Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs

Try A Little TendernessOtis Redding

Otis Redding Try A Little Tenderness Video]

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Otis Redding’s passing.

Yet he still remains one of the supreme, defining artists of soul music.

This song is one of his signature works, a classic whose overflowing soul moves the heart.

What’d I Say, Pt. 1Ray Charles

What’d I Say, Pt. 1

Ray Charles was a soul singer who, despite the handicap of blindness, drew worldwide attention for his superb piano technique.

He was known for his free, genre-defying arrangements.

He’s also very familiar to Japanese listeners and is famous for covering Japanese songs such as “Itoshi no Ellie.” His signature track “What’d I Say, Pt.

1,” released in 1959, later received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

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Twistin’ the Night AwaySam Cooke

Sam Cooke Live Twistin’ the Night Away 1963

Sam Cooke, who left this world at a young age, drew widespread popularity with his handsome looks and soaring vocals.

As a songwriter, he also left behind numerous standards, and his influence on rock vocalists—beginning with Rod Stewart—has been immense.

You Send MeSam Cooke

Sam Cooke You send me Original

Sam Cooke, who came from a gospel chorus group, debuted as a solo singer and scored a hit with “You Send Me.” At the time, American popular music was dominated by short songs centered around single records and radio broadcasts.

Let The Music PlayShannon

Let the Music Play ((Re-Recorded))

A song that served as the hit and debut track for Shannon, a singer known for American dance-pop and funk.

It became the title debut of her 1984 debut album.

At that time, disco songs with prominent, hard-hitting synthesizer sounds were in vogue.

Rather than classic soul, it was a period when danceable tracks were being produced in large numbers.