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Stoneman
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9/3/2020 1:23:57 AM
What Is Soul Music
Soul music is where it all began for me. I have lived with it all my life. Because, I am often dismayed with what people tend to call soul or soulful these days, I just wanted to touch on what soul music is and maybe it will clear up a few misconceptions. I first encountered soul music when I was a very little boy. I grew up in South Central Los Angeles in a tiny unincorporated town known as Watts. It was a very impoverished neighborhood as many of my friends had dirt floors in their houses. No, we didn't have much but we had soul music and it was on almost 24 hours a day. Back in those days they called it "Race Music". Not sure why but they did. Anyway, Soul music, Jazz and the Blues was the only kind of music we listened to. In time, I became sort of a neighborhood expert on it because I was always the DJ when we had house parties. They chose me because I always knew all the the best Soul jams and I had sort of a musical library of 45's that I played while they all danced and sang and shimmied with joy. From the loud wailings of Sam and Dave to the smooth crooning of Sam Cook. It was all soul music. What made it soulful was that it made you feel a certain way when you heard it. "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" (Marvin Gaye) It was music that touched your soul, Soul music was the stylings and high pitched yells of Al Green. It was the guttural screams of James Brown and the pointed social commentary of Marvin Gaye. It was Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, The Moments, The Temptations, New Birth, The Delfonics, The Dramatics, The Isley Brothers and so many more. Their music made you feel something unique. As you listened, your soul danced "What's Going On" (Marvin Gaye) Ah yes, the old memories are kicking in right now. I can still smell that Acapulco Gold, Elephant and Thai stick refer being smoked and I can taste that Spanada wine. Oh my, there goes my high school sweetheart Julie! Damn! She was hella soulful! Everything back then was soulful Even the handshakes were in rhythm.
In those days I fancied myself as a singer. Not like these days, I mean I was a really good singer back then. These days I can still hold a tune. I was singing on the Crenshaw strip in L.A. It was a fancy place for singers in the ghetto. I remember going out to perform one night and my heart just wasn't into it because the police had stopped me and vandalized my guitar during an unlawful search. I had just got it out of the pawn shop and they fucked it up so bad that it would never be playable again. Anyway, that night I had the Blues and because I didn't give my usual performance I got booed off the stage. I asked my manager what I had done wrong and he said "You didn't give it that soul tonight son". They came to hear some soul so they can go home feeling good. Some soul? I pondered that for a bit and then I asked some of the older cats in the band what he meant. That is when they introduced me to Jame's Brown's "Night Train" album. I listened to that shit nonstop for months before it finally hit me. Soul music is when you totally let go and give it every single thing that you have. It is taking the anguish that you feel and turning it into a joyful experience. A joyful noise. that is why James Brown would scream. it was a joyful expression of his soul that was meant to please our souls. Soul music is "it's A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" (The Persuaders) and "Oooh Child" (The Five Stairsteps) or "Reasons" (Earth Wind & Fire). Those are all examples of the soul music I remember.
Soul music had more than just a good beat or a strong vocal. It had a way of making you forget your troubles by sounding so good that your soul was happy. In the midst of abject poverty and tough times, it lifted us up and kept us hopeful. It was a life saving music in that it kept us from committing suicide. When we cried, we cried soulfully. When we prayed, we prayed soulfully. It became our way of life. That is why quite often, when I hear people say something is soulful or someone is soulful, I am so disappointed when I hear them because I know soul and soulful extremely well and what some people are passing off as soul music just does not cut the mustard with me. Why? Because I don't feel anything from it.
You have got to give them something that they can feel or it is not soul music. It may be R&B, but not soul. The most soulful artists that I know are all gospel artists. They are use to singing about something that they can feel and they are use to just letting it all go when they sing. A good soul singer should leave you dripping with sweat from losing your composure. He should have you swaying and singing along with abandon. You know? People like Michael Mcdonald and Stevie wonder.
I was thinking about this today because these are certainly hard times for a lot of people and wouldn't it be nice to see a resurgence of soul music? We really need to be listening to stuff that feels good right now. Sure, I can go back through my old albums and listen to Frankie Beverly and Maze, Teddy Pendergrass and Curtis Mayfield, but I am more interested in hearing some of these young bucks out there. Alas, the past is gone but what about the future? Is there even a market for soul music anymore? I wonder about this because it seems like the genre is dying a fast death. What parts of it that are not dying are being swallowed up by hybrid artists who are actually doing Pop music and calling it soul. That really frustrates me to no end. To add insult to injury, (okay, I'm about to lose a few people here) I have even heard some Country artists described as being soulful. I'm like huh? Not that I have anything against country music but country is country and soul is soul. There is a distinct difference in how the two genres make me feel. It seems like time has totally eroded the public perception of what being soulful truly is. Now it is fashionable to say that any good singer is soulful. Even Rock, Punk and Opera artists are being described this way. Now wait a damn minute! Y'all about to hurt my soul. WTF? I sort of feel like that old cranky guy in the neighborhood who hollers out his window "You kids stay off my lawn". "You genres stay in your own lane". Only soul music is soulful. Okay? When I am singing soul music I don't claim to be Rocking out, Punk'n off or Operate'n. I know, I know, I love to make up shit. Sorry. Hopefully this made you smile a bit. Just a bunch of useless banter from the Stoneman. Peace!
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Mike Lance
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9/3/2020 8:53:18 AM
That was a tremendous and enlightening read. You've made me feel nostalgic for a time and place I've never experienced...
I am probably guilty of having used the term "soulful" to describe a compelling and emotional performance without realizing the true meaning of the term, as I tend to think of it outside of the context of a musical genre. But now I think I get it. Thank you.
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Shoe City Sound
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9/3/2020 9:54:09 AM
---- Updated 9/3/2020 10:09:27 AM
Oh hardly useless banter - great piece on soul music! My background was different from yours by a lot - white Jewish kid growing up in an abusive family in a NYC suburb - but when I tell you that the environment was soul-less and miserable and damaging in it's own way, I am not lying. All the music you mention and describe here was my life line as much as anyone's. It was a total lifeline and I know I wouldn't have made it through if not for those songs and soul artists.
And I loved reading about some happy times in your childhood, Stoneman. I know there were horrifying ones, from past story telling of yours, but I can picture how cute you were as a teenager DJ-ing at parties and dancing with your HS girlfriend Julie - love that haha
Anyway thanks for a great post and here's to another great writer about the history of music and life in general - there are several on this site that I admire so much for their knowledge and descriptive writing talents in words as well as music.
D
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Bob Elliott
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9/3/2020 2:35:40 PM
I like your post.
I'm white and working in mostly acoustic guitar stuff these days. I grew up in love with the same music you speak of from my early childhood until now. Like you, I listen to much other stuff, too, but soul is core.
I list my songs under "Acoustic Soul." I'm nobody, so it never stirs up any controversy, but I would understand if people wanted me to quit calling it that. That's just my own feeling about what I'm doing. Maybe I'm not, but that would just mean I missed my mark.I am wondering if you think of my labeling as out of bounds. I don't have another thing I call what I do lately. The last album is called "Wooden Soul," because it seems to be so to me.
As for using the term "soulful" to describe singers singing in other genres, to me that is just an English word that often applies. Hard not to think Hank Williams has a soulful delivery. He just does. He is not doing soul music, but he does have a very soulful delivery.
As an example, what am I to call my song "Owl" if not Acoustic Soul?"
I just don't know. I'm moved by creativity and emotion and rhythm, and there's a lot of it in soul.
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Father Time
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9/3/2020 2:47:25 PM
Soul music has been a huge part of my life as my formative record buying years were in the early 70s when imo soul peaked. I had hundreds of soul 45s starting with Al Green. For Christmas in 72 I asked for all his albums and received them! Saw the great Stylistics in their prime at the Zembo Mosque in Harrisburg PA. Loved War, Marvin, Aretha, the O'Jays, Dramatics, Stevie is a god to me. Curtis Mayfield, the Chi Lites, the list goes on and on. I've always thought that the 2 greatest eras in popular music were the early Beatles and early 70s soul. I've often thought that this is the music I will play on my deathbed cause nothing makes me feel so good.
Here's my attempt at a soul song if you never hoid it.
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Richard Scotti
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9/3/2020 7:06:17 PM
I've seen many soul acts live and the music changed my life long before Dylan and the Beatles came along. Soul was the soundtrack of so many of our lives in our formative years. It influenced songwriters including myself to this day. I came from a broken home and soul music was the only love I received. It made me feel warm and happy. Even the sad songs were hopeful. It was like being a member of a special club where anyone could join and be welcomed with open arms. When I write a song, I draw upon that welcoming sound by always asking these questions: Does this song make me FEEL something? Will it make other people feel something? Is there emotion behind the vocals and the lyrics? That is how soul music has influenced my song writing.
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Stoneman
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9/4/2020 12:19:45 AM
Bob, I certainly was not reffering to you or your music in anyway. I have great respect for what you do. Keep doing you man!
Richard, yes, there are moments in the time of my life when the music of the day defined my emotional state. The Ojays, Earth Wind & Fire and The Ohio Players got me through the Vietnam war. Stevie was a voice of comfort during the civil rights era and Aretha made me "Think" and learn to have some "Respect". Voices like those are so sorely needed right now. So many people are walking around like souless zombies ready to pounce on the next victim. Looks like us indie artists are going to have to lead the way back to soul. They need to feel something sweet and savory to the ears. I say this while I'm working on a Halloween piece called "Run Mothafuckah Run" Haha, so oxymoronic and sinful on my part. But its about that time to be scary so...................Much Respect To All!
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Bob Elliott
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9/5/2020 11:45:58 AM
Nah, I didn’t think you were singling me out at all. It’s just a thing I think about: is it ok for me to call my music acoustic soul, does it fit that, or is it not right? Your topic heads right into the discussion, so I figured now was the time to ask.
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Richard Scotti
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9/5/2020 3:01:51 PM
---- Updated 9/5/2020 3:15:25 PM
Bob- I really like your songs and I think that artists should be able to call their music anything they want. Truth be told, all musical genre names are inaccurate in one way or another. My songs tend to do well in the “classic rock” genre chart so that’s where I mostly post them but strictly speaking some of them could be categorized in other genres. As long as people are listening, I really don’t care about the genre name. I write rock music. As long as the genre title has the word “rock” in it, I’m satisfied.
In my opinion, “acoustic soul” doesn’t quite fit your sound which has lot’s of different influences in it. The term “soul” carries a lot of responsibility. Stoneman’s post was very illuminating in that regard. To appropriate it poses the risk of appearing misleading but that does not diminish your work in any way. Your success here is proof of that. In my opinion your work sounds like acoustic rock. But whatever you wanna call it, listeners are listening to it. That’s all that matters.
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Paul groover
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9/5/2020 6:20:15 PM
---- Updated 9/5/2020 6:28:50 PM
Different souls play different soul music. It,s what they understand as soul music. No Otis Redding, Stevie, Martha, Dianna i buy everything that had soul on it. Still do found an early soul album from the 50,s recently. Maybe your on it still have to look at the track listing?. If there is a sign with records for sale i am there. You said something though that surprised me you grew in the Watts and people had dirt floors wtf. This was 1950,s USA not 1900 u can't be that old. Fuck me how big is the rockies how much fucking trees is there. They can't even put floorboards down bet you they were Scottish descent. That's the kinda crap they would do. Got kicked out of Scotland for being total bastards. Get them drunk on some 12 year old fuck 15 year old not worth it and throw them on a boat to the USA or where ever the night before so when they waking up it,s to late. And you lot ended up with them. Have your heard the weeknd though my fav singer right now
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Paul groover
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9/5/2020 8:23:09 PM
Would you do a soul version of this song. If you look at the lyrics i can see cross overs slow it down. I can retain the pitch but maybe that is what is not needed. Not sure.
http://indiemusicpeople.com/songs.aspx?SongID=118317&ArtistID=28276
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Stoneman
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9/5/2020 10:11:22 PM
Oh folks, just a bunch of dribble from me. I've been in a writing mood of late. Not sure why, just random thoughts coming out. I'll check that song out and let you know Paul. Respect, Stoneman
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Richard Scotti
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9/8/2020 11:37:41 AM
Nothing you could write would ever be considered "dribble", Stoneman. And I really appreciate your intelligent observations as I'm sure others do as well. Don't stop writing! I know how passionate you are about the subject of soul music. My take on all things musical: The past glory days of soul and classic rock will never be recreated but that's OK!! There is an embarrassment of riches in both areas. It's all recorded for posterity and the legacy of that great music lives on not only in recording but in the hearts and minds of listeners all over the world of all ages.
It is often said that this form of music or that form of music is "dead". But music doesn't die. All kinds of works of art are preserved for hundreds of years and the same is true for music. Is classical music dead just because it isn't on the Billboard charts? Of course not.
Shakespeare's plays are still performed to this day because great art never dies.
It is kept alive by people like you who care. And it is obvious that new soul music will continue to be made by you and new classic rock music will continue to be made by me. Keeping the rock tradition alive is my mission in life and I will never stop until my dying day. We won't make music exactly like our heroes but we don't have to. It's been done. But we can add to what has been done in order to make sure that those styles of music never become obsolete. We can add our original interpretations of the icons who influenced us.
Art never dies. It lives on in the collective memories of those who want to preserve it and it gets a boost from new pioneers who discover it for the first time.
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Stoneman
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9/8/2020 4:33:31 PM
Paul, nice music tracks man. But, yeah, in order to turn it into a soul song the pace would have to be lowered and maybe a change in some of the synth work as it is very techno right now. But maybe, with a slower pace it could work as a soul piece. Not to sure about the key though. It will probably be just fine as it is. Only problem is that I am working with the Artists For Biden coalition creating musical content for the election right now and I don't have any time to take on any new projects. But maybe after the election we can give it a go. Much Respect Brother, Stoneman
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Paul groover
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9/9/2020 10:51:35 PM
I am as good as anyone no matter who you arer If you can beat my first song spacemen. You have a joab. Aye
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Paul groover
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9/9/2020 11:41:13 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nkpx9/electric-proms-2009-smokey-robinson
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Honus Wagner V
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9/10/2020 7:38:13 AM
This is just a rough demo but I could hear the Supremes bringing this song to life.
https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=4638039
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Paul groover
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9/25/2020 8:59:20 PM
I am into harmonies it could work ask Stoneman. He is the top dude if he says yes then lets do it.
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Tom O'Brien
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9/26/2020 2:59:15 AM
What a great post!
When I was a kid, there was a Black-run radio station in Oakland called KDIA. It played Black artists, had Black DJs, even had Black advertisements. No one in my white family or any of my friends listened to this station but me. So I felt like I "discovered" soul music. I think soul music is a distinct thing, but that "soul" can be interjected into any music. When it is heartfelt and honest and true and you wrote and sang it because you believe it, then it's gonna have soul.
But soul music to me is the alchemy of what happens when you cross Gospel and sex. Gospel already has the passion, but then so many soul tunes are so sexy in a way that no other music is.
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Bob Elliott
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9/28/2020 11:14:53 AM
Crossing gospel and sex...yes, that’s very true.
I think most of the soul has been in hip hop since the early nineties.
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