Story of Soul in 50 Songs

From Memphis grit to Philly smooth, The Story of Soul in 50 Songs takes readers inside the grooves that transformed American music from 1959 to 1974. The Story of Soul in 50 Songs is a richly illustrated, rhythmic journey through some of the most powerful and influential music of the twentieth century. Spanning the period 1957 to 1974, it brings together pioneering, gospel-inspired early releases by Sam Cooke and Ray Charles with era-defining anthems by Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. It delves into the social consciousness of James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and Curtis Mayfield, while exploring a range of sounds that covers everything from Etta James’s funky grit to the Spinners’ smooth urban grooves. Blending musical insight with social history, award-winning author Scott B. Bomar guides readers through a carefully curated selection of tracks that define the sound and the spirit—the passion, protest, heartbreak, and celebration—of soul, revealing how these songs transcended the charts to help shape the culture of the time, and why they still resonate so powerfully today. Learn the stories behind such seminal, generational recordings as “Dancing in the Street,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “In the Midnight Hour,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Respect Yourself.” Meet the artists, producers, songwriters, and musicians whose songs gave voice to joy and struggle, and whose records changed the landscape of popular music. Explore the world of soul through more than 250 vivid images, including record label artwork, vintage concert posters, and archival photographs.