Prince ‘BlkMagic’ Damons

Retro soul is definitely in full effect as a new generation of artists has latched on firmly to the roots of their influential ancestors. These artists are bold and make no apologies for rejuvenating an era of music that is evolving slowly. They belt out vintage soul vocals, proudly wrapping them around organs, horns, strings and bluesy keyboards. From the neo soulsters like Raphael Saadiq, Angie Stone and Jill Scott to Beyoncé, Keyshia Cole and others that easily fall under rhythm and blues, each artist incorporates an identifiable touch of classic soul into modern melodies.

Soul music began as a unique blend of street-corner doo-wop, gospel rhythms and what were considered at the time as edgy lyrics. While there are many pioneers, Ray Charles is largely credited for popularizing the trend that saw gospel singers going soul after his church-feel hit “What I’d Say?” The classic era of soul is mainly traced back to the ’60s and early ’70s. These times were populated with the majestic voices of the Motown Sound. Artists like Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Brenda Holloway and others all played an integral role in evolving soul to the point where it appealed to the mainstream audience. The powerful influence of doo-wop and the pure sound of gospel were evident in the music created by Motown artists.

During the classic soul era, James Brown reigned as king with Aretha Franklin being declared as queen. Several other artists including Otis Redding, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, Gladys Knight and Curtis Mayfield helped perfect the genre, adding rich and diverse flavor to the sounds of soul. Because the music essentially originated in the streets and the church setting, artists naturally emphasized lyrics with deep feeling and voice quality. They sung with sincere emotion, touching listeners in a way that can only be compared to the spiritual lift you get when hearing a passionate sermon. Every artist to be graced with placement in this category had the ability to move the listener in some form or another.

Soul music made a significant comeback in the late ’90s and new millennium with the emergence of neo soul. Mary J. Blige was instrumental in tastefully experimenting with hip hop and R&B, while groups like The Fugees and later breakaway Lauryn Hill took this phenomenon to the next level. Since then, artists like Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Lalah Hathaway and a host of others have introduced their own version of new and exciting soul music.

Today, soul music has gone all-world, embraced by hip hop artists and pop singers alike. Q-Tip’s latest album for example, The Renaissance, delivers a healthy dose of the old school, featuring tracks with notable soulsters like Norah Jones and Raphael Saadiq. From the old days of hip hop with the dazzling spins of DJ Jazzy Jeff to new sensations Slum Village, Martin Luther and Amy Winehouse, one generation from the next has accentuated the soul sound by recreating a revolution that promises to keep the torch burning.