Rights movements all the way up until contemporary sounds from today’s stars providing insight into why these songs remain timelessly relevant for each generation that discovers them.The Meaning Of Soul is an important read that challenges prior understandings about what soul is whilst still celebrating it for its legacy – one which will undoubtedly live on far beyond our lifespans
-
Bruce W. Talamon. Soul. R&B. Funk. Photographs 1972–1982
Published in 2021
This fantastic book of photographs, Bruce W. Talamon’s Soul. R&B. Funk: Photographs 1972–1982, is the perfect collection for fans of soul music in all its glory and glamour from the 1970s and early 1980s era. Featuring close to 300 photos taken by this African American photographer across a decade, it includes icons such as Earth Wind & Fire; Marvin Gaye; Diana Ross; Parliament-Funkadelic; Al Green; Gil Scott-Heron among many others as well as several stops at legendary Soul Train studios! It captures rehearsals, sound checks, recording sessions, costume fittings and life on tour – these images truly define an unforgettable age where devotion to groove was paramount. An affordable compact version with a portfolio of four prints signed by the artist make this Art Edition limited edition book (500 copies) one not to be missed!
-
Sweet Soul Music
Published in 1999
This book is an absolute classic and a must read for any lover of R&B or soul music. Peter Guralnick’s Sweet Soul Music offers an intimate, insightful look into the lives of some legendary performers such as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin who helped merge gospel with rhythm & blues to create southern soul music. Through rare interviews from the 1950s through its peak in the 1960s, Guralnick tells this story with unique detail about how these songs changed American music forever. It also contains great source information about each artist including discographies for further exploration. This captivating narrative captures not only the sound but also the turmoil and liberating energy of a nation in transition during that time period making it one of those essential books that should be found on every serious reader’s shelf!
-
Soul Fingers – The Music & Life of Legendary Bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn Book/Online Audio
Published in 2017
This book is an excellent tribute to Donald “Duck” Dunn, a legendary bassist who contributed his unique grooves and booty-shaking foundations to many soul, R&B, blues and rock recordings from the 1960s and ’70s. With over 60 iconic bass lines transcribed in full detail, plus rare photos, stories and audio demonstrations by Duck himself, this one-of-a-kind book celebrates not only the triumphs of his amazing career but also reveals the secrets behind some of most beloved music of all time. Featuring contributions from family members as well as friends and musical compatriots such as Dan Aykroyd (Elwood Blues) – Soul Fingers: The Music & Life Of Legendary Bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn Book/Online Audio offers readers both historical insight into American popular music history as well as practical instruction for any aspiring bass player.
-
Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life
Published in 2017
Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life, by Jonathan Gould is a masterful biography of one of the greatest musicians in American history. It not only chronicles the life and career of The King Of Soul but also takes us through an insightful exploration into racial tensions at a time when popular music was becoming more integrated. Through exhaustive research, access to previously unavailable sources, and cooperation from the Redding family, Gould presents readers with comprehensive details about Otis’ background and upbringing as well as his professional achievements. This book serves as both a revealing look at this brilliant artist’s life and an important commentary on how race intersected with music in America during this era – still relevant today. A must-read for any fan or student of soul music!
-
RnB, Soul & Motown Style Basslines
Published in 2021
RnB, Soul & Motown Style Basslines is a comprehensive guide to mastering the essentials of soul bass guitar. It covers 16 iconic players, with 100 groove styles and techniques for in-the-pocket playing that span early R&B pioneers like Lloyd Trotman and Bernard Odum all the way up to recent greats such as Carole Kaye and Scott Edwards. This book also offers bonus audio material so readers can hear how it’s done by the masters themselves. Gear Talk explains how to recreate classic tone using modern equipment, while exercises help build vocabulary through riffs, licks and more. All this makes for an invaluable resource for any aspiring electric bassist looking to master those legendary grooves!
-
All Music Guide to Soul
Published in 2003
The All Music Guide to Soul is a must-have book for all rhythm and blues fans. With nearly 8,500 reviews of recordings by 1,500 artists, readers can find the best soul music out there with ease. It also features biographies, essays, maps and discographies that trace the roots of R&B from its beginnings in gospel and blues to its many branches today. This comprehensive guide provides details on every artist who has ever released an album or single – even those which are difficult to track down such as bootlegs or imports! An invaluable resource for anyone interested in this genre of music; it will lead you on musical journeys into your favourite style like never before!
-
The Soul Rhythm Guitar Book
Published in 2020
This Soul Rhythm Guitar Book, by author Joseph Alexander and maestro Stuart Ryan, is an essential guide for anyone looking to master the soulful rhythms of three generations. Combining Gospel with R&B and Jazz elements, this book shows you how to effectively use chord shapes that will cut through a band mix as well as essential progressions of Funk and Motown music. Not only does it teach great feel and groove but also provides tips on chords embellishment tricks so you can spice up your rhythm parts. You’ll learn everything from drop 2 voicings to 9th 11th 13ths plus four original tracks with backing tracks included! This comprehensive guidebook ensures readers will become the ultimate “Soul Man” or Woman – perfect for intermediate guitarists who want to deepen their knowledge of this iconic genre.
-
The Funkmasters — The Great James Brown Rhythm Sections 1960-1973
Published in 1997
This unique workbook offers an insight into the iconic James Brown rhythm sections of 1960-1973. It features meticulously transcribed and recreated grooves from 23 classic songs, played by legendary musicians like Jabo Starks, Bernard Odum and Bootsy Collins. With both staff notation and tablature for guitar/bass parts, plus four tracks per lesson on two hours of audio recordings, this is a comprehensive guide to learning soulful ensembles. Perfect for any musician looking to perfect their funk chops! Each song has its own individual lessons which provide historical context as well as musical analysis – making it a fantastic teaching tool that will challenge players at all levels. The Funkmasters — The Great James Brown Rhythm Sections 1960- 1973 is sure to enlighten even the most experienced player’s groove collection with some funky new licks while also providing beginners with an unbeatable crash course in playing tight together as one unit.
-
The Story of Motown
Published in 2018
This book, The Story of Motown, is a re-release with a new foreword by legendary music journalist Greil Marcus. It tells the inspiring story of how Berry Gordy borrowed $800 from his family and used it to found one of the most influential record companies in American history. In less than 10 years, he had recruited an incredible roster of talent including Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye; created a distinct sound that was immediately identifiable; defied oppressive financial interests and racism; achieved immense business success; and paved the way for black artists to control their own music. At times though he exploited his performers financially leading many away from him eventually. This comprehensive account is invaluable as both an informative look at this remarkable feat and also as insight into injustices faced by African Americans throughout modern history. An entertaining read for any fan or historian alike!
-
Aretha: From These Roots
Published in 1999
Aretha Franklin, one of the most iconic voices of our time, has written a captivating autobiography about her life and career. From These Roots gives readers an in-depth look at Aretha’s upbringing surrounded by gospel music legends like Clara Ward and Mahalia Jackson; as well as her transition from Columbia Records to Atlantic with success through songs such “Respect” making it an anthem for African Americans. Her frankness shines throughout this book where she speaks openly on famous rivals, two marriages filled with both joy and heartache, romantic relationships, family dynamics, and more. Rich details paint a vivid picture into Detroit during its golden age while allowing us insight into some of the greatest songs ever sung. This inspiring self-portrait reveals why Aretha is known as The Queen of Soul – giving fans old and new alike something special to cherish forever.
-
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: How the Swampers Changed American Music
Published in 2014
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: How the Swampers Changed American Music by Carla Jean Whitley is an engaging and comprehensive account of how a small recording studio in Alabama revolutionized music. Combining decades of interviews, articles, reviews and photographs with her own research and insights, she reveals the story behind ‘the Swampers’ – four renowned session musicians who worked together to create some of the most memorable tracks from artists such as Cher, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones or Black Keys. From their humble beginnings at FAME studios to becoming inducted into National Register of Historic Places for inspiring timeless classics like “Free Bird” or “Brown Sugar”, this book provides readers with an intriguing insight into Muscle Shoals Sound’s influence on modern day music. With its insightful writing style and detailed analysis of one-of-a-kind soundscapes that still reverberate today, this captivating read takes you back through time so you can experience it first hand.
-
Booze & Vinyl
Published in 2018
Booze & Vinyl by Andr and Tenaya Darlington is a one-of-a-kind book that provides an innovative way to experience music. It features 70 classic albums from the 1950s through the 2000s, each paired with two unique cocktail recipes inspired by the artist or mood of their music. The eye-catching design includes photographs throughout and detailed liner notes on each album’s musical highlights. This ultimate listening party guide encourages readers to shake up some drinks, put on their favorite record and enjoy a multi sensory evening for one, two or more! Booze & Vinyl stands out as an exciting journey into both drinks culture and popular music history.
-
The Rap Year Book
Published in 2015
The Rap Year Book, a New York Times Best Seller and one of Billboard’s 100 Greatest Music Books of All-Time, is an essential guide to the most influential rap songs from 1979 until now. Shea Serrano debunks and debates the genre in his narrative full of infographics, lyric maps, uproarious footnotes, portraits of artists and short essays by music writers. It explores important moments that affect hip hop culture – race issues, artist backgrounds & feuds between East Coast & West Coast acts. Fans can use this book to create playlists with some classic bangers or simply reminisce on their favorite tunes throughout history; it truly is a must-have for any rap aficionado!
-
Prince: A Portrait of the Artist
Published in 2021
This incredible biography of the late music icon Prince is a must-have for any fan. Featuring exclusive interviews with close associates, beautiful photographs and rare memorabilia, this book captures the essence of an artist like no other. With a foreword by Susan Rogers and captivating narrative from author Paul Sexton, this collection also includes detailed accounts of custom guitars made for Prince as well as his unique clothing designs. Not only does it provide fascinating insight into how he created music but it offers readers the chance to explore some unseen gems about one of history’s most iconic musicians. An absolute treasure trove for fans everywhere; Prince: A Portrait Of The Artist In Memories & Memorabilia unveils never before seen secrets behind this legendary performer’s life and work!
Additional resources
For those interested in learning more about soul music, here are some useful websites and blogs:
- SoulMusic.com offers reviews of soul music albums, interviews with artists, and more.
- Soul and Funk Music is a reference of a wide collection of soul music.
- SoulTracks provides reviews, interviews, and news about soul music.
- Soul Express contains a range of reviews in the world of soul music.
- Soulful Detroit is a blog dedicated to the history and culture of Detroit soul music.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
I may need your help. I tried many ways but couldn’t solve it, but after reading your article, I think you have a way to help me. I’m looking forward for your reply. Thanks.
The point of view of your article has taught me a lot, and I already know how to improve the paper on gate.oi, thank you.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
continuously i used to read smaller posts that
also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this
piece of writing which I am reading at this place.
Touche. Great arguments. Keep up the good work.
Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break.
I enjoy the information you provide here and can’t wait to
take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick
your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
Anyhow, good site!
Hi to every one, it’s genuinely a nice for me to
visit this web page, it consists of helpful Information.
Thereby, underdeposits social security, Medicare, or FUTA taxes, it can select xnxxcom to treat the shortfall as wages both within the first yr or the first
Text messaging apps also omegle have been changed by Video chat websites now. Trust me, omeglet Using these web sites for video chatting is plenty of enjoyable to discover. And everyone knows how a lot fun it is to talk with strangers and explore new issues (or people!).
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this
post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a
famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
excellent submit, very informative. I’m wondering why the
other specialists of this sector don’t understand this.
You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a
great readers’ base already!
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this website, because i wish for enjoyment, as this
this web site conations in fact nice funny material too.
Wow, this paragraph is nice, my sister is analyzing such things, therefore I am
going to convey her.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
each time i used to read smaller articles which as well clear their motive, and that is
also happening with this piece of writing which I am
reading here.
Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the other
person’s blog link on your page at suitable place and other
person will also do similar for you.
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Many thanks!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
Hi, all is going fine here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s actually excellent, keep up writing.
Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m
thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any points for first-time blog writers?
I’d really appreciate it.
At this time it looks like Expression Engine is the best blogging
platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Wow, this post is good, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of things, thus I am going to
convey her.
Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one
and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?
If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you. https://accounts.binance.com/en/register-person?ref=T7KCZASX
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good. https://www.binance.info/fr/join?ref=V3MG69RO
Hi there to every body, it’s my first go to see
of this webpage; this webpage contains amazing and actually excellent material in favor of visitors.
Howdy I am so excited I found your webpage, I really found you by mistake, while I
was looking on Digg for something else, Regardless I
am here now and would just like to say kudos for a
fantastic post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment
but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more,
Please do keep up the awesome work.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous
blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
to be happy. I have learn this post and if I
may I want to suggest you few interesting issues or suggestions.
Maybe you can write subsequent articles referring
to this article. I wish to learn even more things about it!
I think this is among the most vital information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The site style is great, the
articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads.
I’m hoping to contribute & aid other customers like its aided me.
Good job.
My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different web address and
thought I may as well check things out. I like what I
see so now i’m following you. Look forward to exploring your web page repeatedly.
Hello every one, here every person is sharing such experience, so it’s good to
read this webpage, and I used to pay a quick visit this weblog
every day.
I’ll immediately grasp your rss as I can’t to find your email subscription link or e-newsletter
service. Do you have any? Kindly allow me recognise so
that I may subscribe. Thanks.
If you desire to get a great deal from this article then you have to apply these strategies to your won blog.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://accounts.binance.com/en/register?ref=VDVEQ78S
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good. https://www.binance.com/fr/register?ref=P9L9FQKY
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://www.binance.com/en/register?ref=W0BCQMF1
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to
this excellent blog! I suppose for now i’ll
settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook
group. Talk soon!
hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up anything new from right here.
I did however expertise several technical issues using this website, since I experienced to
reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and could damage your
high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this
RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective fascinating content.
Make sure you update this again very soon.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed
to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% sure. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and
may come back sometime soon. I want to encourage
continue your great writing, have a nice day!
I love what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve included
you guys to my personal blogroll.
I pay a quick visit daily some websites and blogs
to read posts, but this weblog presents feature based articles.
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each
time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thanks a lot!
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam
responses? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very much
appreciated.
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this site is really nice.
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I’m impressed!
Extremely helpful information specifically the ultimate
part 🙂 I maintain such information much. I was seeking
this particular information for a long time.
Thanks and best of luck.
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head.
The problem is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about.
Now i’m very happy I stumbled across this during my search for something relating to this.
Fabulous, what a web site it is! This weblog presents useful information to us, keep it up.
This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really loved what you
had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement?
My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve
either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all
over the web without my agreement. Do you know any solutions to help stop content from being stolen?
I’d definitely appreciate it.
Hi to all, because I am truly eager of reading this website’s post
to be updated on a regular basis. It consists of good information.
I all the time used to study article in news papers but now as
I am a user of internet therefore from now I am
using net for articles or reviews, thanks to web.
Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to
return once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
You have mentioned very interesting details! ps decent website.Raise range
Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which
blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve
had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another
platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your
website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so
people could connect with it better. Youve
got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two images.
Maybe you could space it out better?
I just could not go away your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the
usual info an individual provide on your guests? Is going to be again continuously
in order to check out new posts
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that
I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I will certainly digg
it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.
Thanks for another fantastic article. The place else may anybody get
that type of info in such a perfect way of writing?
I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the search for
such info.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow,
just wanted to say wonderful blog!
You should take part in a contest for one of the greatest sites on the net.
I’m going to recommend this website!
I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of your site?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two images.
Maybe you could space it out better?
I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours
today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.
naturally like your web-site however you
have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome
to inform the reality however I will certainly come again again.
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some
guidance from an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog?
I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not
sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
Appreciate it
Yes! Finally someone writes about have a peek
at this web-site.
Vitazen Keto Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
I relish, lead to I discovered just what I used to be
taking a look for. You have ended my four day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Temp mail Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
For most up-to-date news you have to go to see world-wide-web and on world-wide-web I found this
web site as a best site for most recent updates.
I’m really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
A number of my blog readers have complained about my site
not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
Do you have any suggestions to help fix this issue?
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am in fact impressed to read all at
alone place.
I used to be able to find good info from your blog articles.
Vitazen Keto Gummies There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks.
Ny weekly very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Techno rozen Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
Techno rozen I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
BaddieHub Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post . BaddieHub
BaddieHub I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew
where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment
form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one?
Thanks a lot!