Soul Music

Soul music had its heyday in the mid and late 1960s with the rise in popularity of African-American groups and singers. Soul developed in inner cities with large African-American populations.

When did Soul music originate?

• 1960's

• 2000's

There was plenty to protest about in 60s America. Segregation, the Vietnam War, police violence, lack of equal opportunity, etc. Vietnam certainly tempted Motown into numerous songs about missing your man sent far away by the draft, such as The Supremes’ ‘You’re Gone (But Always In My Heart)’ (1967) and Martha & The Vandellas’ ‘Jimmy Mack’ (1967).

What was happening in America when Soul music was created? Select all that apply.

• Segregation

• the Vietnam War

• police violence

• the Internet

• Civil Rights Movement

Soul music is heavily influenced by other traditionally African-American styles of music, joining the fast pace of rhythm and blues, and the intense, passionate delivery of gospel music. Soul is known for having honest and emotional lyrics that often reflect the African-American experience.

What other types of music influenced soul music?

• rhythm and blues

• gospel

• country

A feature of soul music is call and response. Call-and-response has its roots in traditional African music. You will immediately recognize the technique: it’s when the song leader calls out or sings a line, and the listener or audience responds.

Call and response comes from what type of music?

• gospel

• country

Pianist Ray Charles is said to have invented the kind of rhythmic music that would become soul. Shortly after the release of the hit song "Georgia on My Mind" (1960), Ray Charles was scheduled to perform at a dance at Bell Auditorium in Augusta, Georgia, but cancelled the show after learning that white students were able to stand in the dance floor, while blacks would have to sit at the balcony.

Why did Ray Charles cancel his concert?

• Black students were segregated to sit on the balcony

• He didn't get paid enough

There is a a revolving, lighted bronze sculpture of Ray Charles, seated at a piano. It is in the state where he was born, and where he refused to play at a segregated concert.

Name the state.

• Georgia

• California

Probably the most famous soul singer is Aretha Franklin, who got her start during the soul music boom in the ‘60s. Her nickname to this day is “The Queen of Soul”. Franklin was involved in the struggle for civil rights and women's rights. She provided money for civil rights groups, at times covering payroll, and performed at benefits and protests. When Angela Davis was jailed in 1970, Franklin told Jet: "Angela Davis must go free." Her songs "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" became anthems of these movements for social change.

Who did Aretha Franklin demand to be freed from jail?

• Angela Davis

• George Floyd

Aretha Franklin sang at which president's inauguration?

• Barack Obama

• Donald Trump

Another pioneer of soul music is Little Richard. Little Richard was a quiet civil rights pioneer whose concerts challenged segregation. His music was loved by all people. So at his concerts, audiences were segregated in the building, but before the end of the night, they would all be mixed together.

What word means to separate by race?

• segregation

• inclusion

Little Richard was known as one of the first crossover black artists, reaching audiences of all races. His music and concerts broke the color line, drawing blacks and whites together despite attempts to sustain segregation.

The process of ending the separation of 2 groups, based on their race, is called

• desegregation

• racism