A roundup of great soul music singers and artists

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding

Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video)

Hailing from the state of Georgia, Otis Redding is one of the indispensable singers who helped define the genre of soul music.

So influential that Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead publicly said he wanted to be like Otis, Redding released numerous hits from the early to mid-1960s with his extraordinary voice shaped by gospel and blues.

He rose to prominence with his 1962 debut single These Arms of Mine, and songs like Respect and I’ve Been Loving You Too Long remain timeless classics beloved to this day.

His legendary live performances—such as his electrifying set at the Monterey Pop Festival—testify to the depth of his musicality.

It is truly tragic that he left us at the young age of 26, but his music and voice will never fade.

If you want to feel soul, I highly recommend Otis’s work.

It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s WorldJames Brown

James Brown – It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World

James Brown, known as the “Godfather of Soul,” had an immeasurable impact on 20th-century popular music.

Born in South Carolina, he grew up in poverty while being exposed to gospel music, and made his debut in 1956 with his first single, “Please, Please, Please.” With hits like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Got You (I Feel Good),” he quickly became a star, leaving a profound influence not only on soul and funk but on contemporary music as a whole.

A legendary artist whose tumultuous life was even made into a film, James Brown’s music brims with unforgettable shock and excitement from the very first listen.

Sweet LoveAnita Baker

Sweet Love

Anita Baker is one of the defining R&B singers of the ’80s.

Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, she forged a distinctive sound shaped by gospel, jazz, and pop influences, and produced a string of hits.

While her full-fledged music career began with her 1983 debut album, The Songstress, it was her second album, Rapture (1986), that sparked her breakthrough.

This classic record, featuring massive hits like “Sweet Love” and “Caught Up in the Rapture,” reached the U.S.

Top 10 and won two Grammy Awards.

Its refined production and Anita’s sophisticated vocals earned overwhelming support from adult listeners.

She went on to release more essential ’80s tracks, including “Giving You the Best That I Got.” For anyone looking to get into R&B, her work is highly recommended.

I Don’t Want To KnowGladys Knight

Gladys Knight – I Don’t Want To Know

Gladys Knight, the great American singer known as the “Empress of Soul,” is a prodigious talent who showed her gifts from an early age, winning an amateur singing contest at just seven years old.

In 1958, at the age of 14, she made her record debut as a member of the Pips, a group formed with her relatives, placing numerous hit songs high on the R&B charts.

She also pursued a solo career, flourishing across a wide range of musical genres.

In 2021, her achievements were further recognized with the prestigious National Medal of Arts.

A shining figure in the history of soul music, she is an artist everyone who loves soul should listen to.

Hit the road Jack!Ray Charles

Hit the road Jack!

Ray Charles is a legendary artist who cannot be overlooked when talking about soul music.

Despite being blind, he created numerous hits with his unique style that fused elements of blues, gospel, and jazz, and he reigned over the music scene for more than half a century after his debut in the 1950s.

His 1960 classic “Georgia on My Mind” topped the U.S.

charts and is arguably one of his most widely known songs among many masterpieces.

Awarded 18 Grammys and many other honors during his lifetime, Ray continued to be celebrated after his passing in 2004, even being hailed as “the only true genius in show business.” He is not only the perfect entry point to soul music, but an artist whom everyone who loves music should absolutely listen to.

Through the FireChaka Khan

Chaka Khan – Through the Fire (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]

Chaka Khan is a legendary singer who has long led the world of brilliant soul music.

Boasting astonishing vocal power, Chaka began her career in the early 1970s as the vocalist for the funk band Rufus, and quickly drew major attention with the hit Tell Me Something Good, written by Stevie Wonder.

After going solo, she scored a massive hit with I’m Every Woman from her 1978 debut album Chaka, and won a Grammy for the title track of her 1984 album I Feel for You, written by Prince.

With her exceptionally powerful vocals that overwhelm listeners, Chaka continues to captivate fans to this day.

Killing Me Softly With His SongRoberta Flack

Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly With His Song (Official Audio)

Singer Roberta Flack, born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Raised in a musical environment from childhood, she began playing piano at age nine and studied music education with the goal of becoming a concert pianist.

Since her 1969 debut, she has been active primarily in soul music.

Her 1972 hit “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was chosen as the theme song for the film Play Misty for Me.

In 1973, “Killing Me Softly with His Song” reached No.

1 in the U.S.

and won two Grammys, including Record of the Year.

She is also known for duets with Aretha Franklin—celebrated as the “Queen of Soul”—and Donny Hathaway.

Her refined R&B sound, grounded in exceptional vocal ability, piano, and classical training, continues to transcend genres and be loved by many.

For everyone who wants to experience the essence of music.