Soul Music In African American History
When thinking about the word “soul”, as it refers to music, what do you think of? Most people think about rhythm and blues, passionate lyrics, or even the concept of unity and togetherness. But, for most, soul was much more than music and Soulsville was much more than just a record label. Soul music is music that feeds the soul, relating to people on a personal level. Soulsville, which stands on the corner of College Street and E. McLemore Ave, was the connection between the frustration that African Americans felt during the 1960’s and resulted in being an escape for them. Jim Stewart did not know it at the time, but he created a place that would influence African American history forevermore. Because of it’s musical contributions, diversity,
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Artists such as James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Ike and Tina Turner, were brought about and well known for their talents in this time. Many of their songs were made out of Stax, which was then called Satellite Records. They were the instrumental bridge that influenced music to later come. Although it was a battle internally for African Americans to endure, Stax brought together the chaos and mayhem that was occurring externally. On the video played at the Stax Museum, many musicians explained how Stax was like a “church” to them and that it was not about the songs, but about the hearts and minds of the people who wrote them. Throughout this time period, the concept of “soul” was not yet created and was considered a form of gospel, and rhythm and blues. Rhythm and blues was defined as “a vehicle by which African Americans could speak out against the hypocrisy of America” (R&B Lecture). Gospel was defined as a “futuristic hope” and offered people a sense of reassurance during such a dark time. The music also “reflected a celebratory nature after the civil rights movement, but it spawned by a pseudo sense of inclusion” (R&B Lecture). The musical contributions brought joy and happiness to the African Americans in America, but the music itself was caused by the turmoil of racial implications and the message revealed the anger and frustration
Artists such as James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Ike and Tina Turner, were brought about and well known for their talents in this time. Many of their songs were made out of Stax, which was then called Satellite Records. They were the instrumental bridge that influenced music to later come. Although it was a battle internally for African Americans to endure, Stax brought together the chaos and mayhem that was occurring externally. On the video played at the Stax Museum, many musicians explained how Stax was like a “church” to them and that it was not about the songs, but about the hearts and minds of the people who wrote them. Throughout this time period, the concept of “soul” was not yet created and was considered a form of gospel, and rhythm and blues. Rhythm and blues was defined as “a vehicle by which African Americans could speak out against the hypocrisy of America” (R&B Lecture). Gospel was defined as a “futuristic hope” and offered people a sense of reassurance during such a dark time. The music also “reflected a celebratory nature after the civil rights movement, but it spawned by a pseudo sense of inclusion” (R&B Lecture). The musical contributions brought joy and happiness to the African Americans in America, but the music itself was caused by the turmoil of racial implications and the message revealed the anger and frustration