Soul

• When did soul music begin?

  In the 1950s
• What earlier genres did soul music evolve from?

  Blues and jazz
• What is the strongest root of soul music?

  Gospel music
• Where did many black Americans begin their musical careers?


  In church choirs
• How did musicians combine their skills from church choirs?


  They combined gospel music with blues and jazz
• What is the key difference between soul music and gospel music?


  The use of secular lyrics in soul music
• What familiar elements from gospel music are maintained in soul music?


  Call-and-response vocal melodies and the use of certain instruments
• What are the key labels in soul music?

  Atlantic, Stax, and Motown
• How did each label contribute to the sound of soul music?


  By forming its own studio and developing a signature sound
• What role did house bands play in soul music?


  They played on all of the named artist’s recordings
• What combination gives a soul record its sense of familiarity and uniqueness?


  Consistency in backing and difference in melody
• What are some key features of a soul song's structure?

  The use of the Hammond organ, a horn section, and complex vocal arrangements
• Which famous soul artist began singing in gospel choirs?

  Aretha Franklin
• How has Aretha Franklin's career evolved?


  She has combined soul music with gospel music albums
• What distinguishes Stevie Wonder's career in soul music?


  He began with standard soul songs but evolved to combine genres
• What themes did Stevie Wonder incorporate into his complex song compositions?


  Social and political themes
• How has soul music evolved since the 1980s?


  It has combined with other genres and remained popular
• What genre has become incredibly popular alongside soul music?

  R&B
• What are the main characteristics of soul music?

  • Evolved from blues, jazz, and gospel
  • Use of secular lyrics
  • Call-and-response vocal melodies
  • Instrumentation includes Hammond organ and horn sections
  • Complex vocal arrangements with improvisation
• How did the labels Atlantic, Stax, and Motown shape soul music?


  • Developed signature sounds
  • Used house bands for recordings
  • Created a combination of consistency in backing and uniqueness in melody
  • Utilized studio technology and effects for distinctive sounds