Soul music is a genre that emerged in the 1950s and 60s and is characterized by its emotive, expressive vocals and its combination of elements from gospel, blues, and jazz. Here are 20 of the greatest soul singers of all time, in no particular order, along with a brief explanation of why they are considered among the best:
- Aretha Franklin – Aretha Franklin is often referred to as the “Queen of Soul” and is renowned for her powerful, emotive vocals and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing.
- Sam Cooke – Sam Cooke’s smooth, soulful vocals and his ability to connect with audiences through his music made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Otis Redding – Otis Redding’s raw, emotive vocals and his ability to deliver a passionate performance made him a pioneer of soul music and one of the greatest singers of all time.
- Al Green – Al Green’s smooth, soulful vocals and his ability to convey emotion through his singing made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Marvin Gaye – Marvin Gaye’s soulful, expressive vocals and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his singing made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Stevie Wonder – Stevie Wonder’s distinctive, emotive vocals and his ability to deliver a powerful performance made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Aretha Franklin – Aretha Franklin is often referred to as the “Queen of Soul” and is renowned for her powerful, emotive vocals and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing.
- Curtis Mayfield – Curtis Mayfield’s smooth, soulful vocals and his ability to deliver a powerful performance made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Gladys Knight – Gladys Knight’s powerful, emotive vocals and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing made her one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- James Brown – James Brown’s raw, emotive vocals and his ability to deliver a powerful performance made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Isaac Hayes – Isaac Hayes’s smooth, soulful vocals and his ability to convey emotion through his singing made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Etta James – Etta James’s emotive, expressive vocals and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing made her one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Ann Peebles – Ann Peebles’s soulful, emotive vocals and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing made her one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Chaka Khan – Chaka Khan’s powerful, emotive vocals and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing made her one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Luther Vandross – Luther Vandross’s smooth, soulful vocals and his ability to convey emotion through his singing made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time.
- Bill Withers – Bill Withers’s emotive, expressive vocals and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his singing made him one of the most influential and beloved soul singers of all time
10 Great soul albums
- “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (1971)
- “Lady Soul” by Aretha Franklin (1968)
- “Songs in the Key of Life” by Stevie Wonder (1976)
- “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” by Aretha Franklin (1967)
- “In the Midnight Hour” by Wilson Pickett (1965)
- “The Impressions” by The Impressions (1962)
- “Superfly” by Curtis Mayfield (1972)
- “The Temptations” by The Temptations (1964)
- “The Supremes” by The Supremes (1964)
- “I’m Still in Love with You” by Al Green (1972)
Each of these albums has made a significant impact on the genre and has helped to define the sound and style of soul music. They are all essential listening for any fan of this vibrant and emotive genre.
