A roundup of great soul music singers and artists

Soul music is a wonderful genre born in the United States, evolving from blues and gospel into a form of popular music that produced legendary singers, artists, and countless big hits that have gone down in music history.

Since the 1990s, genres like neo-soul have emerged, and the influence of soul music continues to flow strongly even now in the 2020s.

For those—especially beginners—who have become interested in soul music, we’ve put together an introduction to some of the most representative singers and artists.

If you want to experience the “soul” of great vocalists, be sure to check it out!

Playlist

A roundup of great soul music singers and artists
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Sexual HealingMarvin Gaye		Marvin Gaye’s life and musical achievements
2	I Say A Little PrayerAretha Franklin		Aretha Franklin, the legendary singer of soul music
3	Hit the road Jack!Ray Charles		The legendary achievements of Ray Charles
4	I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston		Whitney Houston’s musical life and success
5	SuperstitionStevie Wonder		Stevie Wonder, a musical genius even though he is blind
6	Never Too MuchLuther Vandross		Luther Vandross’s Masterpieces and Musicality
7	A Change Is Gonna ComeSam Cooke		Sam Cooke is the father of soul music.
8	I’d Rather Go BlindEtta James		Etta James is a legendary soul singer.
9	(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding		Otis Redding, a giant who established soul music
10	It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s WorldJames Brown		James Brown is a legendary artist who had a tremendous influence on soul music.
11	Sweet LoveAnita Baker		Anita Baker’s 1980s hit songs
12	I Don’t Want To KnowGladys Knight		Gladys Knight, Empress of Soul
13	Being With YouSmokey Robinson		Smokey Robinson’s Achievements and History
14	Through the FireChaka Khan		Chaka Khan, legendary singer
15	Killing Me Softly With His SongRoberta Flack		Roberta Flack: The Journey of the Queen of Soul Music
16	If You Want Me To StaySly & The Family Stone		Soul number, a pleasant sense of groove
17	Keep on TruckinEddie Kendricks		Disco hit songs by Eddie Kendricks
18	Freddie’s DeadCurtis Mayfield		Socially conscious music that portrays the darkness of the city
19	Reach Out (I’ll Be There)Four Tops		The moving impact of the Motown classic album “Reach Out”
20	Stone RollinRaphael Saadiq		Sadiq’s soulful soul music
21	I Can’t Stand the RainAnn Peebles		A masterpiece whose rhythm of raindrops resonates with the heart
22	Clean Up WomanBetty Wright		An R&B classic that portrays the loss of love and gratitude
23	Every Little Bit HurtsBrenda Holloway		Brenda Holloway’s exquisite singing voice
24	Before I Let GoFrankie Beverly And Maze		A sweet and bittersweet farewell soul song
25	Midnight Train to GeorgiaGladys Knight&The Pips		A gem of a soul classic that portrays longing for one’s hometown
26	I’ll Take You ThereThe Staple Singers		The Staple Singers' classic
27	And The Beat Goes OnThe Whispers		A song of courage to overcome heartbreak and take a new step forward
28	Everybody Plays the Foolthe main ingredient		A groovy love’s bittersweet, soulful soul
29	ShotgunJr. Walker & The All Stars		The birth of the Motown classic 'Shotgun'
30	Respect YourselfThe Staple Singers		A song of the soul after the Civil Rights Movement, conveying hope and courage
31	Billie JeanMichael Jackson		Michael Jackson’s innovative achievements in music and dance