Module 3

Soul Music & Gospel

Ray Charles

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, soul music defined the music rooted in the African American tradition with ties primarily to black gospel. The earliest pioneers of soul included Sam Cooke, a former member of the gospel group the Soul Stirrers, and Ray Charles, who began recording with Atlantic records in 1952. In 1954, Charles recorded “I Got a Woman.” The song was based on the gospel record “It Must Be Jesus” by the Southern Tones. It was essentially the same melody and rhythmic feel with changed lyrics. “I Got a Woman” reached number two on the rhythm and blues charts and provided Charles with an artistic direction that reflected his ties to gospel. Known as the Genius of Soul, Charles influenced many future artists across a wide span of music genres. In 1959, Charles had his first crossover hit with “What’d I Say.” The song reached number six on the pop charts and topped the R&B charts. The following year, Charles earned his first number one pop hit with “Georgia On My Mind,” a remake of the 1930 Tin Pan Alley classic written by Gorrell and Carmichael. In 1962, Charles earned his first number one album with Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.

The Godfather of Soul

James Brown

James Brown was born in 1933 in South Carolina and grew up in Georgia where he sang and played drums and organ in church. In 1956, Brown and his group the Famous Flames recorded their breakthrough record “Please, Please, Please” for King Records. Influenced by gospel music, Brown continued to develop the sound of his band, producing a precise and very rhythmic style for his entire band including his horn section. In 1962, Brown debuted his newly fashioned ensemble as the James Brown Revue and recorded Live at the Apollo. Brown’s performance included his signature dancing and choreography with several aspects of the performance borrowed directly from the fiery, melodic preaching characteristic of the Pentecostal church. The record reached number two on the pop album charts and confirmed Brown’s crossover potential. In 1965, Brown recorded “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.” The new sound introduced many characteristics of funk, a harder-hitting version of soul.

Watch the following analysis of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag":

The Apollo Theater, 2014:

Atlantic & Stax Records

Record labels that capitalized on Soul included Atlantic in New York and Stax in Memphis. In 1948, Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson founded Atlantic Records. Initially, they established the label with rhythm and blues and the signing of Ray Charles in 1952. After Charles’ contract expired in 1959, Atlantic struggled to stay in business until several years later when a golden opportunity presented itself. In 1967, Aretha Franklin’s contract with Columbia Records expired, and Atlantic pursued the gifted artist with a plan to help her unleash her soulful artistry.

Booker T. & the MGs

In 1957, Jim Stewart founded Stax Reords, first as Satellite Records. Soon after, Stewart’s sister Estelle Axton joined the label as co-owner. The brother and sister team changed the label’s name to Stax Records, borrowing from the first two letters of each last name. The small, independent label based in Memphis, Tennessee focused on producing soul music. Their brand of soul became known as Southern Soul, distinguishing the raw, harder hitting style they produced compared to the “sweet soul” other labels produced. As a small label, Stax partnered up with the much larger and more established Atlantic Records to distribute their records. Stax also worked as a cooperative, making it a regular practice to divide royalties earned on records evenly between studio musicians, engineers, producers, and anyone involved in the process.

Stax Records featured a house band much like Motown’s Funk Brothers. The group, Booker T. & the MGs, was led by Booker T. Jones on organ and included Steve Cropper on guitar, Donald “Duck” Dunn (who replaced Lewis Steinberg in 1964) on bass, and Al Jackson, Jr. on drums. In 1962, Booker T. & the MGs released the instrumental “Green Onions.” As a delightful surprise, the record reached number three on the pop charts. In 1967, Booker T. & the MGs served as the backup band for Otis Redding’s memorable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival.

Otis Redding

Stax discovered Otis Redding in 1962. Redding immediately became an integral part of the label up until his tragic death by plane crash in 1967. In October 1962, Redding was driving a band to Stax studio for a recording session. With time left from the session, Redding requested an opportunity to audition. Jim Stewart agreed. After Redding’s first attempt, Stewart suggested a ballad. What resulted was “These Arms of Mine.” Stewart immediately signed Redding and released the record. “These Arms of Mine” made the R&B top twenty and crossed over into the pop charts. Redding continued his success with his unique, gospel-influenced vocals and stage presence. He also proved to be a prolific songwriter. In 1965, he wrote and recorded “Respect,” the definitive song of soul music in the late 1960s. In 1967, he was the only soul artist to perform at the Monterey Pop Festival, a primarily psychedelic rock-oriented event. The audience fell in love with him, and he and his music became very popular among the hippies throughout the U.S. He would frequent the Filmore West, where acts like Janis Joplin eagerly pursued the opportunity to perform with him. In 1966, Redding earned $250,000 in one month of touring, and invested into his own label, Jotis Records. He was killed tragically on December 10, 1967, at the height of his still-rising career.

Respect

Aretha Franklin

Soul Music & Civil Rights In the Late 1960s. Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Reverend C.L. Franklin who pastored a large, black Baptist church in the Motor City. From a young age, Franklin sang and played piano and organ in her father’s church. Popular gospel artists including Mahalia Jackson and the Clara Ward Singers were often invited guests to sing for services and record live. Their performances influenced a young Aretha. In 1960, at the age of eighteen, Aretha signed with Columbia Records. When her contract expired seven years later, without any significant impact on the record charts Columbia decided not to release her. Immediately, she was picked up by Atlantic who believed they had the right environment and approach to recording for the talented artist. Her first record for Atlantic was Otis Redding’s “Respect.” Franklin’s version of the song earned a number one spot on the pop charts. “Respect” took on a whole new meaning of empowerment for both the black community and women in America. Franklin went on to write and record several thought-provoking songs including “Think” in 1968. As the late 1960s unfolded, soul music played a vital role in the shaping of rock history.

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