Soul music’s roots come from the urbanization and commercialization of rhythm and blues in the late fifties and early sixties. Young black musicians, often nurtured in black churches, enjoyed and listened to R&B sounds and began a fusion of R&B, blues and gospel that would later take on the moniker “soul music”. The term “soul” had been used in African American culture, particularly among musicians, to emphasize the feelings of power, spirit and creativity found in its culture. Regional acts and labels took this genre into different directions that included, among other things, vocal interplay, gospel rhythms and themes that were translated from the sacred to the secular, all with mix heavy on standard rock or brass rhythm sections. The blend and variety brought out the contrasting tones of grit and pop-infused sounds. From Sam Cooke to James Brown and Etta James to Brenda Holloway…we’ll take a journey through the rise of soul music.

No.	Artist	Title	Album	Buy
1	The Southern Tones	It Must Be Jesus	Southern Gospel
2	Ray Charles	I Got a Woman	Genius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection Disc 1
3	Etta James	Tears Of Joy	The Complete Modern & Kent Recordings 1
4	Clyde McPhatter	Seven Days	London American Label Year By Year 1956
5	Ray Charles	Lonely Avenue	Artist's Choice: Joni Mitchell
6	James Brown	Please, Please, Please	Pure R&B: Vol. 2- Somethings Got a Hold on Me [Disc 1]
7	Sam Cooke	You Send Me	Greatest Hits
8	Sam Cooke	I'll Come Running Back To You	Birth Of Soul: 1
9	Etta James	Come What May	The Complete Modern & Kent Recordings 1
10	The Chantels	Maybe	Pure R&B: Vol. 4- What'd I Say
11	Clyde McPhatter	Lover's Question	The Atlantic Story [UK]
12	Ray Charles	(Night Time Is) The Right Time	Ultimate Hits Collection [1 of 2]
13	Eugene Church	Pretty Girls Everywhere	Solid Gold Soul 1959
14	Jackie Wilson	That's Why ( I Love You So )	Lonely Teardrops
15	Jackie Wilson	Lonely Teardrops	Solid Gold Soul 1959
16	The Fiestas	So Fine	Solid Gold Soul 1959
17	James Brown	Try Me	20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of James Brown
18	The Drifters	There Goes My Baby	All-Time Greatest Hits & More 1959-1965 [Bonus Tracks] [Disc 1]
19	The Impressions	Shorty's Got To Go	Birth Of Soul: 3
20	Jerry Butler	He Will Break Your Heart	Birth Of Soul: 1
21	Marie Knight	Come Tomorrow	Birth Of Soul: 2
22	Gloria Lynne	You Don't Have To Be A Tower Of Strength	Birth Of Soul: 1
23	The Impressions	Gypsy Woman	Birth Of Soul: 1
24	The Mar-Keys	Last Night	Last Night!/Do the Pop-Eye
25	Brenda Holloway	I'll Give My Life	Birth Of Soul: 2
26	Jan Bradley	Mama Didn't Lie	Birth Of Soul: 1
27	Claudine Clark	The Telephone Game	Birth Of Soul: 1
28	William Bell	Any Other Way	Birth Of Soul: 1
29	Jimmy Hughes	I'm Qualified	Birth Of Soul: 1
30	Barbara Lynn	You'll Lose A Good Thing	Birth Of Soul: 1
31	Joe Henderson	Snap Your Fingers	Birth Of Soul: 1
32	The Falcons	I Found A Love	Birth Of Soul: 2
33	Solomon Burke	Down In The Valley	Birth Of Soul: 2
34	Etta James	Something's Got A Hold On Me	Birth Of Soul: 1
35	Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters	Cry Baby	Birth Of Soul: 1
36	Barbara Lewis	Snap Your Fingers	Don't Forget About Me: The Atlantic & Reprise Recordings